Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs for OPT Students
Certified Recreational Therapist jobs on OPT require CTRS credentials from NCTRC, which international students can obtain before or during their OPT period. Most roles are in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to build the clinical hours many employers want before STEM extension or H-1B sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuries, illnesses and other challenges. In a variety of locations and community-based settings, we offer a range of programs, including vocational and therapy programs, day treatments, and specialized services for infants, children, adolescents, Military Service Members and Veterans.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Therapeutic Certified Recreational Therapist
Part Time Position, supporting Grand Rapids and surrounding areas
Do you have experience in Recreational Therapy and are looking for rewarding work in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others? Bring your commitment and clinical skills to a team-based workplace that puts people first.
- Provide therapeutic recreation-based treatment program opportunities, including individual and group therapy, in a safe, effective manner to all program participants.
- Complete assessment/evaluation in the areas of Recreational Therapy upon admission for all program participants.
- Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy.
- Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to meet the needs of each program participant.
- Communicate with the program participant, family, and funders as needed regarding participant status and need of services.
- Remain current and compliant with federal, state, and accrediting body regulations and standards.
- Adhere to work practices consistent with Mentor mission, policies, and procedures.
- Adhere to code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
- Procure and maintain all recreational equipment to assure safe and appropriate use by program participants and staff.
- Advocate and educate staff, program participants, and families in the areas of recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation.
- Maintain best practice methods through continued education coursework.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy.
- Two years of experience in a rehabilitation environment and/or work with persons with neurological and developmental deficits.
- Certification of CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist).
- Knowledge of rehabilitative techniques relative to recreation for persons with diverse neurological impairment.
- Ability to interpret evaluations from various disciplines (Neuropsychology, Occupational/Speech/Physical Therapies) and understand the relevance to your practice.
- Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
- Exceptional communication skills with an ability to establish trust and rapport quickly.
- A good listener with an ability to empathize while still providing guidance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Why Join Us?
- Full compensation/benefits package for full-time employees.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Complex work adding value to the organization’s mission alongside a great team of co-workers.
- Enjoy job security with nationwide career development and advancement opportunities.
We have meaningful work for you – come join our team – Apply Today!
Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuries, illnesses and other challenges. In a variety of locations and community-based settings, we offer a range of programs, including vocational and therapy programs, day treatments, and specialized services for infants, children, adolescents, Military Service Members and Veterans.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Therapeutic Certified Recreational Therapist
Part Time Position, supporting Grand Rapids and surrounding areas
Do you have experience in Recreational Therapy and are looking for rewarding work in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others? Bring your commitment and clinical skills to a team-based workplace that puts people first.
- Provide therapeutic recreation-based treatment program opportunities, including individual and group therapy, in a safe, effective manner to all program participants.
- Complete assessment/evaluation in the areas of Recreational Therapy upon admission for all program participants.
- Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy.
- Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to meet the needs of each program participant.
- Communicate with the program participant, family, and funders as needed regarding participant status and need of services.
- Remain current and compliant with federal, state, and accrediting body regulations and standards.
- Adhere to work practices consistent with Mentor mission, policies, and procedures.
- Adhere to code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
- Procure and maintain all recreational equipment to assure safe and appropriate use by program participants and staff.
- Advocate and educate staff, program participants, and families in the areas of recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation.
- Maintain best practice methods through continued education coursework.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy.
- Two years of experience in a rehabilitation environment and/or work with persons with neurological and developmental deficits.
- Certification of CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist).
- Knowledge of rehabilitative techniques relative to recreation for persons with diverse neurological impairment.
- Ability to interpret evaluations from various disciplines (Neuropsychology, Occupational/Speech/Physical Therapies) and understand the relevance to your practice.
- Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
- Exceptional communication skills with an ability to establish trust and rapport quickly.
- A good listener with an ability to empathize while still providing guidance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Why Join Us?
- Full compensation/benefits package for full-time employees.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Complex work adding value to the organization’s mission alongside a great team of co-workers.
- Enjoy job security with nationwide career development and advancement opportunities.
We have meaningful work for you – come join our team – Apply Today!
Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Certified Recreational Therapist
Obtain or maintain your CTRS credential before applying
NCTRC certification is required for most Recreational Therapist roles in clinical and hospital settings. Having your CTRS before your OPT start date removes a common hiring barrier and signals to employers that you're ready to work independently from day one.
Target hospital systems and rehabilitation networks
Large healthcare employers like hospital systems, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and VA medical centers have established HR processes for sponsoring international staff. These organizations hire Recreational Therapists regularly and are more likely to have experience navigating OPT and H-1B paperwork.
Apply early in your OPT window
Recreational Therapist roles often have 60 to 90-day onboarding timelines due to credentialing and background checks. Applying within the first two months of your OPT authorization gives employers enough runway to hire you without worrying about your authorization expiring mid-process.
Address your OPT timeline directly with hiring managers
Many healthcare hiring managers are unfamiliar with OPT work authorization. Briefly explaining your 12-month authorization, your eligibility for a 24-month STEM extension if applicable, and the H-1B pathway reduces uncertainty and prevents your application from being passed over unnecessarily.
Highlight clinical hours and population specializations
Employers sponsoring international staff want to minimize hiring risk. Documenting specific clinical hours, population specializations like geriatrics or behavioral health, and any evidence-based program outcomes shows you bring measurable value that justifies the investment in sponsorship.
Research state licensure requirements before relocating
Some states require a separate Recreational Therapist license beyond CTRS certification. Confirming licensure requirements in your target state before accepting an offer prevents delays in your start date and avoids complications with your OPT employer reporting obligations.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Certified Recreational Therapist on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students with OPT authorization can work as Recreational Therapists provided the role is directly related to their field of study, typically therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, or a related health science. Your OPT employer is required to report your employment to your DSO within 10 days of your start date, and the job must align with your degree field on file with your school.
Is Recreational Therapy a STEM field eligible for the 24-month OPT extension?
Most Recreational Therapy degree programs are not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so the standard 24-month STEM extension does not apply. However, if your degree is in a qualifying field such as kinesiology or a related health science that does appear on the STEM list, you may be eligible. Check your specific degree classification with your DSO to confirm before planning your timeline.
Do Recreational Therapist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Hospital systems, VA medical centers, and large rehabilitation networks have sponsored H-1B visas for Recreational Therapists, though it is less common than in fields like nursing or physical therapy. The role generally qualifies as a specialty occupation because it requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. Targeting larger healthcare employers with dedicated HR teams improves your chances of finding a sponsor. Browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
What counts as a qualifying job for OPT as a Recreational Therapist?
USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For Recreational Therapists, qualifying roles include clinical Recreational Therapist positions, activity therapy coordinator roles in healthcare settings, and rehabilitation program specialist positions. Volunteering, unpaid internships, and roles that do not use your therapeutic recreation training do not count toward OPT employment and create unemployment accumulation against your 90-day limit.
How should I explain my OPT status to a Recreational Therapist employer?
Keep it straightforward. Let the hiring manager know you have 12 months of OPT work authorization, that you can start immediately upon offer acceptance, and that your employer's only administrative step is completing Form I-9 and reporting the hire to your DSO. If they ask about long-term sponsorship, explain the H-1B pathway and that many healthcare employers have successfully sponsored Recreational Therapists. Providing a one-page summary of your authorization status can help move the conversation forward.
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