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Opt Candidates Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BMR Health Services Inc

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Special Education Teacher

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

H1B and Green Card Sponsorship (OPT candidates welcome) * 401(k) Retirement Plan * And More! Requirements for Special Education Teacher: * Active CA Education Specialist License, or eligible to ...

Urgent

SysMind Tech

Java Full Stack/React Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54 - $69.75/hr

Senior Java Developer:- Location:- Chicago IL Interview:- Face to Face Interview in Chicago IL ( Candidate has to come for F2F Interview on his own expenses) Rate/hr:- market rate ( No OPT Candidates ...

Next Step Systems

Software Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Will consider F1-OPT candidates. Responsibilities: - Collaborate with other Software Engineers, as well as other appropriate members of the team, to design the functionality and user interface of ...

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How much do opt candidates jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for opt candidates in the United States is $34.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $56.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges OPT candidates face when applying for jobs in the U.S., and how can they overcome them?

OPT candidates often encounter challenges such as limited employer sponsorship for future visas, navigating complex immigration paperwork, and tight application timelines due to visa restrictions. To overcome these, it's helpful to target employers familiar with OPT and H-1B processes, clearly communicate work authorization status in applications, and start the job search early. Proactively networking and leveraging university career resources can also improve the chances of securing a relevant position before OPT timelines expire.

What is the difference between Opt Candidates vs Data Entry Clerks?

AspectOpt CandidatesData Entry Clerks
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in data managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic computer skills
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, remote options, data processing centersOffice environments, data entry centers, remote work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for data management, healthcare, financeCommon in administrative, healthcare, retail sectors
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for candidates with data processing skillsSearching for data entry roles or job candidates

Opt Candidates and Data Entry Clerks both involve handling data, but Opt Candidates refers to potential job applicants, while Data Entry Clerks are specific roles focused on inputting data. Understanding these differences helps employers find suitable candidates and job seekers identify relevant positions.

What are OPT candidates?

OPT candidates are international students in the United States who are on F-1 visas and are authorized to work temporarily under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows these students to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for certain STEM graduates) after graduation or while still in school. Employers can hire OPT candidates without needing to sponsor them for a work visa initially, making it easier to fill specialized roles. However, after the OPT period ends, continued employment typically requires visa sponsorship, such as an H-1B visa.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OPT (Optional Practical Training) Candidate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an OPT Candidate, you typically need a relevant academic background in your field of study, strong technical or analytical skills, and eligibility for OPT authorization. Proficiency with industry-specific software, familiarity with work authorization processes, and sometimes certifications related to your profession are valuable. Strong communication, adaptability, and networking skills help distinguish you in a competitive job market. These skills and qualifications are crucial for securing employment, excelling in a U.S. workplace, and successfully transitioning from student to professional roles.
More about Opt Candidates jobs
What states have the most Opt Candidates jobs? States with the most job openings for Opt Candidates jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opt Candidates jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opt Candidates jobs are:
Opt Candidates jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opt Candidates job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,204 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
OPT/Assessor Full-time Smithfield

OPT/Assessor Full-time Smithfield

Pathways to Life, Inc

Smithfield, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

OPT/ Assessor
Pathways to Life, Inc.
Behavioral Health Services - Smithfield, North Carolina
Join Our Team
Pathways to Life, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented OPT/ Assessor to join our growing behavioral health team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring individuals receive appropriate behavioral health services through comprehensive assessments, person-centered recommendations, and coordination with internal teams and referral sources.
The ideal candidate is organized, clinically knowledgeable, compassionate, and experienced in completing behavioral health assessments in accordance with NC Medicaid and service definition requirements.
Position Summary
The OPT Assessor is responsible for conducting comprehensive behavioral health assessments and making clinical recommendations for appropriate levels of care and services. This role works closely with consumers, families, referral sources, care teams, and leadership to support timely access to services and regulatory compliance.
The OPT Assessor must maintain strong documentation standards, demonstrate clinical professionalism, and ensure all assessments meet NC Medicaid, Tailored Plan, and organizational requirements.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and screenings
  • Conduct clinical interviews and gather psychosocial history information
  • Determine medical necessity and recommend appropriate services
  • Complete and submit all required documentation within required timelines
  • Maintain compliance with NC DHHS service definitions and Medicaid requirements
  • Coordinate with referral sources, care managers, hospitals, and providers
  • Collaborate with internal clinical teams regarding admissions and service recommendations
  • Maintain accurate electronic health record (EHR) documentation
  • Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and training activities
  • Ensure confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times
  • Assist with audit preparation and quality assurance activities as needed

Qualifications
Education
  • Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred
  • Bachelor's degree with qualifying experience may be considered depending on credentials and service requirements
Licensure/Certification
One of the following is required:
  • LCSW / LCSW-A
  • LCMHC / LCMHC-A
  • LCAS / LCAS-A
  • LMFT / LMFT-A
  • RN
  • Other qualified behavioral health professional credentials recognized by NC Medicaid
Experience
  • Experience conducting behavioral health assessments preferred
  • Knowledge of NC Medicaid and Tailored Care behavioral health services
  • Experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills
  • Experience with EHR systems preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong clinical interviewing and assessment skills
  • Knowledge of behavioral health diagnoses and treatment recommendations
  • Ability to manage multiple referrals and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Strong attention to detail and compliance standards
  • Professional demeanor and customer service skills

Schedule & Work Environment
  • Full-Time
  • Monday-Friday
  • Hybrid/Community-based travel may be required depending on service area
  • Some local travel may be required
Benefits
Pathways to Life, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package that may include:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Retirement Plan Options
  • Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
  • Professional Development Opportunities
Why Pathways to Life?
At Pathways to Life, we are committed to improving lives through compassionate, person-centered behavioral healthcare. We believe in supporting our employees through teamwork, professional growth, and a mission-driven culture focused on making a difference in the communities we serve.
Apply Today
Ready to join our team? Click "Apply" today! Our recruiter will carefully review your application and reach out if your background is a good fit for the position.
Pathways to Life, Inc is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Apply