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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BHHA Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 3 (On Call)
Join our team as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center (BHTC) – Maple Lane Campus in Centralia, WA. BHTC – Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. There are 4 units at the campus with more onboarding over the upcoming years. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. By treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.
Being a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 offers a chance to truly impact people's lives. You get to provide essential daily support, guidance, and care to people in need, helping them navigate behavioral health circumstances. It's about making a difference, building trust, and fostering positive change in a structured environment. Plus, you'll work with a team of dedicated professionals, gaining valuable experience in behavioral health and social services. The Behavioral Health and Treatment Center at Maple Lane Campus is a pioneering component of DSHS' Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), where our dedicated staff offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.
BHS3 On Call staff are a valuable part of the team. On Calls have opportunities to work day, swing, and night shifts and are asked to be flexible to meet the needs of our 24/7 facility.
Additionally, on-call shifts:
- Can give you a great foot-in-the-door to state employment.
- Provide the ability to earn supplemental income.
- Allow you the flexibility in your schedule for work-life balance.
Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Some of what you will do:
- Instruct and encourage residents regarding policies, procedures, and facility rules.
- Encourage residents to participate in treatment and recreation activities; interact with residents daily.
- Transport residents to and from appointments in the community.
- Assist with problem solving and informal counseling, individually and in small groups.
- Facilitate or assist with small group sessions and participate in meetings on treatment progress.
- Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation skills.
- Attend treatment team and daily team meetings; provide shift updates.
- Monitor residents and maintain a safe, secure living environment; conduct proper security procedures.
- And more!
Who should apply:
- Professionals with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in psychology, sociology, or other social science.
- And 2 years of professional counseling or casework experience or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness.
Equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered as substitution for above.
Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference #05014.
Why Join Us?
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
BHHA Maple Lane Behavioral Health Specialist 3 (On Call)
Join our team as a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 at the Behavioral Health and Treatment Center (BHTC) – Maple Lane Campus in Centralia, WA. BHTC – Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. There are 4 units at the campus with more onboarding over the upcoming years. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. By treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.
Being a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 offers a chance to truly impact people's lives. You get to provide essential daily support, guidance, and care to people in need, helping them navigate behavioral health circumstances. It's about making a difference, building trust, and fostering positive change in a structured environment. Plus, you'll work with a team of dedicated professionals, gaining valuable experience in behavioral health and social services. The Behavioral Health and Treatment Center at Maple Lane Campus is a pioneering component of DSHS' Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration (BHHA), where our dedicated staff offers patients enriching opportunities and experiences outside the hospital setting, preparing them for a smooth transition back into the community. This is a great opportunity to be a team member as BHHA modernizes and enhances behavioral health treatment in Washington State.
BHS3 On Call staff are a valuable part of the team. On Calls have opportunities to work day, swing, and night shifts and are asked to be flexible to meet the needs of our 24/7 facility.
Additionally, on-call shifts:
- Can give you a great foot-in-the-door to state employment.
- Provide the ability to earn supplemental income.
- Allow you the flexibility in your schedule for work-life balance.
Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Some of what you will do:
- Instruct and encourage residents regarding policies, procedures, and facility rules.
- Encourage residents to participate in treatment and recreation activities; interact with residents daily.
- Transport residents to and from appointments in the community.
- Assist with problem solving and informal counseling, individually and in small groups.
- Facilitate or assist with small group sessions and participate in meetings on treatment progress.
- Respond to behavioral situations and medical emergencies using de-escalation skills.
- Attend treatment team and daily team meetings; provide shift updates.
- Monitor residents and maintain a safe, secure living environment; conduct proper security procedures.
- And more!
Who should apply:
- Professionals with a bachelor’s degree preferably involving a major study in psychology, sociology, or other social science.
- And 2 years of professional counseling or casework experience or working in a therapeutic capacity with people diagnosed with behavioral health illness.
Equivalent combination of education or experience will be considered as substitution for above.
Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference #05014.
Why Join Us?
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
See all 963+ H-1B Visa Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs.
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.