Rehabilitation Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
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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The Workers' Compensation team is seeking a VR Specialist to join our team, taking over for our longest-serving colleague who is retiring. This position requires considerable knowledge of workers' compensation laws, regulations, and procedures, as well as knowledge of accounting principles, and excellent written and oral communications skills. The position reviews return to work plans, licensed counselor applications, and carrier compliance. Applicants should have a passion for public service, a commitment to teamwork, and an ability to handle multiple claims.
Who May Apply
This position, Workers' Compensation Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (Job Requisition #54686), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact berrian.eno-vanfleet@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed in a standard office setting. Contact with employees, claimants, insurance adjusters, lawyers, union representatives, vocational rehabilitation professionals and medical case managers can be expected with predictable stress as a result of resistance or hostility. Incumbent must use diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult cases.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years of experience in workers’ compensation or a related field such as medical administration, claims management, or direct client services.
OR
Four (4) years of experience in workers’ compensation or a related field such as medical administration, claims management, or direct client services.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience at or above a technical or junior administration level in workers’ compensation.
Two or more years of direct client or public service.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
Overview
The Workers' Compensation team is seeking a VR Specialist to join our team, taking over for our longest-serving colleague who is retiring. This position requires considerable knowledge of workers' compensation laws, regulations, and procedures, as well as knowledge of accounting principles, and excellent written and oral communications skills. The position reviews return to work plans, licensed counselor applications, and carrier compliance. Applicants should have a passion for public service, a commitment to teamwork, and an ability to handle multiple claims.
Who May Apply
This position, Workers' Compensation Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (Job Requisition #54686), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact berrian.eno-vanfleet@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed in a standard office setting. Contact with employees, claimants, insurance adjusters, lawyers, union representatives, vocational rehabilitation professionals and medical case managers can be expected with predictable stress as a result of resistance or hostility. Incumbent must use diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult cases.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years of experience in workers’ compensation or a related field such as medical administration, claims management, or direct client services.
OR
Four (4) years of experience in workers’ compensation or a related field such as medical administration, claims management, or direct client services.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience at or above a technical or junior administration level in workers’ compensation.
Two or more years of direct client or public service.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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