Mental Health Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Mental health specialists can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the role requires a master's degree in clinical psychology, counseling, or social work. Most positions fall under specialty occupation criteria, though some community health roles may not qualify if they accept any bachelor's degree. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II - Part Time: 4p - 12:30a (Sat & Sun)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department 988 Chat & Text Backup
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 Specialist II (Part Time: 4p – 12:30a Sat & Sun) for the 988 Lifeline Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Performs functions in support of the Unit’s mission providing streamlined, prompt, and “customer friendly” services to clients of the 988 Lifeline Services. Receives telephone, chat and/or text requests for service, undertakes assessment of the service need of the client and responds by offering support and appropriate referrals or disposition. Demonstrates competency in recognizing the unique needs of clients and applying relevant assessment and support skills with regard to a wide range of issues.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Models for clients’ good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self help strategies as observed by supervisor and as indicated by feedback from clients and team members.
- Accepts service requests, responds to incoming calls, chats and/or texts within prescribed timeframe, as observed by supervisor.
- Maintains comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of resources and programs used by the Center and Unit in order to provide guidance to clients and make appropriate referrals, as observed by supervisor.
- Performs assessment and makes appropriate disposition as indicated by feedback from receiving program/referral; client satisfaction supervised observations, or other provider.
- Collaborates effectively with other staff members and referral sources for disposition, as indicated by supervisory observation.
- Documents all client contact information in accordance with departmental protocols and accurately and appropriately inputs data in unit’s informational system, as observed by supervisor.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 187
Salary Details $28.30 per hour
Minimum Salary 28.300
Mid Range Salary 28.800
Maximum Salary 29.660
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 Part Time
Working Hours 16 per week
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Evening
Work Arrangement
This position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97/Ineligible
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility None
Minimum Education and Experience
Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the fulltime equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- This position demands standing, walking throughout the program space.
- Lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Handles phone requests under time and decision-making pressure.
- Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.
- Crisis intervention is a common occurrence.
Special Conditions
Posting Number 26ST1354
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City Remote
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 Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the fulltime equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field?
- Yes
- No
- Are you able to work Saturdays & Sundays, 4pm – 12:30am?
- Yes
- No
- Are you able to work Holidays?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
* Resume/CV
Optional Documents
* Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II - Part Time: 4p - 12:30a (Sat & Sun)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department 988 Chat & Text Backup
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 Specialist II (Part Time: 4p – 12:30a Sat & Sun) for the 988 Lifeline Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Performs functions in support of the Unit’s mission providing streamlined, prompt, and “customer friendly” services to clients of the 988 Lifeline Services. Receives telephone, chat and/or text requests for service, undertakes assessment of the service need of the client and responds by offering support and appropriate referrals or disposition. Demonstrates competency in recognizing the unique needs of clients and applying relevant assessment and support skills with regard to a wide range of issues.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Models for clients’ good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self help strategies as observed by supervisor and as indicated by feedback from clients and team members.
- Accepts service requests, responds to incoming calls, chats and/or texts within prescribed timeframe, as observed by supervisor.
- Maintains comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of resources and programs used by the Center and Unit in order to provide guidance to clients and make appropriate referrals, as observed by supervisor.
- Performs assessment and makes appropriate disposition as indicated by feedback from receiving program/referral; client satisfaction supervised observations, or other provider.
- Collaborates effectively with other staff members and referral sources for disposition, as indicated by supervisory observation.
- Documents all client contact information in accordance with departmental protocols and accurately and appropriately inputs data in unit’s informational system, as observed by supervisor.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 187
Salary Details $28.30 per hour
Minimum Salary 28.300
Mid Range Salary 28.800
Maximum Salary 29.660
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 Part Time
Working Hours 16 per week
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift Evening
Work Arrangement
This position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97/Ineligible
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility None
Minimum Education and Experience
Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the fulltime equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- This position demands standing, walking throughout the program space.
- Lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Handles phone requests under time and decision-making pressure.
- Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.
- Crisis intervention is a common occurrence.
Special Conditions
Posting Number 26ST1354
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City Remote
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 Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the fulltime equivalent) in a mental health field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health, social or human services field?
- Yes
- No
- Are you able to work Saturdays & Sundays, 4pm – 12:30am?
- Yes
- No
- Are you able to work Holidays?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
* Resume/CV
Optional Documents
* Cover Letter/Letter of Application
See all 1,043+ Mental Health Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mental Health Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Mental Health Specialist
Emphasize clinical training requirements
Highlight that your role requires specialized clinical knowledge, supervised practice hours, and state licensure. This strengthens the specialty occupation argument for H-1B approval.
Target healthcare systems over community centers
Hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and integrated health systems typically have stronger H-1B track records than community mental health organizations or non-profits.
Get state licensing requirements upfront
Each state has different licensing requirements for mental health professionals. Secure your education credential evaluation and exam eligibility before visa interviews.
Document your clinical specialization
USCIS favors roles requiring specific expertise like trauma therapy, addiction counseling, or child psychology over general mental health support positions.
Consider telehealth compliance issues
Remote mental health roles may face additional scrutiny regarding state licensing, HIPAA compliance, and whether the position truly requires specialty occupation qualifications.
Prepare for degree-to-role alignment questions
Be ready to explain how your psychology or counseling degree directly relates to clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning in your specific role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mental health specialists qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, when the role requires a master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field. Positions involving clinical assessment, therapy, and treatment planning typically qualify as specialty occupations. General support roles that accept any bachelor's degree may not qualify.
How to find Mental Health Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Mental Health Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsored positions. Focus on healthcare systems, hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice groups that commonly sponsor H-1B visa, TN visa, or O-1 visas for qualified mental health professionals. These employers often face staffing shortages and actively recruit internationally licensed specialists.
What degree do I need for mental health visa sponsorship?
Most positions require a master's degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy. Some specialized roles may accept a bachelor's in psychology with additional clinical certifications, but master's level education strengthens visa applications significantly.
Which employers sponsor visas for mental health specialists?
Large hospital systems, integrated healthcare networks, psychiatric facilities, and university counseling centers commonly sponsor H-1B visas. Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, and major academic medical centers have strong sponsorship histories. Small private practices rarely sponsor due to cost and complexity.
Can I work in telehealth on an H-1B visa?
Yes, but you must be licensed in each state where you provide services and your employer must be authorized in those states. The LCA must reflect your primary work location, and USCIS may scrutinize whether remote mental health roles truly require specialty occupation qualifications.
What's the approval rate for mental health H-1B petitions?
Mental health positions with clear master's degree requirements typically see approval rates similar to other healthcare roles, around 85-90%. Positions with ambiguous educational requirements or those that could be filled by bachelor's-level professionals face higher denial rates and RFE requests.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Mental 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.