Transition Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Transition Specialist roles qualify for H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field. Employers in healthcare, workforce development, and government contracting regularly sponsor these roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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WSU's Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Weber State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment welcoming to all individuals. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected categories, such as disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veterans status, or others, as required by law and university policy (see Weber State University's Policy and Procedure Manual 3-32).
Position Information
Position Title GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist
Requisition Number S02350P
Position Category Staff
Campus Location Weber State Davis - Layton, UT
Hours per week 40
Months per year 12
Alternate work schedule
Pay Grade E31
Salary
FLSA Exempt
Job Summary/Basic Function
Under the direction of the GEAR UP Program Director, the GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with approximately 100 students, grades 10-12 at Northridge High School in the Davis School District, and 50 first year college students at Weber State University. The GEAR UP College Access Advisor & First Year Transition Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of the following GEAR UP grant objectives: 1) Increase academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in post-secondary education; 3) Increase GU students and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing; 4) Increase students’ success in their first year of attendance at an institution of higher education.
The College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with teachers, counselors, administration, and support staff at target schools to:
- recruit and enroll new program participants as needed
- distribute and collect annual student & parent surveys and Senior Exit forms
- provide individual advising in such areas as personal, academic, college planning, and career development
- conduct college readiness workshops for students and parents
- ensure that all seniors have completed standardized testing, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid applications, and registration for fall classes
- maintain accurate data on participant caseload and services delivered and any additional reports as needed
- keep abreast of issues affecting students and parents, such as scholarship opportunities, financial aid updates and changes, college and university admissions procedures, transitioning programs for incoming college freshmen, etc.
- help coordinate events such as college campus visits, career exploration at local businesses, etc.
- coordinate with the high school’s GEAR UP Counselor Liaisons and establish positive and collaborative relationships with school faculty and staff in order to effectively implement grant objectives
- utilize technology and other resources to connect with students and parents/guardians regarding upcoming GEAR UP events, and other initiatives as outlined
- attend required training and conferences
- plan & implement the GEAR UP summer bridge program for incoming college freshman
- advise the GEAR UP Alumni club at WSU
Required Qualifications
Required:
- Baccalaureate degree required from an accredited institution of higher education.
- The equivalent of one-year full-time work experience or two years part time (volunteer or paid) in working with socially and economically disadvantaged student populations.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred:
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Subject matter expertise
- Dependable, organized, collaborative, and can follow instructions
- Ability to ethically handle confidential information
- Competent in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to assist students and parents/guardians in a friendly and welcoming manner
- Willingness to learn and support the mission and growth of the GEAR UP program
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Spanish speaking is strongly preferred
- Knowledge and experience with FAFSA and the financial aid process
- Experience or knowledge of K-12 public education
A successful candidate will be willing to
Background Check? Yes
Benefits Summary
WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date 05/04/2026
Review Date 05/18/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Notes to Applicant
If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you. The annual salary for this position starts at $44,000 and may go up from there depending on candidate qualifications. The position comes with a generous benefits package.
To apply, please complete the online application and attach a cover letter, current resume, philosophy statement, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Transcripts can be included as an optional document.
For qualification determination, your application and/or resume must address the required and preferred qualifications and must contain average number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be considered incomplete.
Screening of applications will begin May 18, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
Criminal background check required as a condition of employment.
ADA Essential Job Function
Physical Activity of this position
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction., Moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another., Operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, place, detect, or position., Expressing or exchanging ideas. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately or quickly., Ability to receive detailed information with or without assistance., Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Physical Requirements of this position
Light work. Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Use of arm and/or leg controls exerting forces greater than that for sedentary work.
Visual Acuity Requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision.
Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading.
The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.
None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).
Position Details
WSU's Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Weber State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment welcoming to all individuals. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected categories, such as disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veterans status, or others, as required by law and university policy (see Weber State University's Policy and Procedure Manual 3-32).
Position Information
Position Title GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist
Requisition Number S02350P
Position Category Staff
Campus Location Weber State Davis - Layton, UT
Hours per week 40
Months per year 12
Alternate work schedule
Pay Grade E31
Salary
FLSA Exempt
Job Summary/Basic Function
Under the direction of the GEAR UP Program Director, the GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with approximately 100 students, grades 10-12 at Northridge High School in the Davis School District, and 50 first year college students at Weber State University. The GEAR UP College Access Advisor & First Year Transition Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of the following GEAR UP grant objectives: 1) Increase academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in post-secondary education; 3) Increase GU students and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing; 4) Increase students’ success in their first year of attendance at an institution of higher education.
The College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with teachers, counselors, administration, and support staff at target schools to:
- recruit and enroll new program participants as needed
- distribute and collect annual student & parent surveys and Senior Exit forms
- provide individual advising in such areas as personal, academic, college planning, and career development
- conduct college readiness workshops for students and parents
- ensure that all seniors have completed standardized testing, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid applications, and registration for fall classes
- maintain accurate data on participant caseload and services delivered and any additional reports as needed
- keep abreast of issues affecting students and parents, such as scholarship opportunities, financial aid updates and changes, college and university admissions procedures, transitioning programs for incoming college freshmen, etc.
- help coordinate events such as college campus visits, career exploration at local businesses, etc.
- coordinate with the high school’s GEAR UP Counselor Liaisons and establish positive and collaborative relationships with school faculty and staff in order to effectively implement grant objectives
- utilize technology and other resources to connect with students and parents/guardians regarding upcoming GEAR UP events, and other initiatives as outlined
- attend required training and conferences
- plan & implement the GEAR UP summer bridge program for incoming college freshman
- advise the GEAR UP Alumni club at WSU
Required Qualifications
Required:
- Baccalaureate degree required from an accredited institution of higher education.
- The equivalent of one-year full-time work experience or two years part time (volunteer or paid) in working with socially and economically disadvantaged student populations.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred:
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Subject matter expertise
- Dependable, organized, collaborative, and can follow instructions
- Ability to ethically handle confidential information
- Competent in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to assist students and parents/guardians in a friendly and welcoming manner
- Willingness to learn and support the mission and growth of the GEAR UP program
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Spanish speaking is strongly preferred
- Knowledge and experience with FAFSA and the financial aid process
- Experience or knowledge of K-12 public education
A successful candidate will be willing to
Background Check? Yes
Benefits Summary
WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date 05/04/2026
Review Date 05/18/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Notes to Applicant
If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you. The annual salary for this position starts at $44,000 and may go up from there depending on candidate qualifications. The position comes with a generous benefits package.
To apply, please complete the online application and attach a cover letter, current resume, philosophy statement, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Transcripts can be included as an optional document.
For qualification determination, your application and/or resume must address the required and preferred qualifications and must contain average number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be considered incomplete.
Screening of applications will begin May 18, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
Criminal background check required as a condition of employment.
ADA Essential Job Function
Physical Activity of this position
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction., Moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another., Operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, place, detect, or position., Expressing or exchanging ideas. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately or quickly., Ability to receive detailed information with or without assistance., Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Physical Requirements of this position
Light work. Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Use of arm and/or leg controls exerting forces greater than that for sedentary work.
Visual Acuity Requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision.
Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading.
The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.
None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).
See all 55+ Transition Specialist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Transition Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Transition Specialist
Confirm the degree requirement is explicit
H-1B sponsorship requires the role to formally require a specific bachelor's degree, not just prefer one. Review the job posting carefully and confirm with HR that the degree requirement is stated in the official job description before applying.
Target employers with prior H-1B filing history
Workforce development agencies, healthcare systems, and federal contractors have established HR processes for visa sponsorship. These employers are far more likely to sponsor than smaller nonprofits or startups encountering the process for the first time.
Align your degree field with the role's specialty
USCIS scrutinizes whether your specific degree aligns with the Transition Specialist role. Degrees in rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, or education carry the strongest relationship to this occupation and reduce the risk of a Request for Evidence.
Highlight caseload management and measurable outcomes
Sponsoring employers need to justify the specialty occupation classification. Framing your experience around clinical assessments, individualized transition plans, and documented participant outcomes strengthens both your application and the employer's H-1B petition to USCIS.
Start the LCA process early with your employer
The Labor Condition Application must be certified by the Department of Labor before your H-1B petition is filed. Build at least two to four weeks into your timeline for LCA preparation and certification before the visa petition can proceed.
Explore cap-exempt employer options
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government affiliates are exempt from the H-1B lottery. Transition Specialist roles at these organizations can be filed at any time of year, giving you a significant advantage over cap-subject employer petitions.
Transition Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Transition Specialist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Transition Specialist roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, Transition Specialist roles can qualify for H-1B sponsorship when the position formally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as counseling, social work, education, or rehabilitation. The key USCIS requirement is that the role constitutes a specialty occupation, meaning a theoretical and practical body of specialized knowledge is required and a specific degree is a normal minimum for entry. Roles where any general bachelor's degree is acceptable may face challenges during adjudication.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor Transition Specialists?
Healthcare systems, vocational rehabilitation agencies, school districts with federally funded transition programs, and federal government contractors are the most consistent sponsors for this role. These organizations have dedicated HR infrastructure for immigration compliance and regularly file H-1B petitions. Migrate Mate lists verified sponsoring employers actively hiring Transition Specialists, so you can focus applications on organizations that have demonstrated willingness to sponsor rather than cold-applying broadly.
Does my degree field affect whether I get approved for an H-1B as a Transition Specialist?
Yes, significantly. USCIS evaluates whether your specific degree relates directly to the duties of the Transition Specialist role. Degrees in rehabilitation counseling, special education, social work, or psychology have the clearest connection. A general business or unrelated STEM degree will likely trigger a Request for Evidence asking you to justify the relationship between your academic background and the role's specialized requirements.
Can a Transition Specialist role qualify for an O-1 visa instead of H-1B?
It's possible but uncommon. The O-1A requires demonstrating extraordinary ability through evidence like awards, published work, high salary relative to peers, or critical contributions to the field. Most Transition Specialists won't meet this threshold early in their career, but those with published research in transition services, leadership in national organizations, or recognized program outcomes may have a credible case worth discussing with an immigration attorney.
What happens to my visa status if I change employers as a Transition Specialist?
If you're on an H-1B, your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before your last day with your current employer. Because of H-1B portability rules, you can start the new role once the transfer petition is filed and received by USCIS, without waiting for approval. You cannot begin working for a new employer before the petition is filed, so timing this carefully with both employers is critical to maintaining valid status.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Transition Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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