OPT Mental Health Jobs
Mental health jobs on OPT span clinical, research, and community-based roles, from counseling assistants to behavioral health coordinators. Most positions require a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific major, so confirm your DSO classification before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Mental Health Administrator 3 to provide oversight and support for Women’s Treatment program grants. This position plays a key role in ensuring funded programs meet requirements, achieve positive outcomes, and maintain compliance with state and federal funding rules. The ideal candidate will have strong project and grant management skills, the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders, and experience supporting behavioral health initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Administration & Oversight
- Provide general oversight for the assigned Women’s Treatment project area grants.
- Prepare, review, and process grant applications to ensure completeness and alignment with program goals.
- Track grants through the approval process and ensure ongoing communication between DBH and awardees to meet all grant requirements.
- Monitor budgets, disbursements, and expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal funding rules.
Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Support
- Provide technical assistance through individual calls, group meetings, and site visits to support programs with questions related to grant requirements.
- Assist with information sharing across multiple stakeholders to improve coordination and understanding of Women’s Treatment initiatives.
Monitoring & Performance Review
- Review programmatic reports, performance data, outcome measures, and other required documentation from funded programs to ensure scope-of-work requirements are met.
- Communicate findings with the Women’s Treatment Coordinator and grants team; identify concerns and help develop improvement plans.
Program Development & Collaboration
- Assist the Women’s Treatment Coordinator in providing feedback on initiatives, funding priorities, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Attend meetings with other State departments and community stakeholders to share and gather information relevant to Women’s Treatment programming.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 12 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (Flexible Schedule). This position is located within our Office of Treatment Services, headquartered at the James Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 East Broad Street, 8th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF OHIO
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Position Qualifications
- 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/habilitation plans for individuals who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of inter-disciplinary team to assess individual’s needs & abilities;
- 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees;
- 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers;
- 6 mos. exp. in writing or assisting in development of policies, procedures, goals & objectives of operational unit or program of agency or firm;
- 1 course in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage or projecting adequate staff levels;
- 3 mos. trg. in budgeting or 3 mos. exp. preparing or assisting in preparation of budget for operational unit or program of agency or firm.
OR
The completion of undergraduate core program in mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation;
- 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees;
- 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers;
- 6 mos. exp. in writing &/or assisting in development of policies, procedures, goals & objectives of operational unit or program of agency or firm;
- 1 course in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage or projecting adequate staff levels;
- 3 mos. trg. in budgeting or 3 mos. exp. preparing or assisting in preparation of budget for operational unit or program of agency or firm.
OR
6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 2, 65222.
OR
The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Unusual Working Conditions:
Travel may be required; exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic &/or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skills: Mental Health
Technical Skills: Mental Health, Behavioral Health
Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Organizing and Planning, Verbal Communication
Required Educational Transcripts
Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
INTRODUCTION
Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Mental Health Administrator 3 to provide oversight and support for Women’s Treatment program grants. This position plays a key role in ensuring funded programs meet requirements, achieve positive outcomes, and maintain compliance with state and federal funding rules. The ideal candidate will have strong project and grant management skills, the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders, and experience supporting behavioral health initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Administration & Oversight
- Provide general oversight for the assigned Women’s Treatment project area grants.
- Prepare, review, and process grant applications to ensure completeness and alignment with program goals.
- Track grants through the approval process and ensure ongoing communication between DBH and awardees to meet all grant requirements.
- Monitor budgets, disbursements, and expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal funding rules.
Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Support
- Provide technical assistance through individual calls, group meetings, and site visits to support programs with questions related to grant requirements.
- Assist with information sharing across multiple stakeholders to improve coordination and understanding of Women’s Treatment initiatives.
Monitoring & Performance Review
- Review programmatic reports, performance data, outcome measures, and other required documentation from funded programs to ensure scope-of-work requirements are met.
- Communicate findings with the Women’s Treatment Coordinator and grants team; identify concerns and help develop improvement plans.
Program Development & Collaboration
- Assist the Women’s Treatment Coordinator in providing feedback on initiatives, funding priorities, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Attend meetings with other State departments and community stakeholders to share and gather information relevant to Women’s Treatment programming.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 12 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (Flexible Schedule). This position is located within our Office of Treatment Services, headquartered at the James Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 East Broad Street, 8th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF OHIO
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Position Qualifications
- 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/habilitation plans for individuals who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of inter-disciplinary team to assess individual’s needs & abilities;
- 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees;
- 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers;
- 6 mos. exp. in writing or assisting in development of policies, procedures, goals & objectives of operational unit or program of agency or firm;
- 1 course in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage or projecting adequate staff levels;
- 3 mos. trg. in budgeting or 3 mos. exp. preparing or assisting in preparation of budget for operational unit or program of agency or firm.
OR
The completion of undergraduate core program in mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation;
- 12 mos. exp. as lead worker providing work direction & training for other employees;
- 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state &/or federal regulations & standards governing care, custody & programming of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers;
- 6 mos. exp. in writing &/or assisting in development of policies, procedures, goals & objectives of operational unit or program of agency or firm;
- 1 course in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage or projecting adequate staff levels;
- 3 mos. trg. in budgeting or 3 mos. exp. preparing or assisting in preparation of budget for operational unit or program of agency or firm.
OR
6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 2, 65222.
OR
The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Unusual Working Conditions:
Travel may be required; exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic &/or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skills: Mental Health
Technical Skills: Mental Health, Behavioral Health
Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Organizing and Planning, Verbal Communication
Required Educational Transcripts
Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
See all 6,788+ OPT Mental Health Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health
Clarify your OPT end date upfront
Mental health employers often run slow hiring cycles. Know your exact OPT expiration date before applying and communicate your timeline early. Roles that require licensure can take months to finalize, so lead time matters more than in other fields.
Check STEM OPT eligibility by major
Not all mental health degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Psychology and neuroscience may qualify depending on your CIP code, but social work typically does not. Confirm your eligibility with your DSO before framing it as a selling point.
Target roles that don't require state licensure
Licensed counselor and therapist roles often require state licensure, which takes time and restricts where you can work. Behavioral health technician, research coordinator, and case manager roles carry fewer licensing barriers and are more accessible on OPT status.
Prioritize employers familiar with OPT sponsorship
Large health systems, university counseling centers, and nonprofit behavioral health organizations have HR infrastructure to handle OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. Smaller private practices often lack this capacity, making them higher-risk placements for international students.
Leverage your practicum or internship experience
Clinical hours from practicum or CPT placements are directly relevant to mental health hiring. Frame supervised experience explicitly in your resume. Employers in this field weight hands-on hours heavily, and your OPT authorization lets you continue building them.
Address H-1B sponsorship timing in your outreach
If your OPT expires before an H-1B petition can be filed, an employer needs to act before April 1 of the relevant fiscal year. Be direct about this timeline when discussing sponsorship so hiring managers understand what commitment they're making.
Mental Health OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a mental health counselor or therapist on OPT?
You can work in mental health on OPT, but clinical titles like licensed counselor or therapist require a state license that most F-1 students haven't yet obtained. Roles like behavioral health technician, mental health case manager, or research coordinator are more accessible on OPT and don't require independent licensure to start.
Do mental health jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. Psychology and neuroscience programs are sometimes classified under STEM-eligible codes, but social work and counseling programs typically are not. Check your official transcript and confirm with your DSO before assuming eligibility. The extension gives you 24 additional months, so verifying early is worth it.
Where can I find mental health employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is the best place to find mental health jobs where employers are open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Larger health systems, federally qualified health centers, and university-affiliated programs are generally the most sponsorship-friendly. Searching Migrate Mate filters out roles unlikely to support international candidates, saving you time during a tight OPT window.
How does supervised clinical experience during OPT count toward licensure?
Hours worked under supervision during OPT typically count toward your state's licensure requirements, but rules vary by state and license type. Some states require supervisors to hold specific credentials, and the setting matters. Confirm with your state licensing board early so your OPT work directly advances your licensure application rather than requiring a restart.
What happens to my OPT if my mental health job ends before I find a new role?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in total. If your mental health position ends, you have time to find a new role, but the clock runs continuously. Report any employment changes to your DSO immediately and keep your SEVP portal updated. Finding a new role quickly is critical to staying in valid OPT status.