Green Card Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Behavioral Health Specialist roles qualify for employment-based green card sponsorship under EB-2 or EB-3, depending on your degree level and the employer's requirements. PERM labor certification is the first step, requiring your employer to document that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position before filing your I-140 immigrant petition.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Functional Title: Behavioral Health Specialist V
Job Title: Behavioral Health Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Professional Supervision
Posting Number: 18016
Closing Date: 09/13/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $5,530.00 - $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Richmond State Supported Living Center
Job Location City: RICHMOND
Job Location Address: 2100 PRESTON
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 230X,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,71F,73A,73B,HM,HN,HS,MED,SEI12
Brief Job Description:
Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!
The BHS V – Behavioral Support provides behavior support services, including behavior assessments, and performs simple and complex data analysis, simple and complex behavioral interventions, and behavior analysis consultation under the review and supervision of a Board Certified, Licensed Behavior Analyst. Responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavior support plans (including comprehensive functional behavioral assessments), staff training, data collection and reporting, and program evaluation, commensurate with the level of training. Works under the review and supervision of a Board Certified, Licensed Behavior Analyst who reviews and signs that the assessments and therapeutic interventions of the BHS V meets generally acceptable professional standards. Serves as a member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams. Provides technical assistance and ensures training and feedback to staff responsible for implementing behavior support plans. Uses appropriate supervisory/management staff for assistance as needed. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to behavioral health service provision. May be required to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. Works with individuals who have complex needs and who may exhibit aggressive, self-injurious and/or other challenging behaviors. The work schedule varies situationally based upon service needs. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The BHS V is hired and directly supervised by the Unit Director in consultation with the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Unit Model) or hired and directly supervised by the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Departmental Model). Professional supervision is provided by the Director of Behavioral Health Services or designee.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
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Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. [May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.]
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Conducts functional behavioral assessments and ensures development and approval of behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skill acquisition plans to meet individual’s need with varying levels of independence based upon training and experience. A Board-Certified Licensed Behavior Analyst reviews and signs the assessments and plans completed by the BHS V to ensure they meet generally acceptable professional standards.
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Conducts or ensures training for staff in applied behavior analysis, individual behavior support plans, and other relevant topics to provide adequate staff training to facilitate optimal treatment and training.
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Monitors and evaluates behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans and skills acquisition plans to ensure effective implementation. A Board-Certified Licensed Behavior Analyst monitors the progress evaluations completed by the BHS V to ensure they meet generally acceptable professional standards.
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Provides documentation (including data, graphs, and progress notes) to reflect and evaluate individual’s response to treatment.
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Participates as an effective member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams to provide behavioral analysis and behavioral health information and programming perspectives to facilitate overall service delivery.
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Monitors and evaluates use of restraints and emergency procedures and ensures their accurate and timely documentation to ensure appropriate and minimal use.
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Assists in the coordination and review of psychotropic medications such that these medications are only used in conjunction with adequate nonpharmacological supports, including counseling plans, psychiatric support plans, and behavior support plans.
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Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision.
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Plans the work of, assigns duties to, and provides technical assistance to assigned staff to facilitate effective behavior service delivery as evidenced by effective performance on the part of assigned staff.
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Assists in collecting information for evaluations to assess individuals’ level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Collects and summarizes information for behavioral health assessments and annual updates.
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Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas in behavioral analysis and behavioral health services and training techniques to provide maximally effective services.
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Performs special assignments as requested.
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Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
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Knowledge and experience in administering the delivery of behavior analysis and behavioral health services to persons with intellectual disabilities.
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Knowledge of etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.
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Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
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Knowledge of and ability to provide an array of behavioral health services based upon training and competencies.
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Ability to administer discipline-specific assessments, including intelligence and adaptive behavior assessments.
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Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
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Ability to train staff in behavior support plan implementation and basic psychological/behavioral concepts.
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Ability to work within a model of professional supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines and/or parameters.
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Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.
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Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally.
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Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
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Ability to organize and prioritize work and complete basic duties with moderate supervision.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Eligible to pursue board certification as a behavior analyst upon hire is preferred.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education, applied behavior analysis, or a related field; and
At least six months experience in providing services to persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Specialist
Verify your degree meets PERM requirements
PERM filings for Behavioral Health Specialist roles typically specify a bachelor's or master's in psychology, counseling, or social work. Confirm your foreign credentials have been evaluated by a NACES-approved agency before your employer files, since mismatched documentation stalls the PERM audit process.
Target employers with active PERM filing history
Hospitals, community mental health centers, and behavioral health networks regularly sponsor foreign workers through PERM. Search DOL disclosure data to identify employers who have filed PERM applications for behavioral health or counseling roles in the past two years.
Clarify EB-2 versus EB-3 before accepting an offer
If your role requires only a bachelor's degree, the employer will likely file under EB-3. A master's degree or specialized licensure can support an EB-2 filing, which may affect your priority date and wait time depending on your country of birth.
Search green card sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Behavioral Health Specialist openings by green card sponsorship availability on Migrate Mate. The platform surfaces employers with documented PERM and I-140 filing history, so you can focus your applications on roles where sponsorship is already established practice.
Confirm your state license transfers before relocation
Behavioral health licensure is state-specific. If your employer is in a different state than where you currently hold a license, start the reciprocity or endorsement process early, since PERM job duties often reference licensed practice and USCIS will scrutinize credential gaps.
Understand the PERM recruitment timeline before negotiating start dates
PERM requires your employer to complete mandatory recruitment steps, including job postings and a supervised recruitment period, before DOL submission. Standard DOL processing currently runs several months, so build at least 12 to 18 months into your timeline before expecting I-140 filing.
Green Card Behavioral Health Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Behavioral Health Specialist role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Both categories apply, depending on the position's requirements. If the role requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, your employer can file under EB-2. Roles requiring only a bachelor's degree typically fall under EB-3. The job description your employer uses in the PERM filing determines which category applies, so the wording matters.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
Green card sponsorship through PERM and I-140 leads to permanent residency, not a temporary status. Unlike H-1B visa, there is no annual lottery at the EB-3 level for most countries. The tradeoff is timeline: PERM labor certification and USCIS petition processing can take one to three years before you file for adjustment of status, compared to H-1B's faster work authorization start.
What does my employer have to prove during PERM labor certification for this position?
Your employer must demonstrate to DOL that no qualified, available U.S. worker was found after a supervised recruitment period. For Behavioral Health Specialist roles, this includes posting the position with specific minimum requirements tied to the actual job duties. If the recruitment documentation is incomplete or the job requirements appear inflated, DOL can audit or deny the PERM application.
Where can I find Behavioral Health Specialist jobs that offer green card sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by employment-based green card sponsorship, including PERM and I-140 filing history. Searching by job title on Migrate Mate helps you identify employers who have sponsored behavioral health roles before, which significantly reduces the risk of starting a role with an employer who later declines to file or lacks the infrastructure to navigate PERM.
Does my foreign behavioral health degree count toward the PERM educational requirement?
Yes, but it must be formally evaluated. DOL and USCIS require a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved agency confirming your foreign degree is equivalent to the U.S. degree specified in the PERM filing. A three-year bachelor's degree from many countries can qualify as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, but the evaluation must be completed before your employer submits the PERM application.