OPT Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Behavioral Health Specialist roles on OPT typically fall under psychology, social work, or counseling degree fields, making them a strong match for STEM and non-STEM OPT students alike. Many employers in community health, hospital systems, and nonprofit organizations have sponsored these roles under both standard and STEM OPT extensions.
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Get Access To All JobsPrimary City/State:
Mesa, Arizona
Department Name:
Patient Transport
Work Shift:
Day
Job Category:
Clinical Care
Good health care is key to a good life. At Banner Health, we understand that, and that’s why we work hard every day to make a difference in people’s lives. Do you like the idea of making a positive change in people’s lives – and your own? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The Banner Desert Medical Center (BDMC) Clinical Care Operations is the hub of patient management for the campus, this role for the Resource Team will float to the different units. Banner Desert Medical Center is a level 1 trauma designated facility.
As a Behavioral Health Specialist you will focus on safety checks, assisting in ADL's, Milieu management, falls prevention measures, and 1 on 1 observations. This role for the Resource Team will float to the different units throughout Banner Desert Medical Center!
This position is for a Full-Time Day Shift Behavioral Health Specialist opening! The hours will be from 6:00am - 6:30pm for 3 shifts per week which will include weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. You will have the opportunity to utilize our self-scheduling tool for shift and weekend coverage as well as enjoy a flat rate $1/hour weekend shift differential! Self-scheduling offers flexibility - weekend rotations are required in this role.
Your pay and benefits are important components of your journey at Banner Health. This opportunity includes the option to participate in a variety of health, financial, and security benefits.
Located on an 80-acre campus in Mesa, Arizona, Banner Desert Medical Center is one of Arizona's largest and most comprehensive hospitals and was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of Phoenix's Best Hospitals. We provide an abundance of exceptional opportunities with more than 700 licensed beds, including over 100 dedicated to children and 76 dedicated to our NICU. Areas of excellence include high-risk pregnancy and neonatal care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology and emergency medicine. With 33 operating rooms, we offer a full range of surgical specialties and advanced technology that includes the da Vinci Surgical System. Becker’s Hospital Review named Banner Desert Medical Center as one of the top 50 busiest Emergency departments in the country.
If you aim to deliver top-tier care to the most vulnerable patients, consider joining Banner Children's Hospital at Desert in Mesa, Arizona. Within our over 200 bed, state-of-the-art facility, specially trained nurses, physicians and other clinical professionals utilize the most advanced technology - including iCare ICU monitoring and robotic surgery - to provide high quality, child-friendly, family-centered care. Our facilities feature a 76-bed NICU, a 24-bed PICU, six pediatric ORs and a 22-bed ED. We also offer dedicated pediatric rehab, radiology, oncology and hematology capabilities. With clinical diversity, exceptional training programs and a supportive culture, this is a place where you can grow in your career as you help our very special patients.
Position Summary
This position provides direct care to psychiatric patients working under the direction of a registered nurse.
CORE FUNCTIONS
-
Provides basic nursing care to patients including technical monitoring, taking vital signs and physical care. Orients patients to treatment setting and assists with activities of daily living as needed. Reviews and participates in implementation of the patient treatment plan. Makes rounds and monitors patients activities, physical and mental status and reports to nursing staff. Checks patient belongings for contraband. Conducts a variety of patient safety monitoring activities such as observational checks. Documents observations, interventions, and group activities in the patient medical record while maintaining confidentiality of all health information.
-
Assists in maintaining a safe, orderly & therapeutic environment. Maintains patient safety and protects patient rights through observation and reporting patient behaviors, communications, interactions and physical status. Recognizes patients who are behaving aggressively, acting as a danger to themselves or others, or are in a crisis or medical emergency situation. Provides intervention including, but not limited to, redirecting of patient and/or participating in restraint or seclusion as needed.
-
Assesses and interacts therapeutically with patients and families. Provides treatment that promotes patient dignity, independence, individuality, strengths, privacy, and choice. Demonstrates respect for cultural diversity and patient boundaries. Plans and facilitates social and didactic group activities. May participate in other rehabilitation and treatment programs.
-
Provides quality patient care by maintaining knowledge and skill level related to the symptoms and treatment of behavioral disorders relevant to position responsibilities and in accordance with state agency regulations. Maintains knowledge to identify types of medications commonly prescribed for patient group and the common side effects and adverse reactions of the medications.
-
Assists in the admission, discharge and transfer process of patients and completes required documentation in the patient medical record.
-
Position completes work under moderate supervision. Position interacts with all levels of clinical staff on assigned unit/program and members of the multidisciplinary teams, as well as patients, families, and medical and psychiatric physicians.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral health related field OR High School diploma or equivalent with 1 year of direct patient care in an inpatient behavioral health setting.
This should include but is not limited to experience in an inpatient psychiatric facility; assisting with personal grooming and other activities of daily living; conducting educational, recreational and skills groups appropriate to current patient population; creating, maintaining, and encouraging an inpatient therapeutic milieu; maintaining observation precautions and applying non-violent de-escalation interventions in crisis situations; recognizing the common symptoms of mental illness such as depression, psychosis, mood dysregulation, substance abuse, maladaptive behavior, and anxiety; understanding how symptoms are related to the patient’s mental illness diagnosis and providing ordered treatment interventions appropriate to the diagnosis. Such experience is commonly achieved in care of patients in psychiatric acute care hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities and State hospital programs. Some outpatient programs, therapeutic group home and residential programs may meet the experience criteria. Concentration on skills and experiences demonstrating competence in building therapeutic rapport, developing collaborative relationships with the multidisciplinary team, de-escalation techniques and limit setting.
Employees working at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, BTMC Behavioral, and BUMG, BUMCT, or BUMCS in a Behavioral Health clinical setting that serves children must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. An Arizona Criminal History Affidavit must be signed upon hire. Employees working in the Banner McKee Senior Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit must possess a Colorado Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. Employees working in any Banner Staffing (BSS) Behavioral Health role in Arizona must possess a State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also required.
Meets age requirement as specified by state agency.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
EEO Statement:
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.
Privacy Policy:
Privacy Policy
Primary City/State:
Mesa, Arizona
Department Name:
Patient Transport
Work Shift:
Day
Job Category:
Clinical Care
Good health care is key to a good life. At Banner Health, we understand that, and that’s why we work hard every day to make a difference in people’s lives. Do you like the idea of making a positive change in people’s lives – and your own? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The Banner Desert Medical Center (BDMC) Clinical Care Operations is the hub of patient management for the campus, this role for the Resource Team will float to the different units. Banner Desert Medical Center is a level 1 trauma designated facility.
As a Behavioral Health Specialist you will focus on safety checks, assisting in ADL's, Milieu management, falls prevention measures, and 1 on 1 observations. This role for the Resource Team will float to the different units throughout Banner Desert Medical Center!
This position is for a Full-Time Day Shift Behavioral Health Specialist opening! The hours will be from 6:00am - 6:30pm for 3 shifts per week which will include weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. You will have the opportunity to utilize our self-scheduling tool for shift and weekend coverage as well as enjoy a flat rate $1/hour weekend shift differential! Self-scheduling offers flexibility - weekend rotations are required in this role.
Your pay and benefits are important components of your journey at Banner Health. This opportunity includes the option to participate in a variety of health, financial, and security benefits.
Located on an 80-acre campus in Mesa, Arizona, Banner Desert Medical Center is one of Arizona's largest and most comprehensive hospitals and was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of Phoenix's Best Hospitals. We provide an abundance of exceptional opportunities with more than 700 licensed beds, including over 100 dedicated to children and 76 dedicated to our NICU. Areas of excellence include high-risk pregnancy and neonatal care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology and emergency medicine. With 33 operating rooms, we offer a full range of surgical specialties and advanced technology that includes the da Vinci Surgical System. Becker’s Hospital Review named Banner Desert Medical Center as one of the top 50 busiest Emergency departments in the country.
If you aim to deliver top-tier care to the most vulnerable patients, consider joining Banner Children's Hospital at Desert in Mesa, Arizona. Within our over 200 bed, state-of-the-art facility, specially trained nurses, physicians and other clinical professionals utilize the most advanced technology - including iCare ICU monitoring and robotic surgery - to provide high quality, child-friendly, family-centered care. Our facilities feature a 76-bed NICU, a 24-bed PICU, six pediatric ORs and a 22-bed ED. We also offer dedicated pediatric rehab, radiology, oncology and hematology capabilities. With clinical diversity, exceptional training programs and a supportive culture, this is a place where you can grow in your career as you help our very special patients.
Position Summary
This position provides direct care to psychiatric patients working under the direction of a registered nurse.
CORE FUNCTIONS
-
Provides basic nursing care to patients including technical monitoring, taking vital signs and physical care. Orients patients to treatment setting and assists with activities of daily living as needed. Reviews and participates in implementation of the patient treatment plan. Makes rounds and monitors patients activities, physical and mental status and reports to nursing staff. Checks patient belongings for contraband. Conducts a variety of patient safety monitoring activities such as observational checks. Documents observations, interventions, and group activities in the patient medical record while maintaining confidentiality of all health information.
-
Assists in maintaining a safe, orderly & therapeutic environment. Maintains patient safety and protects patient rights through observation and reporting patient behaviors, communications, interactions and physical status. Recognizes patients who are behaving aggressively, acting as a danger to themselves or others, or are in a crisis or medical emergency situation. Provides intervention including, but not limited to, redirecting of patient and/or participating in restraint or seclusion as needed.
-
Assesses and interacts therapeutically with patients and families. Provides treatment that promotes patient dignity, independence, individuality, strengths, privacy, and choice. Demonstrates respect for cultural diversity and patient boundaries. Plans and facilitates social and didactic group activities. May participate in other rehabilitation and treatment programs.
-
Provides quality patient care by maintaining knowledge and skill level related to the symptoms and treatment of behavioral disorders relevant to position responsibilities and in accordance with state agency regulations. Maintains knowledge to identify types of medications commonly prescribed for patient group and the common side effects and adverse reactions of the medications.
-
Assists in the admission, discharge and transfer process of patients and completes required documentation in the patient medical record.
-
Position completes work under moderate supervision. Position interacts with all levels of clinical staff on assigned unit/program and members of the multidisciplinary teams, as well as patients, families, and medical and psychiatric physicians.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral health related field OR High School diploma or equivalent with 1 year of direct patient care in an inpatient behavioral health setting.
This should include but is not limited to experience in an inpatient psychiatric facility; assisting with personal grooming and other activities of daily living; conducting educational, recreational and skills groups appropriate to current patient population; creating, maintaining, and encouraging an inpatient therapeutic milieu; maintaining observation precautions and applying non-violent de-escalation interventions in crisis situations; recognizing the common symptoms of mental illness such as depression, psychosis, mood dysregulation, substance abuse, maladaptive behavior, and anxiety; understanding how symptoms are related to the patient’s mental illness diagnosis and providing ordered treatment interventions appropriate to the diagnosis. Such experience is commonly achieved in care of patients in psychiatric acute care hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities and State hospital programs. Some outpatient programs, therapeutic group home and residential programs may meet the experience criteria. Concentration on skills and experiences demonstrating competence in building therapeutic rapport, developing collaborative relationships with the multidisciplinary team, de-escalation techniques and limit setting.
Employees working at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, BTMC Behavioral, and BUMG, BUMCT, or BUMCS in a Behavioral Health clinical setting that serves children must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. An Arizona Criminal History Affidavit must be signed upon hire. Employees working in the Banner McKee Senior Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit must possess a Colorado Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. Employees working in any Banner Staffing (BSS) Behavioral Health role in Arizona must possess a State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also required.
Meets age requirement as specified by state agency.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
EEO Statement:
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.
Privacy Policy:
Privacy Policy
See all 7,125+ OPT Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Specialist
Lead with your licensure progress
Many Behavioral Health Specialist roles require state licensure, which takes time to obtain. Mention your eligibility timeline upfront. Employers are more likely to support OPT students who demonstrate a clear path toward full licensure within the authorization period.
Target employers with existing OPT or H-1B history
Hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, and large nonprofit behavioral health organizations have established HR processes for work authorization. These employers are far less likely to reject your application simply because you need OPT sponsorship.
Connect your degree field to the role explicitly
OPT work must be directly related to your degree. A psychology or social work graduate should spell out that connection in a cover letter. Vague applications raise questions about eligibility that specific framing resolves immediately.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
Onboarding timelines for behavioral health roles often involve background checks and credentialing that take weeks. Starting your application process early gives employers time to complete verification before your authorized work start date arrives.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as applied psychology or health informatics, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirming this with your DSO before interviews gives you a stronger timeline to offer employers.
Frame your cultural competency as a clinical asset
Behavioral health employers increasingly prioritize multilingual and multicultural staff to serve diverse patient populations. International students bring this naturally. Positioning that background as a direct clinical benefit makes your application more competitive than most domestic candidates.
Behavioral Health Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Behavioral Health Specialist on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Graduates in psychology, social work, counseling, or health sciences typically meet this requirement. Your DSO can confirm the connection between your specific degree and the role if you are unsure before accepting an offer.
Do Behavioral Health Specialist employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly hospital networks, community mental health centers, and federally qualified health centers that already navigate work authorization for clinical staff. Smaller private practices are less predictable. Migrate Mate filters for employers who have a history of sponsoring international workers, which makes identifying receptive employers faster.
Does a Behavioral Health Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as applied psychology, behavioral science, or health informatics, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself does not determine STEM eligibility. Review the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and confirm with your DSO.
How does state licensure interact with my OPT authorization period?
State licensure for behavioral health roles, such as Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, often requires supervised hours that take one to two years to accumulate. You can begin accruing supervised hours on OPT, but you need to ensure your authorization remains valid throughout that period. Some employers will support an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires to bridge the gap.
What degree fields support OPT authorization for this role?
The most common qualifying fields are psychology, clinical social work, counseling, public health, and human services. Your OPT work authorization requires that the job be directly related to the specific field on your degree, not just adjacent to it. If your degree is in a related area like sociology or education, confirm the connection with your DSO before applying.