OPT Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs
Rehabilitation Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students in healthcare, kinesiology, social work, and counseling. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent or fall under STEM OPT extension fields, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience while building a credential-heavy career in patient care and recovery.
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Description
Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".
Job Class: Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 2 (JRO2)
Location: East Wenatchee, WA
Closes: Friday, November 20, 2026
Salary: $52,872, $71,136 Annually. The salary does not include an on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 2 (JRO2) to join the Canyon View Community Facility team. This role provides direct supervision, transportation, monitoring, and community accountability for residents while supporting rehabilitative programming. You will also serve as a direct mentor for JRO1 security staff.
The Opportunity (JRO2):
You will assist counselors on the floor, be a role model to our youth residents, intervene if necessary, when conflicts arise, and ultimately, ensure a safe and secure environment for our youth to prosper. You will serve as a direct mentor for JRO1 security staff while you learn about the Juvenile Rehabilitation philosophy and treatment model, which will prepare you for a variety of career advancement opportunities as you support rehabilitative programming for our youth.
Some of what you will do:
- Document breaches of security, behavioral incidents, wellness checks, and daily activities.
- Perform basic data entry and retrieval functions using an electronic management information system.
- Model pro-social adaptive behavior.
- Recognize and assess problem situations and intervene to maintain safety and security within a staff secure juvenile justice treatment milieu.
- Remain calm and in control during crisis/dangerous situations and intervene to de-escalate using JR approved methods and techniques.
- Conduct routine and random security duties.
- Awaken residents and supervise completion of facility chores to meet health and hygiene standards.
- Serve and supervise meals, conduct routine and random bed checks, and inspect rooms for cleanliness and contraband.
- Transport/monitor residents during transport.
- Report any issues with security and safety systems and equipment.
Required qualifications:
One year as a Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer 1
OR
One year of relevant experience (full-time equivalency) in counseling, criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, psychology, sociology, behavioral health, or social service.
Note: Two years of college will substitute for one year of experience.
AND
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
Two or more years of experience in the areas of work such as: social services, youth group activities, security guard, correctional officer, police officer, police reserve officer, military police, or other law enforcement work; or a certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC); or, a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program.
Previously demonstrated:
- Understanding of adolescent development and juvenile rehabilitation practices and principles.
- Experience providing cognitive/behavioral therapeutic interventions.
- Competency in relating to clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups.
- Knowledge of basic juvenile correctional system, rehabilitation objectives in juvenile institutions, basic interviewing and counseling theories and techniques, basic concepts, fundamentals, and principles of individual and group behaviors, introductory psychology of deviant behavior, and crisis intervention methods and techniques.
- Ability to obtain pertinent information during interviews, assist in rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, apply rules, regulations, and procedures, appraise situations, and remain calm and in control in crisis situations and de-escalate situations.
- Ability to speak and write clearly, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:
- Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
- Current resume detailing experience and education.
Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
This position requires at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the DCYF Recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Rehabilitation Specialist
Target employers already familiar with OPT
Hospitals, rehabilitation networks, and large outpatient therapy chains regularly hire international graduates on OPT. These organizations have HR infrastructure to handle work authorization paperwork, which reduces delays and confusion during onboarding.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Rehabilitation Science, Kinesiology, and Exercise Physiology commonly appear on the STEM OPT eligible CIP code list. Verify your specific program with your DSO before applying, since STEM extension adds 24 months to your standard 12-month OPT period.
Apply before your OPT start date is too close
Many healthcare employers require credentialing and background checks that take four to six weeks. Submitting applications three to four months before your OPT end date gives employers enough runway to complete onboarding before your authorization window closes.
Highlight clinical hours and licensed supervisor experience
Employers sponsoring OPT want demonstrable hands-on experience. Quantify supervised clinical hours, patient caseloads, and any licensure progress such as COTA or PTA exam eligibility, since these signal you can contribute immediately without extensive additional training.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during first-round interviews
Rehabilitation roles can qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when a specific bachelor's degree is required. Asking early signals seriousness and helps you avoid investing in employers who categorically will not sponsor before your OPT expires.
Research state licensure requirements before accepting an offer
Rehabilitation Specialists often need state-specific credentials that take months to obtain. Confirm the employer will sponsor your licensure application and that your OPT timeline allows enough time to practice legally in that state before accepting any position.
Rehabilitation Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Rehabilitation Specialist on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying field such as Rehabilitation Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Social Work, or a related health discipline. Your employment must be directly related to your major. You will need a valid EAD card before starting work, and your DSO must report your employer in SEVP within 10 days of your start date.
Does a Rehabilitation Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program, not the job title. If your degree CIP code appears on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing your total authorized period to 36 months. Common qualifying programs include Exercise Science, Rehabilitation Science, and Biomedical Science. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before applying.
Will employers sponsor OPT students for Rehabilitation Specialist positions?
Many do, particularly large hospital systems, outpatient rehabilitation chains, and skilled nursing facilities with established HR departments. Smaller private practices are less likely to have prior OPT experience and may hesitate. Searching on Migrate Mate helps you identify employers who have already hired OPT students in rehabilitation and allied health roles, which significantly improves your odds.
Can a Rehabilitation Specialist job qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT ends?
Yes, if the employer requires a specific bachelor's degree in a directly related field, the role generally meets the H-1B specialty occupation standard. Roles in clinical rehabilitation, occupational health, and neurological recovery often satisfy this requirement. Confirm with the employer early in the process, since H-1B registration opens in March and cap-subject petitions require planning months in advance.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I finish a licensure requirement?
This is a real risk in rehabilitation careers, where state licensure can take three to six months after graduation. You should apply for OPT as early as possible, pursue STEM extension if eligible, and confirm that your employer is willing to support your H-1B or other visa transition before your EAD expires. Unlicensed practice under an expired EAD is a violation of both immigration and state law.