OPT Jobs in Arkansas
Arkansas's F-1 OPT job market is concentrated in healthcare, agriculture technology, retail supply chain, and logistics, with the strongest employer density in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville. Major corporations headquartered here actively hire OPT candidates across engineering, data, and business functions.
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Get Access To All JobsDate: Jul 29, 2026
Req ID: 58862
Location:
Sheridan, AR, US, 72150
Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96
Position Number: 22111913
County: Grant
Posting End Date: August 4, 2026
The DHS Program Eligibility Specialist I works under general supervision and is responsible for determining client eligibility, obtaining client information, coordinating services with providers, and preparing information and recommendations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy including Fair Labor Standards Act.
Preferred Qualifications:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.
Job Series: Program Eligibility – Career Path
Classification: Program Eligibility Specialist I
Class Code: PPE02P
Pay Grade: SGS05
Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148
Job Summary
The Program Eligibility Specialist I is an entry-level position responsible for reviewing applications, verifying information, and determining eligibility for state-administered programs. This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, proficiency in computer keyboarding, strong verbal and written communication skills, and customer service abilities to ensure applicants receive timely and accurate determinations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Review and process applications for state assistance programs in compliance with established policies.
- Verify applicant information, including income, assets, residency, and household composition.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records to support eligibility decisions.
- Ensure timely application processing and follow-up with applicants to gather required documentation.
- Assist in monitoring ongoing eligibility and renewal processes for program participants.
- Provide clear and professional communication to applicants regarding eligibility requirements, application status, and program benefits.
- Assist clients in completing forms and gathering necessary documentation.
- Respond to inquiries and resolve concerns related to eligibility and program participation.
- Educate applicants on available resources and services to support their needs.
- Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations in eligibility determinations.
- Identify potential discrepancies or inconsistencies in applications and escalate cases when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive applicant data in accordance with state privacy laws.
- Prepare reports and summaries as needed for internal review and audits.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to assess applicant information and apply program guidelines accurately.
- Strong attention to detail in reviewing documents and entering data.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and case management systems.
- Ability to explain complex policies to applicants in an understandable manner.
- Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information and reports.
- Capacity to prioritize tasks, handle multiple cases, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to analyze application issues and determine solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in customer service, administrative support, case processing, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Date: Jul 29, 2026
Req ID: 58862
Location:
Sheridan, AR, US, 72150
Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96
Position Number: 22111913
County: Grant
Posting End Date: August 4, 2026
The DHS Program Eligibility Specialist I works under general supervision and is responsible for determining client eligibility, obtaining client information, coordinating services with providers, and preparing information and recommendations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy including Fair Labor Standards Act.
Preferred Qualifications:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.
Job Series: Program Eligibility – Career Path
Classification: Program Eligibility Specialist I
Class Code: PPE02P
Pay Grade: SGS05
Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148
Job Summary
The Program Eligibility Specialist I is an entry-level position responsible for reviewing applications, verifying information, and determining eligibility for state-administered programs. This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, proficiency in computer keyboarding, strong verbal and written communication skills, and customer service abilities to ensure applicants receive timely and accurate determinations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Review and process applications for state assistance programs in compliance with established policies.
- Verify applicant information, including income, assets, residency, and household composition.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records to support eligibility decisions.
- Ensure timely application processing and follow-up with applicants to gather required documentation.
- Assist in monitoring ongoing eligibility and renewal processes for program participants.
- Provide clear and professional communication to applicants regarding eligibility requirements, application status, and program benefits.
- Assist clients in completing forms and gathering necessary documentation.
- Respond to inquiries and resolve concerns related to eligibility and program participation.
- Educate applicants on available resources and services to support their needs.
- Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations in eligibility determinations.
- Identify potential discrepancies or inconsistencies in applications and escalate cases when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive applicant data in accordance with state privacy laws.
- Prepare reports and summaries as needed for internal review and audits.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to assess applicant information and apply program guidelines accurately.
- Strong attention to detail in reviewing documents and entering data.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and case management systems.
- Ability to explain complex policies to applicants in an understandable manner.
- Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information and reports.
- Capacity to prioritize tasks, handle multiple cases, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to analyze application issues and determine solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in customer service, administrative support, case processing, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in Arkansas
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in Arkansas
Target Bentonville's retail tech ecosystem
Walmart's global headquarters draws dozens of suppliers and tech vendors to Bentonville. Many actively hire OPT candidates in data analytics, supply chain, and software roles. Concentrating your search in this corridor improves your odds significantly.
Leverage university career centers early
University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University have established employer pipelines with regional companies familiar with OPT authorization. Career fairs and on-campus recruiting events often surface employers already experienced with F-1 OPT paperwork.
Prioritize employers with existing OPT track records
Search Migrate Mate to filter Arkansas job postings by employers who have previously sponsored F-1 OPT workers. Employers with prior experience are far more likely to understand the process and move quickly on offers.
Align your STEM designation if eligible
STEM OPT extends your authorization from 12 to 36 months. Roles in computer science, engineering, and biology qualify. Arkansas employers in healthcare IT and agtech are particularly receptive to STEM OPT candidates given the longer runway.
Research healthcare system employers directly
Arkansas Children's Hospital, UAMS, and Baptist Health regularly hire across clinical research, health informatics, and administrative functions. These large systems have dedicated HR teams familiar with work authorization, making them more predictable sponsorship partners.
Factor in start date timelines when applying
OPT authorization must be active before your first day of work. Apply at least 90 days before your intended start date and confirm employers understand OPT lead times. Use Migrate Mate to identify roles with flexible or future-dated start windows.
See all 955+ F-1 OPT jobs in Arkansas
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in Arkansas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Arkansas sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Healthcare, retail and supply chain technology, agriculture technology, and information technology are the leading industries for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Arkansas. The concentration of Walmart and its supplier network in Northwest Arkansas creates particularly strong demand for OPT candidates in data, logistics, and software engineering roles.
Which cities in Arkansas have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Bentonville and the broader Northwest Arkansas metro area lead the state, driven by Walmart's headquarters and its ecosystem of technology and logistics vendors. Little Rock follows as the state capital with strong healthcare, government contracting, and financial services employers. Fayetteville, home to the University of Arkansas, also has consistent OPT hiring across tech and research roles.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Arkansas?
Roles must be directly related to your field of study and require practical application of your degree. In Arkansas, qualifying roles commonly include software developer, data analyst, supply chain analyst, clinical research coordinator, mechanical engineer, and health informatics specialist. Positions that are purely administrative or unrelated to your academic program generally do not qualify under OPT rules.
How do I find F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Arkansas?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings specifically by visa type and state, so you can surface Arkansas employers who have posted roles open to F-1 OPT candidates without manually screening hundreds of listings. Combining that with outreach to university career centers and direct applications to large regional employers like Walmart, UAMS, and Dillard's gives you the most complete coverage.
Are there any Arkansas-specific considerations I should know about for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Arkansas does not impose state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal OPT rules, so the standard USCIS authorization process applies. One practical consideration is that many Arkansas employers outside of Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock are small or mid-sized businesses with limited experience processing OPT authorization. It is worth confirming early in the application process that the employer's HR team is familiar with the requirements and your authorized start date.