Recreation Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
Recreation Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in kinesiology, sport management, recreation administration, or public health. Most roles are with parks departments, campus recreation centers, or community organizations, and standard OPT work authorization covers full-time and part-time positions equally.
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Presbyterian Homes & Services - Eaglecrest is seeking a Full time Life Enrichment Assistant/Recreation Assistant to join its team. The Life Enrichment Assistant is responsible for implementing and monitoring assigned life enrichment / leisure life programming for residents consistent with regulations and established policies, procedures and best practices.
SCHEDULE/HOURS: Sunday - Thursday.
Weekdays 11:30am-8:00pm, Sundays 10:30am-7:00pm, Holiday Rotation
Salary: $19.09 - $19.97+/hr based on experience
REPORTING STRUCTURE: The Life Enrichment Assistant reports to the Life Enrichment Director.
ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY
EagleCrest
2945 Lincoln Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
EagleCrest began as a partnership between PHS and Northwestern College in 1994. The prime location near Rosedale mall offers easy access to Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as many other local conveniences and attractions.
As an employee you can take advantage of a variety of amenities such as:
- Discounted employee meals
- Free Fitness Center access
- Off-street parking
This community offers the following care options: Assisted Living, Assisted Living with Memory Care, Enhanced Assisted Living.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES PHS
By prioritizing the needs of our people, it changes the focus of the organization (PHS) to enabling, empowering, engaging, educating and inspiring YOU and the people we all touch. You, as a team member are able to bring your talents to your work, and to access the support needed to be set up for success. Together, we all make up who PHS is.
As a faith-based nonprofit organization, PHS considers our Christian Ministry values to be at the heart of all we do and it forms the cornerstone of our identity as an organization. We strive to reflect the love of God and define our service to you and others as an expression of God’s grace. Hiring people that value and support our community and culture is as important to us as hiring people who have the skills for the position. Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each year.
All are welcome
Presbyterian Homes & Services strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for residents, guests, employees, and volunteers. Our Biblical Framework and “Love One Another” Christian ministry theme (John 13:34) guide every action and help us to focus on our Mission: To honor God by enriching the lives and touching the hearts of older adults.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Implement assigned activities that help residents achieve “their best day”, filled with a wide variety of meaningful relationships and activities.
- Perform assigned work routines and daily assignments to meet the psychosocial and activities needs of residents and the Household, including:
- Creating diverse opportunities for meaningful pursuits, daily pleasures, recreation, exercise, friendships, social interaction, growth and learning, fun and enjoyment, personal routines, spontaneous activity and Household rituals.
- Participate in Chat Circles with residents and staff in the household daily.
- Assist residents with activities of their choice, group, individual or one on one.
- Take residents outdoors or out in the site community.
- Participate in outings and special events.
- Perform miscellaneous tasks as needed for residents such as shopping, running errands, assisting with correspondence, reading/writing letters etc.
- Provide one on one interaction with residents based on preferences.
- Transport residents to other parts of the community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma (or currently enrolled) or equivalent.
- Class B license or willingness to obtain within six months of hire as designated or required by site.
- Able and willing to work flexible hours such as during evenings and weekends for planned programs.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm, initiative and good rapport with residents, staff, families and volunteers.
- Demonstrated compatibility with PHS's mission and operating philosophies.
- Demonstrated ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language to communicate with all customers.
PAY RANGE: The estimated starting pay range for this role is $19.09 - $20.59 per hour. This good faith estimate is based upon PHS’s typical starting pay range for this role. Actual pay range depends upon many factors including each individual employee’s qualifications and market conditions and is subject to change.
BENEFITS:
Full-time benefits-eligible employment begins at a minimum of 30 hours per week:
- Health, and dental, including applicable HSA & FSA
- Employer Contribution to HSA for eligible Health Plans
- Life insurance (AD&D)
- Retirement, with eligibility for an employer match
- Holiday pay and extended sick
Full and Part-time benefits-eligible employment working between 20-29 hours per week:
- Vision insurance
- Voluntary short-term & long-term disability
- Accident & hospitalization coverage
- Education assistance programs
All employees:
- Accrue PTO (Paid time off)
- Same-day pay
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- College partnership educational discounts
- Access to Learn to Live Resources
ABOUT PHS:
Based in St. Paul, Minnesota–Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) is a nonprofit, faith-based organization providing a broad array of high-quality housing choices, care options and services for older adults. There are over 7,500 team members like you at PHS, serving more than 26,000 older adults through 60+ PHS-affiliated senior living communities in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, and through Optage® and other community services. PHS is also co-owner of Genevive®, the largest geriatric primary care practice in MN, providing comprehensive care for over 15,000 older adults.
An Innovative Leader: Established in 1955, PHS has earned the reputation as an Innovative Leader dedicated to promoting independence, purposeful living, and overall well-being. PHS is now one of the largest nonprofit senior housing and services providers in the US.
Our strong focus on our employees means we are committed to an environment where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. With a strong commitment to team growth from within, roughly 80% of leadership roles are filled through the development of people like you. To learn more about PHS culture, benefits and team development, we invite you to visit the "Careers" section of our website.
Let's get you started.
PHS is an EEO/AA employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.
Overview:
Presbyterian Homes & Services - Eaglecrest is seeking a Full time Life Enrichment Assistant/Recreation Assistant to join its team. The Life Enrichment Assistant is responsible for implementing and monitoring assigned life enrichment / leisure life programming for residents consistent with regulations and established policies, procedures and best practices.
SCHEDULE/HOURS: Sunday - Thursday.
Weekdays 11:30am-8:00pm, Sundays 10:30am-7:00pm, Holiday Rotation
Salary: $19.09 - $19.97+/hr based on experience
REPORTING STRUCTURE: The Life Enrichment Assistant reports to the Life Enrichment Director.
ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY
EagleCrest
2945 Lincoln Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
EagleCrest began as a partnership between PHS and Northwestern College in 1994. The prime location near Rosedale mall offers easy access to Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as many other local conveniences and attractions.
As an employee you can take advantage of a variety of amenities such as:
- Discounted employee meals
- Free Fitness Center access
- Off-street parking
This community offers the following care options: Assisted Living, Assisted Living with Memory Care, Enhanced Assisted Living.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES PHS
By prioritizing the needs of our people, it changes the focus of the organization (PHS) to enabling, empowering, engaging, educating and inspiring YOU and the people we all touch. You, as a team member are able to bring your talents to your work, and to access the support needed to be set up for success. Together, we all make up who PHS is.
As a faith-based nonprofit organization, PHS considers our Christian Ministry values to be at the heart of all we do and it forms the cornerstone of our identity as an organization. We strive to reflect the love of God and define our service to you and others as an expression of God’s grace. Hiring people that value and support our community and culture is as important to us as hiring people who have the skills for the position. Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each year.
All are welcome
Presbyterian Homes & Services strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for residents, guests, employees, and volunteers. Our Biblical Framework and “Love One Another” Christian ministry theme (John 13:34) guide every action and help us to focus on our Mission: To honor God by enriching the lives and touching the hearts of older adults.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Implement assigned activities that help residents achieve “their best day”, filled with a wide variety of meaningful relationships and activities.
- Perform assigned work routines and daily assignments to meet the psychosocial and activities needs of residents and the Household, including:
- Creating diverse opportunities for meaningful pursuits, daily pleasures, recreation, exercise, friendships, social interaction, growth and learning, fun and enjoyment, personal routines, spontaneous activity and Household rituals.
- Participate in Chat Circles with residents and staff in the household daily.
- Assist residents with activities of their choice, group, individual or one on one.
- Take residents outdoors or out in the site community.
- Participate in outings and special events.
- Perform miscellaneous tasks as needed for residents such as shopping, running errands, assisting with correspondence, reading/writing letters etc.
- Provide one on one interaction with residents based on preferences.
- Transport residents to other parts of the community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma (or currently enrolled) or equivalent.
- Class B license or willingness to obtain within six months of hire as designated or required by site.
- Able and willing to work flexible hours such as during evenings and weekends for planned programs.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm, initiative and good rapport with residents, staff, families and volunteers.
- Demonstrated compatibility with PHS's mission and operating philosophies.
- Demonstrated ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language to communicate with all customers.
PAY RANGE: The estimated starting pay range for this role is $19.09 - $20.59 per hour. This good faith estimate is based upon PHS’s typical starting pay range for this role. Actual pay range depends upon many factors including each individual employee’s qualifications and market conditions and is subject to change.
BENEFITS:
Full-time benefits-eligible employment begins at a minimum of 30 hours per week:
- Health, and dental, including applicable HSA & FSA
- Employer Contribution to HSA for eligible Health Plans
- Life insurance (AD&D)
- Retirement, with eligibility for an employer match
- Holiday pay and extended sick
Full and Part-time benefits-eligible employment working between 20-29 hours per week:
- Vision insurance
- Voluntary short-term & long-term disability
- Accident & hospitalization coverage
- Education assistance programs
All employees:
- Accrue PTO (Paid time off)
- Same-day pay
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- College partnership educational discounts
- Access to Learn to Live Resources
ABOUT PHS:
Based in St. Paul, Minnesota–Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) is a nonprofit, faith-based organization providing a broad array of high-quality housing choices, care options and services for older adults. There are over 7,500 team members like you at PHS, serving more than 26,000 older adults through 60+ PHS-affiliated senior living communities in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, and through Optage® and other community services. PHS is also co-owner of Genevive®, the largest geriatric primary care practice in MN, providing comprehensive care for over 15,000 older adults.
An Innovative Leader: Established in 1955, PHS has earned the reputation as an Innovative Leader dedicated to promoting independence, purposeful living, and overall well-being. PHS is now one of the largest nonprofit senior housing and services providers in the US.
Our strong focus on our employees means we are committed to an environment where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. With a strong commitment to team growth from within, roughly 80% of leadership roles are filled through the development of people like you. To learn more about PHS culture, benefits and team development, we invite you to visit the "Careers" section of our website.
Let's get you started.
PHS is an EEO/AA employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Recreation Assistant
Target employers with established OPT hiring
University recreation departments and large municipal parks agencies hire OPT students regularly. These organizations have HR teams familiar with work authorization paperwork, which makes the process smoother than approaching smaller private facilities for the first time.
Apply before your OPT start date
You can accept a job offer before your EAD card arrives, but you cannot start working until the card is in hand and your OPT start date has passed. Apply early so onboarding timelines align with your authorized work start date.
Tie your degree to the job description
OPT requires work to be directly related to your degree field. When applying, explicitly connect your kinesiology, recreation, or public health coursework to the role's responsibilities in your cover letter and resume to satisfy DSO and employer verification requirements.
Track your employment for SEVP reporting
You must report your Recreation Assistant position to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Keep records of your employer name, address, job title, and start date. Gaps in reporting can jeopardize your immigration status and future visa options.
Use STEM OPT extension eligibility strategically
Most Recreation Assistant roles do not fall under STEM-designated degree programs, so the 24-month STEM extension typically does not apply. Plan your job search and visa transition timeline around the standard 12-month OPT window from the start.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Recreation Assistants?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A Recreation Assistant position connects naturally to degrees in kinesiology, sport management, recreation administration, or public health. You'll need a valid EAD card before your first day, and you should confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Recreation Assistant employers typically sponsor visas after OPT ends?
Sponsorship varies significantly by employer type. Large university athletic departments and well-funded municipal parks agencies are more likely to consider H-1B sponsorship for full-time staff roles. Smaller community centers and nonprofits often lack the HR infrastructure for sponsorship. Browse Recreation Assistant roles on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have sponsored work visas before.
Does a Recreation Assistant job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Typically no. Recreation Assistant roles are not associated with STEM-designated degree programs under the DHS STEM list. If your degree is in a STEM field unrelated to recreation, the work authorization requirement still demands the job connect to your specific degree. Check with your DSO to confirm your degree's STEM designation status before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.
How many hours per week do I need to work to maintain valid OPT status?
USCIS requires OPT employment to be at least 20 hours per week to count as valid work authorization usage. Recreation Assistant positions are often part-time or seasonal, so verify your scheduled hours before accepting. Working fewer than 20 hours per week, or having gaps exceeding 90 cumulative days of unemployment, can result in a status violation.
What should I report to my DSO after starting a Recreation Assistant job?
You must report your employer name, work address, job title, and start date to your DSO within 10 days of beginning work. Your DSO updates this information in SEVIS, the federal student tracking system. Failing to report on time is a compliance violation even if your employment itself is fully authorized, so treat DSO reporting as a required first step, not an afterthought.
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