Mental Health Jobs at Texas Health and Human Services Commission with Visa Sponsorship
Mental Health jobs at Texas Health and Human Services Commission span clinical, case management, and policy roles throughout Texas. The agency has a documented history of sponsoring H-1B visas for qualified candidates in this function, making it a realistic target if you're navigating work authorization in the behavioral health space.
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Get Access To All JobsJoin the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Community Mental Health Grant Program Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: BH-Adult Mental Health Svcs
Posting Number: 17947
Closing Date: 06/29/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description:
The Program Specialist VI performs advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to grants, including the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Mental Health Grant Programs and Special Projects Director in the Adult, Crisis, & Forensic (ACF) Mental Health Services unit.
Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of grant programs including serving as the primary programmatic point of contact for grantees. Monitors grantee progress related to meeting programmatic performance metrics and outcomes. Assists in developing systems, processes, procedures, and forms related to grant administration. Assists in developing and coordinating informational documents related to grant program. Provides technical assistance to grantees and identifies opportunities for training. Coordinates with internal agency and external representatives as needed.
Strong writing skills and attention to detail required.
Essential Job Functions:
-
20% - Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of grants including the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Responsible for day-to-day management of grant projects and monitoring projects’ progress toward meeting performance outcomes, and for oversight of grantee progress related to project expenditures on an ongoing and consistent basis. Tracks, collects, and analyzes monthly and quarterly expenditure and performance data and information submitted by grantee organizations to determine progress.
-
20% - Participates in the development and implementation of program systems, processes, procedures, and forms to ensure success of grant projects and improvement. Coordinates with internal and external representatives to develop and implement quality assurance processes; identifies program areas needing change and makes recommendations for improvement. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding grant program, policies, procedures, and best practices related to grant administration.
-
20% - Routinely provides timely and accurate technical assistance and appropriate troubleshooting to internal and external representatives. Consults with grant recipients to provide assistance related to grant management, project implementation, budget development, invoices, and supporting documentation. Consults with grantees to identify opportunities for relevant grantee training. Oversees development and implementation of trainings.
-
15% - Coordinates and represents the grant program the development of procurement and contracting activities related to grants, including the Community Mental Health Grant Program including solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals and Request for Applications and solicitation development, planning meetings, and timelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, and agency policy and procedures.
-
15% - Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to the grant program including legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives. Represents program at meetings as directed, attends conferences, and briefs leadership.
-
10% - Coordinates with appropriate program and agency staff to conduct grant program and grant project compliance and risk assessment activities and to implement correction action or recommendations. Consults with internal agency representatives to ensure program compliance with applicable requirements, regulations, policies and procedures. Escalates issues in a timely manner to unit director.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
- Knowledge of Texas Health and Human Service Commission's policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the Texas Resilience Recovery model in Texas, Utilization Management Guidelines, and evidence-based practices.
- Knowledge of the Medicaid system in Texas.
- Knowledge of state and federal grant administration practices and regulations including Uniform Grant Management Standards and 2 CFR Part 200.
- Knowledge of office equipment, computers, Windows Operating System, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet.
- Knowledge of accounting procedures and methods, and the ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions.
Skill in:
- Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
- Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
- Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to:
- Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
- Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
- Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
- Ability to prepare financial and accounting records.
- Ability to analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data.
- Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.
- Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.
- Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.
- Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
- Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:
Required: Bachelor's degree and experience working for a large human services organization
Preferred: Advanced degree; 4 or more years work experience within a Texas organization; work experience in Behavioral Health Services or other HHSC department.
Additional Information:
N/A
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Community Mental Health Grant Program Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: BH-Adult Mental Health Svcs
Posting Number: 17947
Closing Date: 06/29/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description:
The Program Specialist VI performs advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to grants, including the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Mental Health Grant Programs and Special Projects Director in the Adult, Crisis, & Forensic (ACF) Mental Health Services unit.
Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of grant programs including serving as the primary programmatic point of contact for grantees. Monitors grantee progress related to meeting programmatic performance metrics and outcomes. Assists in developing systems, processes, procedures, and forms related to grant administration. Assists in developing and coordinating informational documents related to grant program. Provides technical assistance to grantees and identifies opportunities for training. Coordinates with internal agency and external representatives as needed.
Strong writing skills and attention to detail required.
Essential Job Functions:
-
20% - Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of grants including the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Responsible for day-to-day management of grant projects and monitoring projects’ progress toward meeting performance outcomes, and for oversight of grantee progress related to project expenditures on an ongoing and consistent basis. Tracks, collects, and analyzes monthly and quarterly expenditure and performance data and information submitted by grantee organizations to determine progress.
-
20% - Participates in the development and implementation of program systems, processes, procedures, and forms to ensure success of grant projects and improvement. Coordinates with internal and external representatives to develop and implement quality assurance processes; identifies program areas needing change and makes recommendations for improvement. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding grant program, policies, procedures, and best practices related to grant administration.
-
20% - Routinely provides timely and accurate technical assistance and appropriate troubleshooting to internal and external representatives. Consults with grant recipients to provide assistance related to grant management, project implementation, budget development, invoices, and supporting documentation. Consults with grantees to identify opportunities for relevant grantee training. Oversees development and implementation of trainings.
-
15% - Coordinates and represents the grant program the development of procurement and contracting activities related to grants, including the Community Mental Health Grant Program including solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals and Request for Applications and solicitation development, planning meetings, and timelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, and agency policy and procedures.
-
15% - Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to the grant program including legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives. Represents program at meetings as directed, attends conferences, and briefs leadership.
-
10% - Coordinates with appropriate program and agency staff to conduct grant program and grant project compliance and risk assessment activities and to implement correction action or recommendations. Consults with internal agency representatives to ensure program compliance with applicable requirements, regulations, policies and procedures. Escalates issues in a timely manner to unit director.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
- Knowledge of Texas Health and Human Service Commission's policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the Texas Resilience Recovery model in Texas, Utilization Management Guidelines, and evidence-based practices.
- Knowledge of the Medicaid system in Texas.
- Knowledge of state and federal grant administration practices and regulations including Uniform Grant Management Standards and 2 CFR Part 200.
- Knowledge of office equipment, computers, Windows Operating System, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet.
- Knowledge of accounting procedures and methods, and the ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions.
Skill in:
- Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
- Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
- Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to:
- Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
- Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
- Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
- Ability to prepare financial and accounting records.
- Ability to analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data.
- Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.
- Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.
- Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.
- Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
- Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:
Required: Bachelor's degree and experience working for a large human services organization
Preferred: Advanced degree; 4 or more years work experience within a Texas organization; work experience in Behavioral Health Services or other HHSC department.
Additional Information:
N/A
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Tips for Finding Mental Health Jobs at Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Align Your License to Texas Standards Early
Texas requires licensure through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors or equivalent board depending on your discipline. Start the reciprocity or endorsement process before applying, since HHSC hiring managers expect licensure to be active or imminent at the offer stage.
Target Positions That Map to Your Specialty
HHSC Mental Health postings range from direct-service roles like LCSW positions at state hospitals to policy analyst roles at the Austin headquarters. Filter by your clinical background because the H-1B specialty occupation determination depends on degree-to-role alignment, not just the department.
Prepare a Degree Equivalency Analysis in Advance
If your mental health degree is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from NACES-member evaluators before receiving an offer. USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation claims in social work and counseling roles, and having a ready evaluation speeds up the I-129 petition process.
Ask HR About LCA Filing Timelines at Offer
HHSC must file a Labor Condition Application with DOL before submitting your H-1B petition to USCIS. Confirm with their HR team which fiscal quarter they plan to file, since state agency procurement cycles can add weeks to the process compared to private employers.
Use Migrate Mate to Browse Open HHSC Mental Health Roles
HHSC posts Mental Health openings across regions and program areas, and listings move quickly. Use Migrate Mate to filter for roles at HHSC that align with your visa type so you're applying to positions where sponsorship is actively supported, not just listed as possible.
Document Supervised Hours for Clinical Licensure Portability
Many HHSC Mental Health roles require or prefer full licensure, not just provisional status. If you're accumulating supervised hours for your LCSW or LPC, request a formal verification letter from your current supervisor now. HHSC hiring timelines may not accommodate extended provisional periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas Health and Human Services Commission sponsor H-1B visas for Mental Healths?
Yes, Texas Health and Human Services Commission sponsors H-1B visas for Mental Health roles. As a state government agency, HHSC functions as a qualifying employer under H-1B rules. Sponsorship typically applies to clinical and specialist positions that meet USCIS specialty occupation requirements, meaning the role must normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field directly related to the duties.
How do I apply for Mental Health jobs at Texas Health and Human Services Commission?
Applications go through the HHSC careers portal on the Texas state government job board. You'll need to create a profile, upload your resume, and attach any required licensure documentation. For H-1B sponsorship, flag your work authorization needs early in the recruiter screening call. HHSC HR departments manage sponsorship internally, so direct communication about your visa status from the first touchpoint is important.
Which visa types does Texas Health and Human Services Commission use for Mental Health roles?
H-1B is the primary visa type HHSC uses for Mental Health professionals. Because HHSC is a government agency, it qualifies as a cap-exempt employer, meaning it can file H-1B petitions outside the annual USCIS lottery. This is a meaningful advantage: you're not dependent on being selected in the H-1B cap and can apply for sponsorship at any time of year. J-1 visa waivers tied to state-designated shortage areas are also a pathway some clinicians use to join HHSC.
What qualifications does HHSC expect for Mental Health positions?
Requirements vary by role, but clinical positions generally require a master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field, plus active Texas licensure such as LCSW, LPC, or LMFT. Case management roles may accept a bachelor's degree with relevant clinical experience. Policy or program roles often emphasize a combination of graduate education and direct service background. HHSC specifically values experience in public sector behavioral health settings or with Medicaid populations.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take at a state agency like HHSC?
The full timeline from offer to work authorization typically runs three to four months at minimum. HHSC must first obtain a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL, which takes around seven business days, then file Form I-129 with USCIS. Standard USCIS processing runs three to six months, though premium processing can reduce that to roughly 15 business days for an additional fee. Use Migrate Mate to identify open HHSC roles early so you can build that timeline into your job search plan.