H-1B Visa Mental Health Specialist Jobs
Mental Health Specialist roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Employers in hospital systems, community health centers, and behavioral health networks regularly file LCAs and sponsor H-1B petitions for these positions.
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Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist IV (Multiple Vacancies)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department UBHC - Acute Children
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist IV in the Child & Adolescent Services – School Based Program of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare.
The Mental Health Specialist IV participates as a member of the School Based Program’s staff assisting with therapeutic and special education services to children.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary staff team implementing each child’s treatment plan.
- Assists Special Education Teacher with educational services to children.
- Participates in the development of children’s individual treatment plan.
- Maintains appropriate boundaries with children and families. Interacts with children and family members therapeutically with empathy and respect.
- Maintains cooperative and respectful working relations with co-workers.
- Provides behavior crisis prevention and intervention, as needed, including personal restraints (once trained) and conducting debriefing discussions.
- Assists in providing therapeutic activities.
- Provides ongoing supervision of children individually and in groups at arrival, dismissal, during lunch, and throughout the day.
- Observes children carefully and shares observations with other members of the staff team.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 147
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 21.940
Mid Range Salary 22.440
Maximum Salary 23.110
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Minimum Education and Experience
- Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent).
- At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must undergo criminal history background check at employee’s expense, as required by NJ State Law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with children (4 – 21 years) is preferred.
- Classroom experience preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Employee must be physically active and be on feet most of the day. Duties may involve running and playing active games with children and adolescents (4 – 21 years). Following training, employee must be physically capable of safely providing personal restraint to agitated children.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Crowded and moderately noisy conditions with children, adolescents, and staff moving about.
Special Conditions
Posting Number 26ST0925
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City Piscataway
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Certifications/Licenses
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist IV (Multiple Vacancies)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department UBHC - Acute Children
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist IV in the Child & Adolescent Services – School Based Program of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare.
The Mental Health Specialist IV participates as a member of the School Based Program’s staff assisting with therapeutic and special education services to children.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary staff team implementing each child’s treatment plan.
- Assists Special Education Teacher with educational services to children.
- Participates in the development of children’s individual treatment plan.
- Maintains appropriate boundaries with children and families. Interacts with children and family members therapeutically with empathy and respect.
- Maintains cooperative and respectful working relations with co-workers.
- Provides behavior crisis prevention and intervention, as needed, including personal restraints (once trained) and conducting debriefing discussions.
- Assists in providing therapeutic activities.
- Provides ongoing supervision of children individually and in groups at arrival, dismissal, during lunch, and throughout the day.
- Observes children carefully and shares observations with other members of the staff team.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 147
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 21.940
Mid Range Salary 22.440
Maximum Salary 23.110
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Minimum Education and Experience
- Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent).
- At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must undergo criminal history background check at employee’s expense, as required by NJ State Law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with children (4 – 21 years) is preferred.
- Classroom experience preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Employee must be physically active and be on feet most of the day. Duties may involve running and playing active games with children and adolescents (4 – 21 years). Following training, employee must be physically capable of safely providing personal restraint to agitated children.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Crowded and moderately noisy conditions with children, adolescents, and staff moving about.
Special Conditions
Posting Number 26ST0925
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City Piscataway
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Certifications/Licenses
See all 897+ Mental Health Specialist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mental Health Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Mental Health Specialist
Verify your credentials meet specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to the Mental Health Specialist role. A general psychology bachelor's usually qualifies, but a business or unrelated degree paired with counseling experience may trigger an RFE. Check your transcript alignment before applying.
Use OFLC Wage Search to set salary expectations
Look up the prevailing wage for Mental Health Specialist under SOC code 21-1023 in your target metro before negotiating an offer. Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above that level, so knowing the floor protects you during negotiations.
Target employers with cap-exempt H-1B filing history
Nonprofit mental health clinics, university counseling centers, and federally qualified health centers often qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. That means they can file year-round without waiting for the April lottery window, giving you faster sponsorship access.
Find verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Search Mental Health Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to filter employers by confirmed LCA filing history. This shows you which organizations have actively sponsored this role before, cutting the guesswork out of identifying real sponsorship opportunities.
Confirm state licensure portability before accepting an offer
Many Mental Health Specialist roles require state licensure, and your current license may not transfer automatically. Confirm reciprocity or endorsement timelines with the new state's licensing board before your employer files the I-129, since USCIS scrutinizes unlicensed clinical hires.
Request premium processing if your start date is firm
If you're transitioning from OPT or another status with a hard expiration, ask your employer to file with premium processing. USCIS targets a 15-business-day adjudication window, which reduces the risk of a status gap before your Mental Health Specialist role begins.
Mental Health Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Mental Health Specialist JobsMental Health Specialist H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mental Health Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, Mental Health Specialist positions typically qualify because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as psychology, clinical social work, or counseling. USCIS evaluates whether the degree requirement is standard for the role in the industry, so job postings that specify a degree field strengthen the petition. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree, regardless of field, are more vulnerable to an RFE.
Which types of employers most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Mental Health Specialists?
Hospital systems, behavioral health networks, community mental health centers, and university counseling programs are the most active sponsors. Federally qualified health centers and nonprofit clinical organizations often qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning they can file outside the annual lottery. You can browse employers with confirmed LCA filing history for this role on Migrate Mate.
How does state licensure affect my H-1B petition as a Mental Health Specialist?
USCIS expects H-1B petitions for licensed clinical roles to address state licensure requirements. If the role requires a license and you're unlicensed in that state at filing time, your employer may need to demonstrate you're eligible for licensure or that you'll obtain it promptly. Some states offer temporary or provisional licenses that can bridge this gap while your full license is pending.
Can I switch Mental Health Specialist employers while on H-1B status?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can transfer your H-1B to a new employer in the same or a similar occupational classification if your I-140 has been approved for 180 days or more. For most H-1B holders without a pending green card, the new employer simply files an H-1B transfer petition, and you can start working as soon as USCIS receives it.
What prevailing wage level should I expect for a Mental Health Specialist H-1B position?
The DOL assigns prevailing wages for Mental Health Specialists under SOC code 21-1023, with four wage levels based on experience and supervisory responsibility. Your employer's LCA must certify the offered wage at or above the applicable level for your work location. Use the OFLC Wage Search tool to look up current wage levels by metro area before your employer submits the LCA.
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