OPT Behavioral Health Case Manager Jobs
Behavioral Health Case Manager jobs on OPT involve coordinating care for clients with mental health and substance use disorders. Most roles require a bachelor's or master's in social work, psychology, or counseling, which aligns directly with OPT's degree-relatedness requirement. STEM OPT does not apply to this field.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
This job is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to members with behavioral health needs, ensuring quality, cost-effective care delivery, and promoting optimal health outcomes. The Case Manager assesses member needs, develops and implements care plans, coordinates services, and monitors progress, while containing the cost of health care services. The incumbent will assist in containing the cost of health care services by detecting, resolving and preventing improper utilization of member benefits.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage a caseload of members with moderate complexity behavioral health needs.
- Function as a primary contact for members with behavioral health needs with the depth of engagement ranging from coaching interventions to intensive case management interventions.
- Assess members’ health status, needs, and available resources.
- Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with members, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
- Implement and coordinate care plans, ensuring access to appropriate services and resources.
- Develop and implement care plans with guidance from senior staff.
- Monitor member progress toward goals and adjust care plans as needed.
- Proactively incorporate lifestyle improvement and prevention opportunities into member interactions and coaching.
- Communicate with the members’ treating provider(s) in more complex clinical situations requiring case management interventions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and services.
- Act as an advocate and liaison to meet a member's individual health care needs by assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating options and services. This is accomplished by using communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes in accordance with available contract benefits.
- Work collaboratively and communicate clearly and professionally with physicians, providers, co-workers and other members of the health care team to carry out the established plan of care.
- Ensure all activities are documented and conducted in compliance with applicable business process requirements, company policies, regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
- Identify areas for potential cost savings, quality improvement and workflow efficiencies.
- Other duties as assigned or requested.
Education
Required
- Master's degree if licensed Behavioral Health Professional OR Associate’s degree with RN license
Preferred
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing if licensed as RN
Experience
Required
- 3 years of experience in any combination of clinical, case/utilization management, and/or disease condition management experience, or provider operations and/or health insurance
Preferred
- Experience working with the healthcare needs of diverse populations
- Experience demonstrating understanding of importance of culture competency in addressing targeted populations
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
Any of the following:
- Current State RN licensure OR Current multi-state licensure through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Preferred
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
SKILLS
- Strong assessment and care planning skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft suite of applications, case management software and electronic health records.
- Understanding of healthcare systems and case management principles.
Language (Other than English):
None
Travel Requirement:
0% - 25%
PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Position Type
Office-based
Physical work site required
Yes
Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.
As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.
Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.
Pay Range Minimum:
$68,400.00
Pay Range Maximum:
$105,900.00
Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.
Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the email below.
For accommodation requests, please contact HR Services Online at HRServices@highmarkhealth.org
California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice
JOB SUMMARY
This job is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to members with behavioral health needs, ensuring quality, cost-effective care delivery, and promoting optimal health outcomes. The Case Manager assesses member needs, develops and implements care plans, coordinates services, and monitors progress, while containing the cost of health care services. The incumbent will assist in containing the cost of health care services by detecting, resolving and preventing improper utilization of member benefits.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage a caseload of members with moderate complexity behavioral health needs.
- Function as a primary contact for members with behavioral health needs with the depth of engagement ranging from coaching interventions to intensive case management interventions.
- Assess members’ health status, needs, and available resources.
- Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with members, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
- Implement and coordinate care plans, ensuring access to appropriate services and resources.
- Develop and implement care plans with guidance from senior staff.
- Monitor member progress toward goals and adjust care plans as needed.
- Proactively incorporate lifestyle improvement and prevention opportunities into member interactions and coaching.
- Communicate with the members’ treating provider(s) in more complex clinical situations requiring case management interventions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and services.
- Act as an advocate and liaison to meet a member's individual health care needs by assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating options and services. This is accomplished by using communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes in accordance with available contract benefits.
- Work collaboratively and communicate clearly and professionally with physicians, providers, co-workers and other members of the health care team to carry out the established plan of care.
- Ensure all activities are documented and conducted in compliance with applicable business process requirements, company policies, regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
- Identify areas for potential cost savings, quality improvement and workflow efficiencies.
- Other duties as assigned or requested.
Education
Required
- Master's degree if licensed Behavioral Health Professional OR Associate’s degree with RN license
Preferred
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing if licensed as RN
Experience
Required
- 3 years of experience in any combination of clinical, case/utilization management, and/or disease condition management experience, or provider operations and/or health insurance
Preferred
- Experience working with the healthcare needs of diverse populations
- Experience demonstrating understanding of importance of culture competency in addressing targeted populations
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
Any of the following:
- Current State RN licensure OR Current multi-state licensure through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Preferred
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
SKILLS
- Strong assessment and care planning skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft suite of applications, case management software and electronic health records.
- Understanding of healthcare systems and case management principles.
Language (Other than English):
None
Travel Requirement:
0% - 25%
PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Position Type
Office-based
Physical work site required
Yes
Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.
As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.
Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.
Pay Range Minimum:
$68,400.00
Pay Range Maximum:
$105,900.00
Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.
Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the email below.
For accommodation requests, please contact HR Services Online at HRServices@highmarkhealth.org
California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice
See all OPT Behavioral Health Case Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Case Manager
Target employers with existing H-1B sponsorship history
Hospitals, community mental health centers, and large nonprofits are more likely to sponsor visas long-term. Check whether a prospective employer has sponsored behavioral health or social work roles before committing to the application process.
Confirm your role meets OPT's degree-relatedness requirement
Your Behavioral Health Case Manager position must directly relate to your degree in social work, psychology, or counseling. Document the connection clearly in writing before your start date to protect your OPT authorization if USCIS ever reviews it.
Pursue licensure-eligible roles early
Many states require a Licensed Professional Counselor or LCSW credential for advancement. Starting supervised clinical hours during OPT builds toward licensure and signals long-term commitment to employers considering visa sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
Address your work authorization timeline upfront
Behavioral health employers often run long hiring cycles with credentialing checks. Disclose your OPT end date and any pending STEM extension or H-1B visa plans early so employers can plan around your authorization window without surprises.
Emphasize language skills and cultural competency
Bilingual case managers are in high demand at community health organizations. If you speak Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, or another language common among underserved populations, lead with that skill. It directly addresses hiring pain points and strengthens your sponsorship case.
Look for roles at federally qualified health centers
FQHCs and community mental health centers frequently hire international graduates and are familiar with OPT work authorization. They also tend to offer structured supervision toward licensure, making them strong early-career fits for behavioral health OPT students.
Behavioral Health Case Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Behavioral Health Case Manager jobs qualify for OPT?
Yes, as long as the role directly relates to your degree. A case manager position requires a background in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral health field, which satisfies OPT's degree-relatedness requirement. Before accepting an offer, confirm with your DSO that your specific job description and degree field are clearly connected.
Does a Behavioral Health Case Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
No. Behavioral health and social work fields are not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so a 24-month STEM OPT extension is not available for this role. You'll have 12 months of standard OPT. Planning your H-1B or other long-term visa strategy well before your OPT expires is essential.
How hard is it to find an employer who will sponsor an H-1B for this role?
It's more limited than in tech or engineering, but sponsorship does happen. Large hospital systems, behavioral health networks, and some nonprofits have sponsored H-1B petitions for case managers and clinical social workers. Targeting organizations with a documented history of sponsorship improves your odds significantly. Browse Behavioral Health Case Manager roles on Migrate Mate to find employers open to OPT candidates.
Can I work as a Behavioral Health Case Manager while my OPT application is pending?
No. You cannot begin working until your Employment Authorization Document is approved and your start date has arrived. Applying for OPT at least 90 days before your intended start date gives you the widest buffer. If your EAD is delayed, you may need to negotiate a later start date with your employer.
Does a master's degree improve my sponsorship prospects in this field?
Yes, meaningfully. A Master of Social Work or master's in counseling psychology opens access to licensed clinical roles, which are harder to fill and more likely to justify H-1B sponsorship. Employers sponsoring a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor have a stronger business case for USCIS than they would for an entry-level coordinator role.