Green Card Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs
Rehabilitation Specialist roles qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process, which requires employers to document recruiting efforts before filing your I-140 petition. Physical and occupational rehabilitation positions often satisfy specialty occupation criteria, and healthcare systems across the U.S. regularly sponsor foreign-trained clinicians for permanent residency.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The IRF CMG Coding & Payment Integrity SME is responsible for leading clinical and coding validation efforts related to CMS Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS), with a specialized focus on Case Mix Group (CMG) assignment, functional scoring (IRF PAI), and comorbidity tiering accuracy.
This role partners across clinical, coding, and analytics teams to identify, validate, and recover payment variances driven by documentation gaps, functional scoring discrepancies, and incorrect comorbidity tier assignment.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
- CMG & Tiering Validation
- Perform detailed reviews of IRF cases to validate:
- CMG assignment accuracy
- Functional scoring (IRF PAI Section GG) integrity
- Comorbidity tier assignment (Tier 1, 2, 3 vs. non-tier)
- Identify and quantify overpayments and underpayments tied to CMG and tiering misclassification
-
Apply CMS Grouper logic to validate expected CMG outcomes
-
Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
- Evaluate alignment between:
- Medical record documentation
- IRF PAI functional scores
- ICD 10 coding and comorbidity capture
- Lead clinical validation for:
- Etiologic diagnosis (primary rehab driver)
- Comorbidity eligibility for tiering
-
Identify patterns of:
- Unsupported functional scores
- Incorrect diagnosis sequencing
- Missed or invalid tier opportunities
-
Audit & Recovery Strategy
- Support development of CMG-focused audit strategies, including:
- Targeting high-weight CMGs
- Tiering-driven opportunity identification
- CARC/RARC mapping for denial alignment
- Partner with analytics teams to:
- Define data elements (IRF PAI, ICD 10, LOS, CMG weights)
- Build prioritization logic for claim selection
-
Draft audit rationales, findings summaries, and client-facing reports
-
Regulatory Expertise & SME Leadership
- Serve as internal SME on:
- CMS IRF PPS rules
- CMG Grouper updates and annual recalibration
- Comorbidity tiering changes and exclusions
- Interpret CMS rule updates and translate into:
- Operational guidance
- Audit logic enhancements
-
Provide education and training to internal teams and clients
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with:
- Clinical teams (therapy, nursing documentation)
- Coding teams (ICD 10 and IRF PAI specialists)
- Payment integrity and recovery teams
- Support product development and strategy for IRF-related solutions
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Clinical Licensure - Hold a license in one of the following: RN, PT, OT, SLP
- Coding Licensure - RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CPC with strong IRF experience
- 5+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) coding or auditing
- IRF PAI completion and functional scoring
- Payment integrity, DRG/CMG validation, or audit recovery
- Experience applying CMS regulatory guidance in an audit or compliance setting
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- CMG assignment methodology
- IRF PPS payment structure
- Comorbidity tiering logic and ICD 10 application
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
- CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder)
- CDIP (Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner)
- Experience in payment integrity / recovery audits (vs. only facility coding)
- Experience identifying tiering eligibility exclusions or misclassification
- Proven background in functional scoring validation (GG items)
- Proven exposure to IRF Grouper tools or CMS Web Pricer logic
- Proven ability to translate findings into financial impact narratives
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Deep IRF PPS knowledge (CMG, IRF PAI, tiering)
- Solid clinical documentation interpretation skills
- Ability to link documentation coding & payment outcomes
- Audit and investigative mindset (root cause + financial impact)
- Experience with large dataset review and trend identification
- Solid communication skills for client-facing reporting
SUCCESS PROFILE (What "great" looks like in this role)
- Consistently identifies high-value CMG/tiering opportunities
- Detects documentation vs IRF PAI inconsistencies
- Improves audit yield by focusing on:
- High-weight CMGs
- Tier 2/3 cases
- Serves as a trusted SME for both clinical and coding validation
All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
INTRODUCTION
Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The IRF CMG Coding & Payment Integrity SME is responsible for leading clinical and coding validation efforts related to CMS Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS), with a specialized focus on Case Mix Group (CMG) assignment, functional scoring (IRF PAI), and comorbidity tiering accuracy.
This role partners across clinical, coding, and analytics teams to identify, validate, and recover payment variances driven by documentation gaps, functional scoring discrepancies, and incorrect comorbidity tier assignment.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
- CMG & Tiering Validation
- Perform detailed reviews of IRF cases to validate:
- CMG assignment accuracy
- Functional scoring (IRF PAI Section GG) integrity
- Comorbidity tier assignment (Tier 1, 2, 3 vs. non-tier)
- Identify and quantify overpayments and underpayments tied to CMG and tiering misclassification
-
Apply CMS Grouper logic to validate expected CMG outcomes
-
Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
- Evaluate alignment between:
- Medical record documentation
- IRF PAI functional scores
- ICD 10 coding and comorbidity capture
- Lead clinical validation for:
- Etiologic diagnosis (primary rehab driver)
- Comorbidity eligibility for tiering
-
Identify patterns of:
- Unsupported functional scores
- Incorrect diagnosis sequencing
- Missed or invalid tier opportunities
-
Audit & Recovery Strategy
- Support development of CMG-focused audit strategies, including:
- Targeting high-weight CMGs
- Tiering-driven opportunity identification
- CARC/RARC mapping for denial alignment
- Partner with analytics teams to:
- Define data elements (IRF PAI, ICD 10, LOS, CMG weights)
- Build prioritization logic for claim selection
-
Draft audit rationales, findings summaries, and client-facing reports
-
Regulatory Expertise & SME Leadership
- Serve as internal SME on:
- CMS IRF PPS rules
- CMG Grouper updates and annual recalibration
- Comorbidity tiering changes and exclusions
- Interpret CMS rule updates and translate into:
- Operational guidance
- Audit logic enhancements
-
Provide education and training to internal teams and clients
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with:
- Clinical teams (therapy, nursing documentation)
- Coding teams (ICD 10 and IRF PAI specialists)
- Payment integrity and recovery teams
- Support product development and strategy for IRF-related solutions
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Clinical Licensure - Hold a license in one of the following: RN, PT, OT, SLP
- Coding Licensure - RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CPC with strong IRF experience
- 5+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) coding or auditing
- IRF PAI completion and functional scoring
- Payment integrity, DRG/CMG validation, or audit recovery
- Experience applying CMS regulatory guidance in an audit or compliance setting
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- CMG assignment methodology
- IRF PPS payment structure
- Comorbidity tiering logic and ICD 10 application
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
- CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder)
- CDIP (Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner)
- Experience in payment integrity / recovery audits (vs. only facility coding)
- Experience identifying tiering eligibility exclusions or misclassification
- Proven background in functional scoring validation (GG items)
- Proven exposure to IRF Grouper tools or CMS Web Pricer logic
- Proven ability to translate findings into financial impact narratives
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Deep IRF PPS knowledge (CMG, IRF PAI, tiering)
- Solid clinical documentation interpretation skills
- Ability to link documentation coding & payment outcomes
- Audit and investigative mindset (root cause + financial impact)
- Experience with large dataset review and trend identification
- Solid communication skills for client-facing reporting
SUCCESS PROFILE (What "great" looks like in this role)
- Consistently identifies high-value CMG/tiering opportunities
- Detects documentation vs IRF PAI inconsistencies
- Improves audit yield by focusing on:
- High-weight CMGs
- Tier 2/3 cases
- Serves as a trusted SME for both clinical and coding validation
All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
See all 6,812+ Green Card Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Rehabilitation Specialist
Verify your credential equivalency before applying
Foreign rehabilitation degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency before PERM can proceed. Get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization early, since USCIS and DOL both rely on it to confirm your degree meets the EB-2 or EB-3 educational threshold.
Target employers with active PERM filing history
Search the DOL's OFLC Wage Search and public PERM disclosure data to identify healthcare systems and rehabilitation networks that have sponsored foreign workers in your SOC code. Employers already familiar with the PERM process move faster and make fewer filing errors.
Distinguish EB-3 sponsorship from H-1B during interviews
When discussing sponsorship with hiring managers, clarify that PERM-based green card sponsorship doesn't compete in an annual lottery. For most countries, EB-3 priority dates are current or move predictably, which reduces the uncertainty employers associate with H-1B visa-dependent hiring plans.
Confirm the prevailing wage tier before negotiating salary
Your employer must pay at or above the DOL-certified prevailing wage for your location and role level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the wage tier yourself before salary discussions, so you know whether a job offer structurally supports your PERM application.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsoring rehabilitation employers
Search Migrate Mate to filter Rehabilitation Specialist openings by employers with documented green card sponsorship activity. This saves time you'd otherwise spend cold-contacting HR departments to ask about PERM sponsorship willingness before applying.
Track your priority date once I-140 is approved
After your employer's I-140 petition is approved by USCIS, your priority date is locked in, even if you change employers under AC21 portability rules. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to monitor when your date becomes current and adjustment of status filing opens.
Green Card Rehabilitation Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Rehabilitation Specialist roles qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most Rehabilitation Specialist positions qualify under EB-3 as skilled workers or professionals, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a related field. Roles requiring a master's degree or specialized clinical training may qualify under EB-2 as advanced-degree professionals. Your employer's attorney determines the appropriate category based on the job description and your credentials before filing the PERM application with DOL.
How does PERM green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for this role?
The PERM process leads to permanent residency rather than a temporary status, so there's no H-1B lottery and no six-year cap to worry about. The tradeoff is timeline: PERM labor certification, I-140 approval, and adjustment of status together typically take two to four years for most nationalities. H-1B is faster initially but requires annual extensions and remains temporary. For rehabilitation roles in high-demand settings, many employers prefer PERM because it supports long-term workforce planning.
What licensing requirements affect the PERM process for foreign rehabilitation professionals?
State licensure is required to practice as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist in the U.S., and DOL expects the job offer to include any legally required credentials. If you haven't yet passed your licensure exam, some employers structure the PERM job description around a pre-licensure role, then sponsor a separate petition once you're licensed. Confirm with the hiring employer whether their PERM filing assumes current licensure or allows for a conditional start.
How do I find Rehabilitation Specialist jobs that include green card sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Rehabilitation Specialist openings filtered by employers with active employment-based green card sponsorship history. Many healthcare networks sponsor foreign rehabilitation professionals but don't advertise it prominently in job postings. Searching by sponsorship activity rather than job title alone helps you identify employers who have already completed PERM filings for similar roles and are familiar with the process.
Can I change employers after my I-140 is approved without losing my place in the green card queue?
Yes. Under AC21 portability rules, if your I-140 has been approved for at least 180 days and your adjustment of status application is pending, you can move to a new employer in the same or similar occupational classification without losing your priority date. For rehabilitation professionals, this typically means staying within the same SOC code. USCIS reviews the new role against the original job description before approving the adjustment of status.