Mental Health Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Ohio
Ohio has a steady demand for mental health professionals, with major health systems like Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and University Hospitals regularly hiring licensed counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are the primary hiring hubs, and many employers in these cities have sponsored H-1B visa and J-1 visas for qualified international candidates.
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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 ROLE
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) Lead to support and oversee statewide initiatives that enhance access to high-quality psychiatric residential treatment and intensive behavioral health services for children and youth. This role helps strengthen the continuum of care, improves system coordination, and drives positive outcomes for families across Ohio. The position directly supports statewide efforts to ensure children and youth receive safe, effective, family-centered residential treatment and behavioral health services. Your work will help shape systems, strengthen provider capacity, and advance department priorities that improve outcomes for families.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration & System Leadership
- Administer statewide Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) programs and intensive behavioral health initiatives for children and youth.
- Implement department priorities to improve access to residential treatment, strengthen the care continuum, and enhance outcomes for children, youth, and families.
- Develop statewide program guidance, policies, procedures, and recommendations aligned with evidence informed and family driven practices.
- Ensure program activities comply with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and Medicaid requirements.
Project, Contract & Grant Coordination
- Coordinate and monitor PRTF related projects, contracts, grants, and program activities.
- Evaluate program performance, identify trends and gaps, and recommend improvements to quality, access, and care transitions.
- Prepare concise reports and outcome evaluations to support system effectiveness.
Stakeholder Consultation & Technical Assistance
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to PRTFs, county behavioral health boards, managed care organizations, hospitals, providers, and other child serving partners on policies, program requirements, and best practices.
- Participate in statewide committees and workgroups; collaborate with agencies including Medicaid, Children and Youth, and Developmental Disabilities to improve cross system coordination.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 14 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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
For all “programmatic” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in one of following fields: mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation or 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/ habilitation plans for persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of interdisciplinary team to assess consumers'/residents' needs & abilities; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state & federal regulations, standards & court orders governing care, custody, treatment, programming & environment of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers, or regulating drug treatment center operations or federally funded drug abuse services, or governing delivery of psychiatric services in adult correctional institution, or affecting community mental health programs (i.e., category of state & federal regulations, standards & court orders must be linked directly to type of facility & services being provided).
For all “administration staff” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences or 12 mos. exp. developing goals, objectives, policies & procedures of operational unit or program of agency or firm & monitoring implementation of same.
In addition to one of preceding categories (i.e., programmatic positions or administrative staff), 6 mos. trg. in supervisory principles/techniques or 6 mos. exp. scheduling, monitoring & evaluating personnel; 6 mos. trg. in budgeting or 6 mos. exp. determining budget needs & spending for operational unit or program of agency or firm; 6 mos. trg. in employee training & development or 6 mos. exp. writing training materials or conducting training; 3 mos. trg. in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling personnel for adequate coverage & making staff projections.
- Or 6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 3, 65223.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Travel may be required; may be exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skill: Behavioral Health
Technical Skills: Policy Direction, Behavioral Health, Planning and Development, Public Relations
Professional Skills: Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Leading Others, Presenting, Strategic Thinking
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. DBH 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 ROLE
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) Lead to support and oversee statewide initiatives that enhance access to high-quality psychiatric residential treatment and intensive behavioral health services for children and youth. This role helps strengthen the continuum of care, improves system coordination, and drives positive outcomes for families across Ohio. The position directly supports statewide efforts to ensure children and youth receive safe, effective, family-centered residential treatment and behavioral health services. Your work will help shape systems, strengthen provider capacity, and advance department priorities that improve outcomes for families.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration & System Leadership
- Administer statewide Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) programs and intensive behavioral health initiatives for children and youth.
- Implement department priorities to improve access to residential treatment, strengthen the care continuum, and enhance outcomes for children, youth, and families.
- Develop statewide program guidance, policies, procedures, and recommendations aligned with evidence informed and family driven practices.
- Ensure program activities comply with state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and Medicaid requirements.
Project, Contract & Grant Coordination
- Coordinate and monitor PRTF related projects, contracts, grants, and program activities.
- Evaluate program performance, identify trends and gaps, and recommend improvements to quality, access, and care transitions.
- Prepare concise reports and outcome evaluations to support system effectiveness.
Stakeholder Consultation & Technical Assistance
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to PRTFs, county behavioral health boards, managed care organizations, hospitals, providers, and other child serving partners on policies, program requirements, and best practices.
- Participate in statewide committees and workgroups; collaborate with agencies including Medicaid, Children and Youth, and Developmental Disabilities to improve cross system coordination.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 14 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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
For all “programmatic” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in one of following fields: mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation or 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/ habilitation plans for persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of interdisciplinary team to assess consumers'/residents' needs & abilities; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state & federal regulations, standards & court orders governing care, custody, treatment, programming & environment of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers, or regulating drug treatment center operations or federally funded drug abuse services, or governing delivery of psychiatric services in adult correctional institution, or affecting community mental health programs (i.e., category of state & federal regulations, standards & court orders must be linked directly to type of facility & services being provided).
For all “administration staff” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences or 12 mos. exp. developing goals, objectives, policies & procedures of operational unit or program of agency or firm & monitoring implementation of same.
In addition to one of preceding categories (i.e., programmatic positions or administrative staff), 6 mos. trg. in supervisory principles/techniques or 6 mos. exp. scheduling, monitoring & evaluating personnel; 6 mos. trg. in budgeting or 6 mos. exp. determining budget needs & spending for operational unit or program of agency or firm; 6 mos. trg. in employee training & development or 6 mos. exp. writing training materials or conducting training; 3 mos. trg. in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling personnel for adequate coverage & making staff projections.
- Or 6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 3, 65223.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Travel may be required; may be exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skill: Behavioral Health
Technical Skills: Policy Direction, Behavioral Health, Planning and Development, Public Relations
Professional Skills: Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Leading Others, Presenting, Strategic Thinking
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. DBH 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.
Mental Health Job Roles in Ohio
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Search Mental Health Jobs in OhioMental Health Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types are most common for mental health roles in Ohio?
The H-1B is the most common visa for licensed mental health roles in Ohio, covering positions like psychologists, licensed counselors, and clinical social workers when the role meets specialty occupation requirements. The J-1 visa is also widely used, particularly through medical and clinical exchange programs at Ohio's academic medical centers. Some roles at nonprofit or government-affiliated organizations may also qualify for cap-exempt H-1B petitions.
Which companies sponsor visas for mental health professionals in Ohio?
Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, University Hospitals, and Nationwide Children's Hospital are among the larger Ohio employers with established immigration sponsorship programs. Community mental health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the state also sponsor visas, particularly for roles in underserved areas. Academic institutions like Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University hire clinical mental health professionals and have sponsored visas for qualifying positions.
Which cities in Ohio have the most mental health sponsorship jobs?
Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati account for the majority of mental health visa sponsorship opportunities in Ohio. Columbus benefits from a large healthcare infrastructure centered around OhioHealth and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Cleveland's medical corridor, anchored by Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, generates consistent demand. Cincinnati has strong representation from Mercy Health and the University of Cincinnati Health system, with active hiring for licensed clinical roles.
How to find mental health visa sponsorship jobs in Ohio?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters mental health roles in Ohio by visa sponsorship availability, so you're not sorting through listings from employers who won't sponsor. Searching by role type, such as licensed counselor, psychologist, or clinical social worker, and filtering to Ohio surfaces employers actively hiring international candidates. This is more targeted than general job searches, which rarely surface sponsorship status upfront.
Are there any state-specific considerations for mental health professionals seeking visa sponsorship in Ohio?
Ohio requires independent licensure for most clinical mental health roles, including licensed professional counselors (LPC) and licensed independent social workers (LISW), which can affect visa eligibility if you're still completing supervised hours. Employers sponsoring H-1B visas must pay the Department of Labor's prevailing wage for the specific role and county. Ohio's strong network of academic medical centers also creates pathways through residency and postdoctoral training programs, which commonly use J-1 exchange visitor status.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mental health jobs in Ohio?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.