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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As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position is responsible for developing treatment plans, implementing and evaluating recreation therapy interventions and ensuring safe and appropriate therapeutic services are provided.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Provides safe and appropriate specialized programs.
- Assesses patients, develops and implements treatment programs to meet the goals of treatment services and patient needs.
- Establishes treatment goals.
- Evaluates therapy results and modifies treatment plans accordingly.
- Develops discharge plans in collaboration with patient, family and treatment team members.
- Participates as an active member of the treatment team.
- Participates in the department and service delivery unit's quality improvement programs.
- Evaluates and assists in procurement of needed resources.
- May assist in orientation, supervision and professional development of new staff and students.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above.
- Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
- Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
- In performing daily work responsibilities with patients, the incumbent must constantly monitor safety and be able to foresee problems before they become a crisis. It may be required to address and resolve crisis situations involving patients.
- The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
- The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
Qualifications
Licenses Required
- One of the following
- Current licensure to practice as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) in the State of Utah.
- Current licensure to practice as a Master Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (MTRS) in the State of Utah.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Preferred
- Two years of related experience.
- Current Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card through American Heart Association or obtain one within one month of hire.
- National certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
This position involves intermediate work that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects while providing patient care to those with psychiatric conditions.
Physical Requirements
Walking, Stooping and Crouching, Standing, Speaking, Sitting, Reaching, Pulling and/or Pushing, Non Indicated, Manual Dexterity, Listening, Lifting, Far Vision, Crawling, Climbing, Carrying
Multi-lingual Candidates Welcomed
To inquire about this posting, email: careers@hsc.utah.edu
EEO Statement
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patient populations.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at eoe.utah.edu/
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
Requisition Number 85110
Reg/Temp Regular
Employment Type PRN
Shift Day
Work Schedule Variable
Clinical/Non-Clinical Status Clinical
Location Name Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI)
Workplace Set Up On-site
City SALT LAKE CITY
State UT
Department HMH CST 93H EXPRESSIVE THERAPY
Category Social Services
Workplace Set Up On-site
Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position is responsible for developing treatment plans, implementing and evaluating recreation therapy interventions and ensuring safe and appropriate therapeutic services are provided.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Provides safe and appropriate specialized programs.
- Assesses patients, develops and implements treatment programs to meet the goals of treatment services and patient needs.
- Establishes treatment goals.
- Evaluates therapy results and modifies treatment plans accordingly.
- Develops discharge plans in collaboration with patient, family and treatment team members.
- Participates as an active member of the treatment team.
- Participates in the department and service delivery unit's quality improvement programs.
- Evaluates and assists in procurement of needed resources.
- May assist in orientation, supervision and professional development of new staff and students.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above.
- Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
- Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
- In performing daily work responsibilities with patients, the incumbent must constantly monitor safety and be able to foresee problems before they become a crisis. It may be required to address and resolve crisis situations involving patients.
- The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
- The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
Qualifications
Licenses Required
- One of the following
- Current licensure to practice as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) in the State of Utah.
- Current licensure to practice as a Master Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (MTRS) in the State of Utah.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Preferred
- Two years of related experience.
- Current Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card through American Heart Association or obtain one within one month of hire.
- National certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
This position involves intermediate work that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects while providing patient care to those with psychiatric conditions.
Physical Requirements
Walking, Stooping and Crouching, Standing, Speaking, Sitting, Reaching, Pulling and/or Pushing, Non Indicated, Manual Dexterity, Listening, Lifting, Far Vision, Crawling, Climbing, Carrying
Multi-lingual Candidates Welcomed
To inquire about this posting, email: careers@hsc.utah.edu
EEO Statement
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patient populations.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at eoe.utah.edu/
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
Requisition Number 85110
Reg/Temp Regular
Employment Type PRN
Shift Day
Work Schedule Variable
Clinical/Non-Clinical Status Clinical
Location Name Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI)
Workplace Set Up On-site
City SALT LAKE CITY
State UT
Department HMH CST 93H EXPRESSIVE THERAPY
Category Social Services
Workplace Set Up On-site
See all 36+ 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.