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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Get Access To All JobsVocational Rehabilitation Coordinator
“VR Coordinator”
Current Opening in Nampa - Base location is: 3904 E. Flamingo Ave, Suite 200
Assigned to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Salary: $22.66 per hour (40 hours per week)
Applications will be accepted through 4: 59 PM MST on the posting end date.
STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho’s external career website will create duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.
NOTICE: Due to a recent system improvement, if you have previously applied for a position with the State of Idaho, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account. For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.
Our Vision
An Idaho where all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and employers value their contributions.
Our Mission
To prepare individuals with disabilities for employment and career opportunities while meeting the needs of the employer.
Purpose of Position
This position is responsible for delivering and/or coordinating services to students and participants with disabilities, overseeing student/participant progress, and ensuring services are delivered according to each student’s/participant’s plan. The role involves working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including management personnel, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, other VR Coordinators, and Technical Records Specialists. In addition, this role may act as a liaison with educational institutions, employers, public agencies, community partners, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate student/participant access to pre-employment transition services. The Pre-ETS role also emphasizes hands-on instruction, workshops, and facilitating work-based learning experiences to develop student’s skills and prepare them for employment.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Service Delivery & Caseload Coordination: Provide individual and group vocational and career services tailored to student’s/participant’s strengths and goals, including workshops and activities that develop workplace skills, coordination for a caseload of students/participants, and ensuring timely delivery of services aligned with each student’s/participant’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and/or Pre-ETS goals.
-
Workplace Readiness Training: Organize and conduct training sessions to enhance job readiness, including resume writing, interview skills, job searching, teamwork, and professional communication.
-
Self-Advocacy Instruction: Coach students/participants on self-advocacy skills, empowering them to understand their rights and effectively communicate their needs in educational and workplace settings.
-
Enrollment Counseling: Support students/participants in exploring educational pathways, providing guidance on enrollment, financial aid, and other resources to facilitate post-secondary success.
-
Collaboration with Partners: Partner with school personnel, employers, and community organizations to ensure students/participants receive necessary supports and accommodations. Participate in IEP meetings to provide relevant updates to educational teams.
-
Job Exploration Counseling: Assist students/participants in identifying career interests, exploring job options, and setting realistic career goals aligned with labor market demands.
-
Work-Based Learning Coordination: Facilitate various hands-on learning opportunities for students/participants such as internships, job shadowing, and mentoring. Collaborate with community partners to create and support these experiences.
-
Progress Monitoring & Student Support Coordination: Maintain accurate documentation of services and student/participant progress, adjusting support in collaboration with the service team as needed and may act as the primary contact for students/participants and families, proactively providing support and engagement throughout the Pre-ETS and IDVR process.
-
Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and documentation standards. Prepare and submit reports to supervisors and stakeholders.
-
Resource Referrals and Advocacy: Connect students/participants and families with community resources and advocate for access to appropriate supports to promote academic and professional success. Provide follow-up support after placement in work-based learning or employment.
-
Professional Development: Engage in ongoing learning to stay current with best practices, labor market trends, and available resources to enhance service quality.
-
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (MQs):
Some knowledge of:
- Human behavior and performance
- Individual differences in abilities, personality and interests
- Learning and motivation
- Cultural differences
MQs Specialties:
- Experience using software tools such as Microsoft Office and other applications, for information tracking, reporting, and managing tasks efficiently.
- Ability and willingness to travel, which may include overnight stays.
The above minimum qualifications are typically gained by one or more of the following:
- At least two (2) year’s work experience in Vocational Rehabilitation, case management, or working with students with disabilities in an educational or community setting, including experience with caseload tracking, and/or coordinating services and resources for individuals with disabilities; or
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree program in Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology or a related field; or
- An Associate degree with one (1) year of work experience as described above.
This is a classified position in the State of Idaho’s classification system. With prior approval, this position is eligible to accrue compensatory time off for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week.
Recruitment Contact: Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Julie Davis, Human Resource Business Partner I, 208-287-6451 or Julie.Davis@VR.Idaho.Gov.
Benefits: In addition to salary, the state contributes an average of nearly 40% of an employee’s annual salary toward comprehensive benefits, creating a competitive total compensation package.
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including but not limited to:
- One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
- 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
- Paid parental leave
- Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
- Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
- Employee assistance program
Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator
“VR Coordinator”
Current Opening in Nampa - Base location is: 3904 E. Flamingo Ave, Suite 200
Assigned to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Salary: $22.66 per hour (40 hours per week)
Applications will be accepted through 4: 59 PM MST on the posting end date.
STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho’s external career website will create duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.
NOTICE: Due to a recent system improvement, if you have previously applied for a position with the State of Idaho, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account. For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.
Our Vision
An Idaho where all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and employers value their contributions.
Our Mission
To prepare individuals with disabilities for employment and career opportunities while meeting the needs of the employer.
Purpose of Position
This position is responsible for delivering and/or coordinating services to students and participants with disabilities, overseeing student/participant progress, and ensuring services are delivered according to each student’s/participant’s plan. The role involves working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including management personnel, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, other VR Coordinators, and Technical Records Specialists. In addition, this role may act as a liaison with educational institutions, employers, public agencies, community partners, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate student/participant access to pre-employment transition services. The Pre-ETS role also emphasizes hands-on instruction, workshops, and facilitating work-based learning experiences to develop student’s skills and prepare them for employment.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Service Delivery & Caseload Coordination: Provide individual and group vocational and career services tailored to student’s/participant’s strengths and goals, including workshops and activities that develop workplace skills, coordination for a caseload of students/participants, and ensuring timely delivery of services aligned with each student’s/participant’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and/or Pre-ETS goals.
-
Workplace Readiness Training: Organize and conduct training sessions to enhance job readiness, including resume writing, interview skills, job searching, teamwork, and professional communication.
-
Self-Advocacy Instruction: Coach students/participants on self-advocacy skills, empowering them to understand their rights and effectively communicate their needs in educational and workplace settings.
-
Enrollment Counseling: Support students/participants in exploring educational pathways, providing guidance on enrollment, financial aid, and other resources to facilitate post-secondary success.
-
Collaboration with Partners: Partner with school personnel, employers, and community organizations to ensure students/participants receive necessary supports and accommodations. Participate in IEP meetings to provide relevant updates to educational teams.
-
Job Exploration Counseling: Assist students/participants in identifying career interests, exploring job options, and setting realistic career goals aligned with labor market demands.
-
Work-Based Learning Coordination: Facilitate various hands-on learning opportunities for students/participants such as internships, job shadowing, and mentoring. Collaborate with community partners to create and support these experiences.
-
Progress Monitoring & Student Support Coordination: Maintain accurate documentation of services and student/participant progress, adjusting support in collaboration with the service team as needed and may act as the primary contact for students/participants and families, proactively providing support and engagement throughout the Pre-ETS and IDVR process.
-
Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and documentation standards. Prepare and submit reports to supervisors and stakeholders.
-
Resource Referrals and Advocacy: Connect students/participants and families with community resources and advocate for access to appropriate supports to promote academic and professional success. Provide follow-up support after placement in work-based learning or employment.
-
Professional Development: Engage in ongoing learning to stay current with best practices, labor market trends, and available resources to enhance service quality.
-
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (MQs):
Some knowledge of:
- Human behavior and performance
- Individual differences in abilities, personality and interests
- Learning and motivation
- Cultural differences
MQs Specialties:
- Experience using software tools such as Microsoft Office and other applications, for information tracking, reporting, and managing tasks efficiently.
- Ability and willingness to travel, which may include overnight stays.
The above minimum qualifications are typically gained by one or more of the following:
- At least two (2) year’s work experience in Vocational Rehabilitation, case management, or working with students with disabilities in an educational or community setting, including experience with caseload tracking, and/or coordinating services and resources for individuals with disabilities; or
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree program in Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology or a related field; or
- An Associate degree with one (1) year of work experience as described above.
This is a classified position in the State of Idaho’s classification system. With prior approval, this position is eligible to accrue compensatory time off for hours worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week.
Recruitment Contact: Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Julie Davis, Human Resource Business Partner I, 208-287-6451 or Julie.Davis@VR.Idaho.Gov.
Benefits: In addition to salary, the state contributes an average of nearly 40% of an employee’s annual salary toward comprehensive benefits, creating a competitive total compensation package.
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including but not limited to:
- One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
- 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
- Paid parental leave
- Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
- Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
- Employee assistance program
Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
See all 2,981+ OPT Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs.
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.