H-1B Visa Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Behavioral Health Specialist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when they require at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a directly related field. Employers in community mental health, hospital systems, and correctional health regularly file LCAs and sponsor H-1B petitions for this occupation.
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- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $41.66 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides evidenced based behavioral health treatment for individuals by providing group treatment, individual treatment and psychoeducation. The position provides a wide range of treatment including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health Treatment for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional and behavioral health.
How does it get done?
- Assesses inmates to aid in determining diagnosis, treatment needs, and recommendations.
- Provides direct treatment of inmates using various psychotherapeutic modalities and group treatment, individual treatment, and psychoeducation.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, LISW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or LPAT; or provisional licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, or temporary licensure in New Mexico as an LPCC, LMHC, LMFT, or LPAT, with full licensure obtained within one (1) year of hire; and one (1) year of experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above licensure requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.
Department of Public Safety only: Applicants must be fully licensed.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Paul Romero (505) 487-6727, or email: paul.romero@cd.nm.gov.
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Posting Details
- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $41.66 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides evidenced based behavioral health treatment for individuals by providing group treatment, individual treatment and psychoeducation. The position provides a wide range of treatment including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health Treatment for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional and behavioral health.
How does it get done?
- Assesses inmates to aid in determining diagnosis, treatment needs, and recommendations.
- Provides direct treatment of inmates using various psychotherapeutic modalities and group treatment, individual treatment, and psychoeducation.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, LISW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or LPAT; or provisional licensure in New Mexico as an LMSW, or temporary licensure in New Mexico as an LPCC, LMHC, LMFT, or LPAT, with full licensure obtained within one (1) year of hire; and one (1) year of experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field above licensure requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.
Department of Public Safety only: Applicants must be fully licensed.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Paul Romero (505) 487-6727, or email: paul.romero@cd.nm.gov.
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Specialist
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to behavioral health work. A psychology, counseling, or social work degree strengthens your case. A general business or unrelated degree, even with experience, creates RFE risk at adjudication.
Check prevailing wage before salary negotiations
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage for your SOC code and work location. Your offered salary must meet or exceed the certified LCA wage, so know the floor before you negotiate.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Behavioral Health Specialist roles by employers who have previously filed LCAs. This cuts out employers unfamiliar with H-1B sponsorship and surfaces organizations actively hiring in your occupation.
Prioritize cap-exempt employer categories
Nonprofit mental health agencies, hospital systems affiliated with universities, and government contractors often qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. These organizations can file year-round, bypassing the April lottery entirely.
Get your professional license in order early
Many states require a Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, or LMFT credential before an employer can place you in a billable behavioral health role. Confirm your license is transferable or obtainable in the work state before the I-129 is filed.
H-1B Visa Behavioral Health Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Behavioral Health Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or a behavioral science. Roles that accept any degree or substitute experience for a degree without a field requirement are harder to defend as specialty occupations. USCIS evaluates the job description, not just the job title.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for behavioral health roles?
Community mental health centers, hospital systems, correctional health contractors, veterans service organizations, and school-based behavioral health programs are the most active sponsors in this field. Nonprofit agencies affiliated with universities or government contracts often qualify as cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery window. Use Migrate Mate to find employers with verified LCA filing history in this occupation.
How does state licensure affect my H-1B petition as a behavioral health professional?
Many behavioral health roles require a state-issued license such as an LCSW, LPC, or LMFT before you can provide billable clinical services. If you're not yet licensed in the state where you'll work, your employer may need to structure the role at a supervised or associate level, which can affect both the job description and the specialty occupation argument in your I-129 petition.
Can I switch behavioral health employers after my H-1B is approved?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can change employers once your H-1B has been approved and you've been in valid H-1B status. Your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before or when you start. The new role must also qualify as a specialty occupation in behavioral health, and the new employer must file a fresh LCA with DOL at the appropriate prevailing wage.
What prevailing wage level should I expect for a Behavioral Health Specialist H-1B role?
Most entry-level Behavioral Health Specialist positions are certified at DOL wage Level I or Level II, while supervisory or specialized clinical roles are typically certified at Level III. You can verify the exact prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location using the OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer. Your offered salary must meet or exceed the certified LCA wage.