J-1 Visa Mental Health Specialist Jobs
Mental Health Specialist positions in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 Specialist or Trainee program categories, both requiring a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019. Securing J-1 sponsorship means coordinating between your host employer and a State Department-designated sponsor before your program start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for part time work, or just starting your career in counseling or social work, we have an On-Call Counselor job for you! Encompass will train you to provide a host of services at our residential mental health treatment programs. We currently have openings for counselors in our mental health facilities located throughout Santa Cruz County.
About us
At Encompass Community Services we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Telos, El Dorado Center and Casa Pacific are three short-term residential treatment programs for individuals struggling with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. The primary goal of these programs is to assist individuals with increasing wellness and transitioning from residential care to more independent settings within the community. Our Counselors play an important role in assisting the residents we serve on their journey towards wellness and stability through treatment that is trauma-informed and person-centered.
Job Summary
The On-Call Counselor is available to work as needed to cover shifts that include ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents at the facility and supporting program operations. We are looking for individuals who have some experience or education working with individuals who struggle with mental illness and substance use disorders, and people with a passion to serve this unique population. We are looking for on call counselors with the skill and ability to work with clients who have multiple complex mental health, and physical health needs, and who are able to manage multiple tasks.
We are hiring on-call counselors who are available to work swing, night, and weekend shifts. Position requires availability to cover weekend shifts.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Respond to emails, texts, or phone calls in a timely manner. Be available and responsive to requests for on-call coverage as needed.
- Ensure adequate safety for program residents and property during specific shift hours.
- Responsible for responding to client behavioral and/or medical issues, facility issues, or natural emergencies while on duty.
- May provide therapeutic crisis management, with available support of Manager or On-Call Manager.
- May provide therapeutic intervention services based on best practices & selected evidence based practices for clients with mental health or substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.
- Services may include administrative functions in support of clients, including evaluation, assessments, counseling, and/or assisting in the implementation of appropriate treatment plan interventions and/or the facilitation of individual, group, and crisis counseling sessions.
- Dispensing medication, incident reporting, shift change reporting, and household duties as required.
- General safety checks, headcounts.
- Ability to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Must communicate effectively and be able to use current technology in the following areas: case notes, incident reports, correspondence with community service providers.
Qualifications
- Bilingual English/Spanish desired but not necessary
- High school diploma or GED, some college preferred
- Ability to work independently, manage time well
- Valid driver’s license and clean DMV required
- Computer literacy, including e-mail, Microsoft Word, and ability to navigate electronic health record documentation requirements.
- Good oral and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills with co-workers and community partners
- Position requires flu vaccination upon hire.
Wages & Benefits
Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan for full time employees, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holiday, sick time, and 17 days of paid vacation, pro-rated for positions less than 40 hours a week. Position receives overtime rate on all holidays as well as double times for Christmas and Thanksgiving day. On-call positions will receive one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked.
Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Our programs recognize the value of racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity and strive toward a culture of trauma-informed practice, with the overarching goal of ensuring that all services promote healing, and integrate the values and standards of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
If you require assistance applying on-line, we have computer terminals available at our 380 Encinal Street Suite 200 office in Santa Cruz, Tel: 831-469-1700, and at our 225 Westridge Drive location in Watsonville, Tel: 831-724-3885. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
INTRODUCTION
Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for part time work, or just starting your career in counseling or social work, we have an On-Call Counselor job for you! Encompass will train you to provide a host of services at our residential mental health treatment programs. We currently have openings for counselors in our mental health facilities located throughout Santa Cruz County.
About us
At Encompass Community Services we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Telos, El Dorado Center and Casa Pacific are three short-term residential treatment programs for individuals struggling with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. The primary goal of these programs is to assist individuals with increasing wellness and transitioning from residential care to more independent settings within the community. Our Counselors play an important role in assisting the residents we serve on their journey towards wellness and stability through treatment that is trauma-informed and person-centered.
Job Summary
The On-Call Counselor is available to work as needed to cover shifts that include ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents at the facility and supporting program operations. We are looking for individuals who have some experience or education working with individuals who struggle with mental illness and substance use disorders, and people with a passion to serve this unique population. We are looking for on call counselors with the skill and ability to work with clients who have multiple complex mental health, and physical health needs, and who are able to manage multiple tasks.
We are hiring on-call counselors who are available to work swing, night, and weekend shifts. Position requires availability to cover weekend shifts.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Respond to emails, texts, or phone calls in a timely manner. Be available and responsive to requests for on-call coverage as needed.
- Ensure adequate safety for program residents and property during specific shift hours.
- Responsible for responding to client behavioral and/or medical issues, facility issues, or natural emergencies while on duty.
- May provide therapeutic crisis management, with available support of Manager or On-Call Manager.
- May provide therapeutic intervention services based on best practices & selected evidence based practices for clients with mental health or substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders.
- Services may include administrative functions in support of clients, including evaluation, assessments, counseling, and/or assisting in the implementation of appropriate treatment plan interventions and/or the facilitation of individual, group, and crisis counseling sessions.
- Dispensing medication, incident reporting, shift change reporting, and household duties as required.
- General safety checks, headcounts.
- Ability to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Must communicate effectively and be able to use current technology in the following areas: case notes, incident reports, correspondence with community service providers.
Qualifications
- Bilingual English/Spanish desired but not necessary
- High school diploma or GED, some college preferred
- Ability to work independently, manage time well
- Valid driver’s license and clean DMV required
- Computer literacy, including e-mail, Microsoft Word, and ability to navigate electronic health record documentation requirements.
- Good oral and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills with co-workers and community partners
- Position requires flu vaccination upon hire.
Wages & Benefits
Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan for full time employees, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holiday, sick time, and 17 days of paid vacation, pro-rated for positions less than 40 hours a week. Position receives overtime rate on all holidays as well as double times for Christmas and Thanksgiving day. On-call positions will receive one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked.
Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Our programs recognize the value of racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity and strive toward a culture of trauma-informed practice, with the overarching goal of ensuring that all services promote healing, and integrate the values and standards of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
If you require assistance applying on-line, we have computer terminals available at our 380 Encinal Street Suite 200 office in Santa Cruz, Tel: 831-469-1700, and at our 225 Westridge Drive location in Watsonville, Tel: 831-724-3885. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
See all 162+ 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 J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Mental Health Specialist
Align Your Credentials With Specialty Occupation Standards
Mental health roles often require state licensure or graduate-level training in counseling, psychology, or social work. Confirm your foreign credentials are evaluated by a NACES-approved service before approaching host employers, since most designated sponsors require this documentation upfront.
Identify Host Employers With J-1 Program Experience
Community mental health centers, hospital behavioral health units, and university counseling centers regularly host J-1 Specialist and Trainee participants. Use Migrate Mate to filter Mental Health Specialist roles by employers already familiar with J-1 hosting requirements and DS-2019 coordination.
Clarify the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement Early
Many J-1 Mental Health Specialists are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, particularly if your program is government-funded or your home country lists your occupation as in short supply. Confirm your status directly with your designated sponsor before signing any offer.
Build a Training Plan That Satisfies DOL and Sponsor Standards
Your designated sponsor will require a detailed Training Plan or Exchange Visitor program outline showing measurable objectives tied to mental health practice. Work with your host employer to draft specific competencies, supervision structures, and clinical or programmatic milestones before submission.
Target Employers in Underserved or HRSA-Designated Areas
Host employers located in HRSA-designated mental health professional shortage areas often have stronger institutional motivation to support J-1 participants. These sites are also more likely to have existing relationships with designated sponsors through federal grant programs.
Time Your Application Around Program Start Date Constraints
Designated sponsors typically require the DS-2019 request at least 60 days before your program start date. Factor in credential evaluation timelines, your host employer's internal approval process, and consulate appointment availability when setting your target start date.
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Find Mental Health Specialist JobsMental Health Specialist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Mental Health Specialist role?
It depends on your career stage and the nature of the placement. The Trainee category applies if you completed your degree or professional training within the past 12 months or have at least one year of work experience in the mental health field. The Specialist category applies to experienced professionals with at least five years of expertise in a specialized mental health discipline. Short-Term Scholar may apply for observation or research visits under six months.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for a Mental Health Specialist?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas or AIPT issue the DS-2019 form and are responsible for program compliance and monitoring. Your host employer is where you work, but they are not your legal sponsor. This distinction matters because you must maintain contact with your designated sponsor throughout the program, not just your workplace supervisor.
How do I find host employers open to J-1 Specialist or Trainee participants?
Many employers in behavioral health, community mental health, and hospital systems have hosted J-1 participants before but don't advertise it explicitly in job postings. Migrate Mate surfaces Mental Health Specialist roles with employers experienced in J-1 hosting, saving you from cold-contacting employers who have no framework for coordinating with a designated sponsor. Search by role and filter for J-1-compatible positions.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect Mental Health Specialists?
It frequently does. Mental health occupations appear on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for many countries, triggering the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). If your program is government-funded or your home country designated your field as a shortage area, you'll be subject to this requirement. You cannot change to most other nonimmigrant visa categories or apply for a green card until you fulfill or receive a waiver of this requirement.
What documentation should I prepare before approaching a host employer?
You'll need a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved agency confirming your foreign degree equivalency, proof of at least five years of specialized mental health experience for the Specialist category (or one year for Trainee), English proficiency documentation if your degree was not taught in English, and a draft outline of your proposed training objectives. Having these ready signals to both the host employer and the designated sponsor that you're a viable participant and shortens the DS-2019 processing timeline.
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