OPT Mental Health Clinician Jobs
Mental Health Clinician roles on OPT require active licensure or supervised licensure eligibility in your state, which affects how quickly you can start practicing. Many employers sponsor H-1B visa or offer STEM OPT extensions for qualifying clinical roles. Cap-gap coverage applies if your H-1B is pending when OPT expires.
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Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Clinician II UCHC NSP
Job Category Staff & Executive - Medical (Clinical)
Department UCHC Northern State Prison Med
Overview
University Correctional Health Care (UCHC), operating within Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is dedicated to excellence in providing physical, mental health, dental and sex offender treatment services to those involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems in New Jersey. UCHC operates with a total budget of $150 million and approximately 1,100 staff serving roughly 20,500 inmates in twelve adult correctional facilities, 400 residents in fourteen JJC locations, and 1,000 individuals in ten state parole board offices.
We are committed to being a leader in the delivery of effective, compassionate and accessible care informed by research within correctional environments.
We Care. We Teach. We Heal. We Improve.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the state of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Established in 1766 and celebrating a milestone 250th anniversary in 2016, the university is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the United States. More than 67,000 students and 22,000 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public at Rutgers locations across New Jersey and around the world.
Posting Summary
Rutgers University Correctional Health Care (UCHC) is seeking a Mental Health Clinician II for Northern State Prison, located in Newark, New Jersey. The Mental Health Clinician II completes specialized psychological testing and assessment of clinical needs of adult inmates sentenced to the Department of Corrections.
Duties include:
- Completes specialized psychological testing and assessment of clinical needs of adults sentenced to the Department of Corrections.
- Arrives at diagnoses with precision and accuracy by the end of psychological testing and the evaluation session. Develops treatment plans.
- Makes clinically based decisions regarding appropriateness for treatment, as well as preferred treatment modality. Skilled in providing group, individual and family therapies.
- Assesses and makes referrals for higher levels of care, as appropriate.
- Recognizes the unique needs and behaviors of adult inmate/patients, seniors and their families.
FLSA Exempt
Grade 25S
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 78503.000
Mid Range Salary 95005.000
Maximum Salary 111500.000
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 37.50
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a full onsite work arrangement.
Union Description CWA 1040
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical-Counseling Psychology, or Forensic Psychology.
- Trained in psychological testing and measurement.
- Minimum of two (2) years post master’s experience, which may be substituted with a Doctorate in psychology.
- Valid Driver’s License. Must possess own vehicle to travel between sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Licensure in mental health field (e.g.: Licensed Associate Counselor [LAC], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor [LCADC])
Special Conditions
Must be approved by the Department of Corrections (DOC) and adhere to all DOC requirements.
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST0314
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City Newark
State NJ
Location Details
Northern State Prison located in Newark, NJ
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Do you have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical-Counseling Psychology, or Forensic Psychology with a minimum of two (2) years post master’s experience?
- yes
- no
-
- Do you have a Doctorate in Psychology?
- yes
- no
-
- Do you have a valid driver's license and possess a vehicle or alternative means of transportation from one site to another?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have Licensure in mental health field (e.g.: Licensed Associate Counselor [LAC], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor [LCADC]?
(Open Ended Question)
- Do you have Licensure in mental health field (e.g.: Licensed Associate Counselor [LAC], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor [LCADC]?
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Clinician II UCHC NSP
Job Category Staff & Executive - Medical (Clinical)
Department UCHC Northern State Prison Med
Overview
University Correctional Health Care (UCHC), operating within Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is dedicated to excellence in providing physical, mental health, dental and sex offender treatment services to those involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems in New Jersey. UCHC operates with a total budget of $150 million and approximately 1,100 staff serving roughly 20,500 inmates in twelve adult correctional facilities, 400 residents in fourteen JJC locations, and 1,000 individuals in ten state parole board offices.
We are committed to being a leader in the delivery of effective, compassionate and accessible care informed by research within correctional environments.
We Care. We Teach. We Heal. We Improve.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the state of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Established in 1766 and celebrating a milestone 250th anniversary in 2016, the university is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the United States. More than 67,000 students and 22,000 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public at Rutgers locations across New Jersey and around the world.
Posting Summary
Rutgers University Correctional Health Care (UCHC) is seeking a Mental Health Clinician II for Northern State Prison, located in Newark, New Jersey. The Mental Health Clinician II completes specialized psychological testing and assessment of clinical needs of adult inmates sentenced to the Department of Corrections.
Duties include:
- Completes specialized psychological testing and assessment of clinical needs of adults sentenced to the Department of Corrections.
- Arrives at diagnoses with precision and accuracy by the end of psychological testing and the evaluation session. Develops treatment plans.
- Makes clinically based decisions regarding appropriateness for treatment, as well as preferred treatment modality. Skilled in providing group, individual and family therapies.
- Assesses and makes referrals for higher levels of care, as appropriate.
- Recognizes the unique needs and behaviors of adult inmate/patients, seniors and their families.
FLSA Exempt
Grade 25S
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 78503.000
Mid Range Salary 95005.000
Maximum Salary 111500.000
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 37.50
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a full onsite work arrangement.
Union Description CWA 1040
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical-Counseling Psychology, or Forensic Psychology.
- Trained in psychological testing and measurement.
- Minimum of two (2) years post master’s experience, which may be substituted with a Doctorate in psychology.
- Valid Driver’s License. Must possess own vehicle to travel between sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Licensure in mental health field (e.g.: Licensed Associate Counselor [LAC], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor [LCADC])
Special Conditions
Must be approved by the Department of Corrections (DOC) and adhere to all DOC requirements.
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST0314
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City Newark
State NJ
Location Details
Northern State Prison located in Newark, NJ
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Do you have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical-Counseling Psychology, or Forensic Psychology with a minimum of two (2) years post master’s experience?
- yes
- no
-
- Do you have a Doctorate in Psychology?
- yes
- no
-
- Do you have a valid driver's license and possess a vehicle or alternative means of transportation from one site to another?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have Licensure in mental health field (e.g.: Licensed Associate Counselor [LAC], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor [LCADC]?
(Open Ended Question)
- Do you have Licensure in mental health field (e.g.: Licensed Associate Counselor [LAC], Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC], or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor [LCADC]?
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
See all 406+ OPT Mental Health Clinician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Clinician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Mental Health Clinician
Confirm your licensure status before applying
Many states require a full license before you can practice independently. Check whether your OPT start date aligns with your supervised hours timeline, since unlicensed candidates may face delays getting hired into billable clinical roles.
Target employers who already sponsor clinicians
Community mental health centers, hospital systems, and behavioral health networks have established HR processes for H-1B visa sponsorship. Avoid smaller private practices that lack the infrastructure to file immigration petitions on your behalf.
Understand whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Mental health degrees are generally not on the STEM designated program list, giving you 12 months of OPT. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for a 24-month extension.
Disclose your OPT status early in the process
Employers hiring licensed clinicians are accustomed to credentialing timelines. Being upfront about your OPT end date and H-1B eligibility lets hiring managers plan around your situation without it becoming a last-minute obstacle.
Ask about supervision arrangements for pre-licensed roles
Some employers hire pre-licensed clinicians under a licensed supervisor to satisfy state requirements. Confirm that the supervision structure meets your state board's requirements so your hours count toward full licensure.
Prepare documentation your employer will need for H-1B filing
Your employer will need your degree transcripts, license number or supervised hours documentation, and a specialty occupation justification letter. Gathering these before the October filing window prevents avoidable delays.
Mental Health Clinician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mental Health Clinician roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Mental health clinician positions, including licensed counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists, generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific clinical field. Your employer will need to document the degree requirement in the H-1B petition, which most behavioral health employers are familiar with.
Can I work as a Mental Health Clinician on OPT if I am not yet fully licensed?
It depends on the employer and state. Some states allow pre-licensed clinicians to practice under a licensed supervisor, and some employers will hire you in that capacity. However, roles requiring independent clinical judgment or insurance billing under your own license typically require full licensure. Confirm your state's requirements with your licensing board before accepting a position.
How do I find Mental Health Clinician employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate lists mental health clinician roles specifically filtered for OPT and visa sponsorship, so you are not wasting applications on employers who do not sponsor. Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and large hospital systems tend to have the most established immigration sponsorship processes in the behavioral health space.
Does my mental health degree qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
Most mental health degrees, including clinical social work, counseling psychology, and marriage and family therapy, are not on the STEM designated program list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. This means standard OPT is 12 months. Check the CIP code listed on your I-20 with your DSO to confirm, since some programs with quantitative or research-heavy components may qualify.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my H-1B is pending when my OPT expires?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your F-1 status and OPT work authorization until October 1, when H-1B status begins. You can continue working in your mental health clinician role during this period as long as the petition remains pending and your employer's terms stay the same.