Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Behavioral health specialists help individuals manage mental health and substance abuse challenges through counseling, crisis intervention, and treatment planning. Most positions require a master's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling, making them eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3
DSHS’s Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila, WA is looking for a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join their Treatment Mall team.
A Behavioral Health Specialist 3 within the Rehabilitation Department designs and facilitates therapeutic groups that promote recovery principles, healthy leisure, and skill development. This role also provides recreation and engagement services and co-facilitates evidence-based treatment groups within the Treatment Mall. The Treatment Mall is an off-ward multipurpose therapeutic space where most services occur. Reporting to the Therapies Supervisor, with oversight from the Chief Clinical Officer, this position collaborates closely with psychology associates and the broader multidisciplinary team to support individualized recovery and wellness.
King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday 8:30am-7:00pm or Wednesday-Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm.
Some of what you'll do:
- Prepare and provide groups based on recovery principles
- Provide engagement and recreation services
- Co-facilitate evidence-based treatment groups
- Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts
- Complete required documentation
- Participate in interdisciplinary team (medical, psychiatry, nursing, social work, etc.) treatment planning
Knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:
- Ability to lead groups of varying size (5-35 people)
- Ability to communicate effectively in a team setting
- Ability to de-escalate crisis situations effectively, maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff
- Ability to work with challenging patients in a therapeutic and non-threatening manner
- Professional or personal interest in hobbies or topics that could be of interest to OHBH patients (e.g., origami, yoga, drawing, history, gardening)
- General knowledge of behavioral health disorders
- Willingness to try new things
- Ability to obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and Washington State Food Worker card within 30 days of employment
Who should apply?
Those with a bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science
AND
Two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting
OR
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
OR
Equivalent education/relevant experience
Additional information:
An Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health will also need to be obtained within 30 days of employment. More information can be found here.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions? Contact DSHS Recruiter and reference 03204.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DSHS OHBH Behavioral Health Specialist 3
DSHS’s Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health (OHBH) in Tukwila, WA is looking for a Behavioral Health Specialist 3 to join their Treatment Mall team.
A Behavioral Health Specialist 3 within the Rehabilitation Department designs and facilitates therapeutic groups that promote recovery principles, healthy leisure, and skill development. This role also provides recreation and engagement services and co-facilitates evidence-based treatment groups within the Treatment Mall. The Treatment Mall is an off-ward multipurpose therapeutic space where most services occur. Reporting to the Therapies Supervisor, with oversight from the Chief Clinical Officer, this position collaborates closely with psychology associates and the broader multidisciplinary team to support individualized recovery and wellness.
King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday 8:30am-7:00pm or Wednesday-Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm.
Some of what you'll do:
- Prepare and provide groups based on recovery principles
- Provide engagement and recreation services
- Co-facilitate evidence-based treatment groups
- Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts
- Complete required documentation
- Participate in interdisciplinary team (medical, psychiatry, nursing, social work, etc.) treatment planning
Knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:
- Ability to lead groups of varying size (5-35 people)
- Ability to communicate effectively in a team setting
- Ability to de-escalate crisis situations effectively, maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff
- Ability to work with challenging patients in a therapeutic and non-threatening manner
- Professional or personal interest in hobbies or topics that could be of interest to OHBH patients (e.g., origami, yoga, drawing, history, gardening)
- General knowledge of behavioral health disorders
- Willingness to try new things
- Ability to obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and Washington State Food Worker card within 30 days of employment
Who should apply?
Those with a bachelor's degree preferably involving major study in sociology, psychology or other social science
AND
Two years of experience working with clients in a psychiatric or mental health setting
OR
One year as a Behavioral Health Specialist 2
OR
Equivalent education/relevant experience
Additional information:
An Agency Affiliated Counselor registration from the Washington State Department of Health will also need to be obtained within 30 days of employment. More information can be found here.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions? Contact DSHS Recruiter and reference 03204.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Specialist
Target healthcare systems and community mental health centers
Large healthcare networks like Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, and state-funded community mental health organizations frequently sponsor visas due to ongoing staffing shortages in behavioral health.
Emphasize your clinical licensure and specialized training
Highlight certifications in trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or specific populations. Licensed clinicians with specialized skills face less competition in the sponsorship process.
Consider rural and underserved area positions
Employers in medically underserved areas often receive priority processing benefits and may be more willing to sponsor due to critical staffing needs.
Prepare for credential evaluation requirements
Your foreign psychology or social work degree will need evaluation by organizations like WES or ECE to demonstrate U.S. bachelor's and master's equivalency.
Research state licensing requirements early
Each state has different licensing requirements for behavioral health specialists. Some accept foreign clinical experience while others require additional supervised practice hours.
Apply to positions requiring bilingual or multicultural skills
Employers serving diverse populations value bilingual therapists and those with cross-cultural competency, making sponsorship more attractive to justify the investment.
Behavioral Health Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Behavioral Health Specialist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do behavioral health specialist positions qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, most behavioral health specialist positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship because they require a master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. The role meets the specialty occupation requirement since it demands specialized knowledge in mental health treatment, crisis intervention, and therapeutic techniques that can only be acquired through advanced education.
How to find Behavioral Health Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to search specifically for Behavioral Health Specialist positions offering visa sponsorship. Focus on healthcare systems, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, and telehealth companies that commonly sponsor H-1B visas for qualified professionals. Filter your search by employers known to hire international candidates in behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and community mental health settings.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a behavioral health specialist?
You typically need a master's degree in psychology, clinical psychology, social work, mental health counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Some positions accept a bachelor's degree with extensive clinical experience, but master's-level positions are more common and have stronger H-1B approval rates. Your degree must relate directly to the mental health field.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor behavioral health specialists?
Large healthcare systems, community mental health centers, state and county mental health departments, and nonprofit organizations frequently sponsor visas. Veterans Affairs hospitals, university counseling centers, and telehealth companies also commonly sponsor. These employers often face staffing shortages and have established sponsorship programs.
How do state licensing requirements affect visa sponsorship for this role?
State licensing requirements vary significantly but don't prevent H-1B sponsorship. Many employers will sponsor your visa while you complete licensing requirements, especially if you have foreign clinical credentials. Some states offer temporary licenses for foreign-trained professionals, while others require supervised practice hours before full licensure.
Can I get sponsored if my degree is in a related field like human services?
It depends on the specific degree and job requirements. A master's in human services with concentration in mental health counseling may qualify, but a general human services degree without clinical training typically won't. The employer must demonstrate that your specific educational background directly relates to the specialized duties of the behavioral health position.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Behavioral Health Specialist jobs?
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.
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