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 III
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Medical and Patient Services
Department UBHC - Acute Children
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Mental Health Clinician III for the Acute Children Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The primary purpose of the Mental Health Clinician III is to provide comprehensive evaluation, assessment and therapeutic intervention to address the psychological, emotional and social needs of individuals served by the unit. Duties include formulating evaluations, developing and implementing treatment plans, conducting individual, group, and family therapy and providing case management functions.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Actively participates in and contributes to smooth functioning of the department and demonstrates initiative and flexibility regarding work assignments.
- Consistently provides individual, group and family therapy based on sound clinical judgment.
- Adapts the assessment and treatment processes to accommodate variations in readiness for treatment/change, and implications of age, cultural, medical, economic or other relevant factors.
- Consistently identifies appropriate resources for individuals served and families based on assessed needs, performs case management functions and completes all forms, correspondence and reports necessary to ensure overall coordination of treatment services via linkages, service procurement, referrals, patient advocacy and state/community systems.
- Consistently involves individuals served and/or family members as clinically indicated in the assessment and the development of treatment plans and treatment plan reviews as evidenced by periodic record review.
- Attends to professional self-development by remaining current in knowledge of trends and developments in mental health.
FLSA Exempt
Grade 22S
Salary Details
- Minimum Salary: 61512.000
- Mid Range Salary: 73603.000
- Maximum Salary: 87239.000
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
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description HPAE 5094
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Master’s Degree in mental health discipline.
Certifications/Licenses
Licensure to practice as required by New Jersey state laws governing the discipline.
Applicants possessing a degree in Social Work must have an active New Jersey certification/licensure as required by the State Board of Social Work.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to speak clearly and write/type proficiently is essential. Ability to implement universal precautions and safety precautions. Extended sitting is required to provide treatment and prepare clinical documentation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Subject to unpredictable situations and both medical and psychiatric crises. Possible exposure to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens that require use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures. Individuals in community programs may be exposed to varied community environments and may be required to use personal vehicles for community outreaches within and outside the county.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST2124
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City South Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details
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 mental health discipline?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have licensure to practice as required by New Jersey state laws governing the discipline?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Clinician III
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Medical and Patient Services
Department UBHC - Acute Children
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Mental Health Clinician III for the Acute Children Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The primary purpose of the Mental Health Clinician III is to provide comprehensive evaluation, assessment and therapeutic intervention to address the psychological, emotional and social needs of individuals served by the unit. Duties include formulating evaluations, developing and implementing treatment plans, conducting individual, group, and family therapy and providing case management functions.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Actively participates in and contributes to smooth functioning of the department and demonstrates initiative and flexibility regarding work assignments.
- Consistently provides individual, group and family therapy based on sound clinical judgment.
- Adapts the assessment and treatment processes to accommodate variations in readiness for treatment/change, and implications of age, cultural, medical, economic or other relevant factors.
- Consistently identifies appropriate resources for individuals served and families based on assessed needs, performs case management functions and completes all forms, correspondence and reports necessary to ensure overall coordination of treatment services via linkages, service procurement, referrals, patient advocacy and state/community systems.
- Consistently involves individuals served and/or family members as clinically indicated in the assessment and the development of treatment plans and treatment plan reviews as evidenced by periodic record review.
- Attends to professional self-development by remaining current in knowledge of trends and developments in mental health.
FLSA Exempt
Grade 22S
Salary Details
- Minimum Salary: 61512.000
- Mid Range Salary: 73603.000
- Maximum Salary: 87239.000
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
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description HPAE 5094
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Master’s Degree in mental health discipline.
Certifications/Licenses
Licensure to practice as required by New Jersey state laws governing the discipline.
Applicants possessing a degree in Social Work must have an active New Jersey certification/licensure as required by the State Board of Social Work.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to speak clearly and write/type proficiently is essential. Ability to implement universal precautions and safety precautions. Extended sitting is required to provide treatment and prepare clinical documentation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Subject to unpredictable situations and both medical and psychiatric crises. Possible exposure to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens that require use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures. Individuals in community programs may be exposed to varied community environments and may be required to use personal vehicles for community outreaches within and outside the county.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number 26ST2124
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City South Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details
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 mental health discipline?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have licensure to practice as required by New Jersey state laws governing the discipline?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Certifications/Licenses
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
See all 52+ 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.