Transition Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Transition Specialist roles on OPT typically fall under social services, human resources, or education, and most require a relevant bachelor's degree, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard. Your 12-month OPT window starts on your program end date, so targeting employers who understand work authorization timelines is essential from day one.
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Get Access To All JobsWage - $26.71 per hour
Schedule – Full Time, 8hr shifts, Monday – Friday
Our staff also enjoy these benefits:
- Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
- Short & long-term disability
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development assistance
- Career advancement opportunities
MTC is proud to operate the Los Angeles Job Corps Center in Los Angeles, CA where our staff provide quality services to our local youth. We value our professional and caring employees who are dedicated to improving people’s lives and we want YOU to join our team!
What you will be doing: You’ll be responsible for determining graduate and former enrollee qualifications for placement, conducting placement activities and follow-up in compliance with government and management directives.
Essential Functions:
- Maintain linkages with DOL, national, state and local agencies and employees to provide placement services.
- Identify potential jobs, schools, military or other training program placements for separating graduates and former enrollees and conduct job development activities; maintain placement follow-up on separated graduates.
- Directly place graduates and former enrollees to meet DOL contractual placement goals; verify and document all placements according to requirements.
- Complete all required documentation in CTS and in individual folders for assigned graduates until their service period ends.
- Prepare placement reports and assist in the development of the contract’s placement plan. As requested, conduct career support activities in support of centers and regional office efforts.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, counseling, education, social science, business, communications, or closely related field; or associate’s degree and two (2) years related experience required.
- A valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.
Why: Make a positive impact in your community by doing meaningful work that results in a rewarding career.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
Wage - $26.71 per hour
Schedule – Full Time, 8hr shifts, Monday – Friday
Our staff also enjoy these benefits:
- Health, dental, vision, prescription drug and life insurance
- Short & long-term disability
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Professional development assistance
- Career advancement opportunities
MTC is proud to operate the Los Angeles Job Corps Center in Los Angeles, CA where our staff provide quality services to our local youth. We value our professional and caring employees who are dedicated to improving people’s lives and we want YOU to join our team!
What you will be doing: You’ll be responsible for determining graduate and former enrollee qualifications for placement, conducting placement activities and follow-up in compliance with government and management directives.
Essential Functions:
- Maintain linkages with DOL, national, state and local agencies and employees to provide placement services.
- Identify potential jobs, schools, military or other training program placements for separating graduates and former enrollees and conduct job development activities; maintain placement follow-up on separated graduates.
- Directly place graduates and former enrollees to meet DOL contractual placement goals; verify and document all placements according to requirements.
- Complete all required documentation in CTS and in individual folders for assigned graduates until their service period ends.
- Prepare placement reports and assist in the development of the contract’s placement plan. As requested, conduct career support activities in support of centers and regional office efforts.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, counseling, education, social science, business, communications, or closely related field; or associate’s degree and two (2) years related experience required.
- A valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.
Why: Make a positive impact in your community by doing meaningful work that results in a rewarding career.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Transition Specialist
Align your degree field to the role
Transition Specialist positions often require degrees in social work, psychology, education, or human resources. Confirm your field of study maps directly to the role before applying, since OPT authorization is tied to your academic program, not just your skills.
Apply early to account for onboarding timelines
Many Transition Specialist roles are in government agencies, nonprofits, or school districts with slow hiring cycles. Start applications at least three months before your OPT start date so you're not waiting on an offer while your authorization window is already running.
Clarify the employment type upfront
Some Transition Specialist roles are contract or part-time, which can complicate OPT compliance. OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week in your field, so confirm the position meets that threshold before accepting any offer.
Prioritize employers familiar with work authorization
Nonprofits, healthcare systems, and school districts regularly hire international candidates and are more likely to understand OPT documentation requirements. These employers are less likely to withdraw offers due to authorization confusion late in the hiring process.
Track your OPT end date against STEM extension eligibility
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. File Form I-765 at least 90 days before your current OPT expires to avoid any gap in authorization.
Document how the role connects to your degree
Your DSO needs to verify that your Transition Specialist position qualifies as directly related to your program. Prepare a brief written explanation linking your job duties to your coursework before your employer reports the position in SEVP.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Transition Specialist role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. Transition Specialist positions typically require a degree in social work, education, psychology, or human resources, which satisfies the direct relationship requirement between your job and your academic program. Your DSO makes the final determination, so share the job description with them before accepting an offer to confirm it qualifies.
Can I work as a Transition Specialist on OPT if the employer doesn't sponsor visas?
Yes. OPT is your own work authorization granted by USCIS, not employer-sponsored. The employer doesn't file any petition or pay any fees on your behalf. They do need to report your employment through SEVP within 10 days of your start date, but this isn't visa sponsorship and most employers can handle it without legal counsel.
Where can I find Transition Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there surfaces Transition Specialist roles from employers who have hired international candidates before, which reduces the risk of an offer being pulled once they learn about your authorization status.
Does a Transition Specialist job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your field of study appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension. Common qualifying fields for this role include information technology, applied psychology, and certain human services programs. Check the DHS list against your specific CIP code with your DSO.
What should I tell a hiring manager who is unfamiliar with OPT?
Explain that OPT is a federal work authorization issued directly to you by USCIS, that the employer bears no sponsorship cost, and that the only administrative step required is reporting your employment through the SEVP portal within 10 days of your start date. Providing a one-page explainer from your DSO alongside your offer acceptance can address most employer concerns before they escalate.
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