H-1B Visa Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs
Certified Recreational Therapist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a closely related field. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities are among the most active sponsors. USCIS scrutinizes degree-to-role alignment closely for allied health positions, so documenting that your employer requires the specific credential matters.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a compassionate, talented Recreational Therapist to join a cohesive and dedicated Psychiatric Rehabilitation Team.
The primary role of the Rec Therapist is to support staff, clients, and affiliated program utilization of the wellness areas at the Fuller site including the gymnasium and fitness center while following all policy and procedure. In coordination with the Director of Rehab, the Rec Therapist will maintain inventory of equipment, request new equipment to support client engagement, and request repair or replacement of existing equipment as needed. Provides recreational groups to inpatient clients. Ensures safety of clients and staff during on-unit and off-unit recreational activities.
Please Note: This is a full-time 40-hour position, Sunday – Thursday 9a-5:30p days off Friday and Saturday.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general Summary and not all inclusive):
- Supports inpatient clients and clients from affiliated programs with meaningful engagement in wellness and leisure activities.
- Supports staff utilization of wellness areas.
- Participate in maintaining safety in wellness areas.
- Maintains equipment while recommending repair and replacement as indicated.
Required Qualifications:
- Understanding of the factors, trends and problems in providing recreation services to special client groups, such as people living with mental health, physical and/or age-related challenges.
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in general recreation activities including swimming.
- Knowledge of methods and techniques of counseling as applied to therapeutic recreation.
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as applied to recreation therapy.
- Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
- Capacity to stimulate interest and participation in recreational activities.
- Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds.
- Capacity to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience and ability to facilitate individual and group activities, including physical activities/exercise.
- CPR/First-Aid Certificate.
Special Requirements:
- Current Massachusetts Driver’s License.
Working Conditions:
- Recreational Therapists may work in psychiatric treatment settings with individuals living with emotional distress, mental health conditions and/or intellectual disabilities as well as with people within the correctional system.
- Recreational Therapists may also work out-of-doors exposed to changing weather conditions.
- Recreational Therapists may need to travel for work related purposes.
Agency Mission:
The Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Mental health Center, (Fuller) 60 bed inpatient psychiatric facility provides comprehensive, information and timely forensic evaluations for individuals to determine pre-trial competency and/or criminal responsibility. We also provide quality, integrated care to support an individual’s recovery process through ongoing psychiatric treatment and care.
We envision an environment that is committed to preventing restraint and seclusion in which leadership and staff model compassion, caring, and hope.
An environment where individual's strengths are recognized and these strengths are utilized to foster hope, facilitate self-determination, and promote physical health and well-being so the individual can become more resilient, forge lasting community alliances and supports to live a fulfilling life.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. 4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in planning, organizing, instituting or conducting therapeutic recreation services in a recognized public or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience in the substitution below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Recreational Therapist I
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-85 East Newton Street
Job: Medical Services
Agency: Department of Mental Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Sep 16, 2026, 7:40:37 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 51,971.14 - 69,629.30 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christina Hyppolite /christina.r.hyppolite@mass.gov - 8572835830
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
INTRODUCTION
The Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a compassionate, talented Recreational Therapist to join a cohesive and dedicated Psychiatric Rehabilitation Team.
The primary role of the Rec Therapist is to support staff, clients, and affiliated program utilization of the wellness areas at the Fuller site including the gymnasium and fitness center while following all policy and procedure. In coordination with the Director of Rehab, the Rec Therapist will maintain inventory of equipment, request new equipment to support client engagement, and request repair or replacement of existing equipment as needed. Provides recreational groups to inpatient clients. Ensures safety of clients and staff during on-unit and off-unit recreational activities.
Please Note: This is a full-time 40-hour position, Sunday – Thursday 9a-5:30p days off Friday and Saturday.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general Summary and not all inclusive):
- Supports inpatient clients and clients from affiliated programs with meaningful engagement in wellness and leisure activities.
- Supports staff utilization of wellness areas.
- Participate in maintaining safety in wellness areas.
- Maintains equipment while recommending repair and replacement as indicated.
Required Qualifications:
- Understanding of the factors, trends and problems in providing recreation services to special client groups, such as people living with mental health, physical and/or age-related challenges.
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in general recreation activities including swimming.
- Knowledge of methods and techniques of counseling as applied to therapeutic recreation.
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as applied to recreation therapy.
- Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
- Capacity to stimulate interest and participation in recreational activities.
- Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds.
- Capacity to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience and ability to facilitate individual and group activities, including physical activities/exercise.
- CPR/First-Aid Certificate.
Special Requirements:
- Current Massachusetts Driver’s License.
Working Conditions:
- Recreational Therapists may work in psychiatric treatment settings with individuals living with emotional distress, mental health conditions and/or intellectual disabilities as well as with people within the correctional system.
- Recreational Therapists may also work out-of-doors exposed to changing weather conditions.
- Recreational Therapists may need to travel for work related purposes.
Agency Mission:
The Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Mental health Center, (Fuller) 60 bed inpatient psychiatric facility provides comprehensive, information and timely forensic evaluations for individuals to determine pre-trial competency and/or criminal responsibility. We also provide quality, integrated care to support an individual’s recovery process through ongoing psychiatric treatment and care.
We envision an environment that is committed to preventing restraint and seclusion in which leadership and staff model compassion, caring, and hope.
An environment where individual's strengths are recognized and these strengths are utilized to foster hope, facilitate self-determination, and promote physical health and well-being so the individual can become more resilient, forge lasting community alliances and supports to live a fulfilling life.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. 4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in planning, organizing, instituting or conducting therapeutic recreation services in a recognized public or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience in the substitution below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in recreation, recreation education, creative arts therapy or therapeutic recreation may be substituted for the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Recreational Therapist I
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-85 East Newton Street
Job: Medical Services
Agency: Department of Mental Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Sep 16, 2026, 7:40:37 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 51,971.14 - 69,629.30 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christina Hyppolite /christina.r.hyppolite@mass.gov - 8572835830
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
See all H-1B Visa Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Certified Recreational Therapist
Verify your CTRS credential before filing
USCIS requires proof that your role demands a specialized degree, not just licensure. Have your CTRS certification from NCTRC and your transcripts ready before your employer files the I-129, since RFEs in allied health often target credential documentation.
Target healthcare systems over smaller clinics
Hospital networks and multi-site rehabilitation groups have established HR and legal infrastructure for H-1B filings. Smaller outpatient clinics often lack the in-house counsel needed to navigate DOL Labor Condition Application requirements for the first time.
Search H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified LCA filing history for therapeutic recreation and allied health roles. This shows you which facilities have actually sponsored H-1B workers in your occupation, not just those that list sponsorship as possible.
Benchmark your wage using OFLC Wage Search
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the DOL prevailing wage for Recreational Therapists in your work location. Pull the wage level from OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer so you can confirm the salary meets LCA requirements.
Confirm your job duties match the O*NET definition
USCIS uses the O*NET occupation profile for Recreational Therapists to evaluate whether your role qualifies as a specialty occupation. If your duties skew toward activity aide work rather than assessment and treatment planning, the petition is at higher risk of an RFE.
Plan around the cap and fiscal year timeline
H-1B cap-subject filings open in March for an October 1 start date. If you're negotiating a start date with an employer, build at least six months of lead time into your offer, and ask whether they're willing to pay for premium processing to reduce uncertainty.
H-1B Visa Certified Recreational Therapist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Recreational Therapist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, when the employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in therapeutic recreation, recreation therapy, or a closely related field as a minimum for the position. USCIS evaluates whether the degree requirement is standard across the industry for that role. Positions at hospitals and rehabilitation centers that mandate the CTRS credential typically satisfy the specialty occupation standard more cleanly than general activity-coordinator roles.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Recreational Therapists?
Hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, Veterans Affairs medical centers, and skilled nursing organizations are the most common sponsors for Recreational Therapist H-1B petitions. VA medical centers are government employers and cap-exempt, which means they can file year-round without going through the lottery. Use Migrate Mate to identify facilities with documented LCA filing history for this occupation.
Is the CTRS certification from NCTRC required for H-1B sponsorship?
CTRS certification isn't a USCIS requirement on its own, but many sponsoring employers list it as a condition of employment, and having it strengthens the specialty occupation argument by demonstrating the role requires specialized knowledge. Some state licensure requirements for recreational therapists also intersect with H-1B eligibility, so confirm your employer's specific credential requirements before the petition is filed.
Can a Recreational Therapist working for a VA medical center avoid the H-1B lottery?
Yes. VA medical centers are federal government employers and qualify as cap-exempt institutions under the H-1B program. This means USCIS accepts petitions for VA positions year-round without the April lottery registration requirement. The filing process, forms, and prevailing wage obligations remain the same, but you don't face the selection uncertainty that cap-subject petitions do.
What prevailing wage level should a Certified Recreational Therapist expect for LCA purposes?
The DOL assigns prevailing wage levels based on the occupation's SOC code, your geographic work location, and the complexity of job duties. Recreational Therapists typically fall at Level I or Level II depending on experience and supervisory responsibilities. Your employer is required to pay at or above the applicable level. You can look up the current rate for your location using the OFLC Wage Search tool before accepting an offer.