OPT Mental Health Technician Jobs
Mental Health Technician roles are among the more OPT-accessible positions in healthcare, since many employers hire for direct patient care experience over advanced licensure. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, so confirm whether your program qualifies 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 Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mental Health Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mental Health Technician
Target employers already familiar with OPT
Large hospital systems, behavioral health networks, and residential treatment facilities hire internationally trained candidates more regularly than smaller private practices. Their HR teams understand work authorization timelines and are less likely to withdraw offers over OPT paperwork.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many healthcare employers need time to complete background checks and credentialing before your first shift. Start applying two to three months before your OPT start date so onboarding doesn't collide with your authorization window unexpectedly.
Know your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in psychology, neuroscience, or a qualifying STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirming this early lets you communicate a longer work authorization window to employers, which reduces their concern about short timelines.
Clarify your clinical scope of practice
Mental Health Technician roles vary significantly by state in terms of what tasks you can perform without additional licensure. Knowing your scope before interviews lets you answer employer questions confidently and avoids delays caused by credentialing issues post-hire.
Highlight behavioral health training and certifications
Certifications like CPR, crisis intervention, or de-escalation training signal job-readiness to employers reviewing OPT candidates. These credentials reduce perceived hiring risk and help your application compete against candidates with longer-term work authorization.
Be transparent about your OPT end date
Bring up your OPT timeline proactively rather than waiting for employers to ask. Framing it as a known factor you have planned for, including H-1B visa sponsorship possibilities, builds trust and prevents misunderstandings late in the hiring process.
Mental Health Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Mental Health Technician on OPT?
Yes. Mental Health Technician roles qualify as valid OPT employment as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related discipline, working as a Mental Health Technician satisfies the USCIS requirement that OPT employment be related to your field of study.
Do Mental Health Technician employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It depends on the employer. Large hospital systems and behavioral health organizations with established HR departments are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than small outpatient clinics or private practices. During your OPT period, it's worth identifying employers with a history of sponsoring international staff early, since H-1B petitions must be filed months before your OPT expires. Migrate Mate can help you filter for roles at sponsorship-friendly employers.
Does a Mental Health Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is classified as a STEM field by DHS. Psychology and neuroscience degrees sometimes qualify depending on the CIP code your university assigned. Social work and counseling degrees typically do not qualify. Check with your DSO to confirm whether your specific program is on the STEM designated degree list before factoring an extension into your job search timeline.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B sponsorship?
If your OPT expires before H-1B sponsorship is secured, you lose authorization to work and must stop working immediately. The H-1B lottery opens once per year in March, with an October 1 start date. If you're hired late in your OPT window, cap-gap protection may apply if you have an approved H-1B petition and your F-1 status remains valid. Talk to your DSO about your specific timeline as soon as possible.
Are Mental Health Technician jobs part-time or full-time, and does that affect my OPT?
Both arrangements exist, but part-time work carries risk during OPT. USCIS requires that OPT employment be at least 20 hours per week to count as valid OPT employment. Working fewer than 20 hours or having gaps longer than 90 days in your employment can jeopardize your OPT status. Full-time positions at inpatient facilities, residential programs, or hospital units are typically safer for maintaining compliant OPT employment.