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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Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist North Hampton County
Type:
Regular
If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
Provides support to individuals with Mental Health or Co-Occurring issues in a site-based setting. These interventions are strengths based and focused on promoting recovery. This professional assists individuals to increase their functioning so they can be successful and satisfied in the environment of their choice with the least amount of professional intervention. This is done through direct and indirect skills teaching and the development of natural and formal supports.
Required Competencies
Accepting Responsibility (Supported by Be Proactive) - Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes; and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his or her actions and their consequences, both good and bad.
Setting Objectives and Goals (Supported by Beginning with the End in Mind) - Sets meaningful, challenging performance objectives with clear measures of success for themselves and team.
Prioritizing and Organizing Work (Supported by Put First Things First) - Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives. Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple projects on track.
Managing Performance (Supported by Think Win Win) - Has an authentic interpersonal style that engages others and encourages high performance. Uses personal influence to encourage and support.
Communicating Effectively (Supported by Seek First to Understand then to be Understood) - Shares information. Listens and involves others. Clearly conveys ideas in a manner that engages others and helps them understand and retain the message.
Displaying Creativity (Supported by Synergize) - Uses creativity appropriately to drive progress and encourages others to do the same. Makes innovation a priority among team members; encourages reasonable risk taking.
Managing Stress (Supported by Sharpening the Saw) - Uses healthy and effective methods to manage stress (e.g., maintaining appropriate diet, exercise, and sleep schedules); reacts effectively when faced with high-pressure situations.
Championing the needs of the People we Support/Customers (Supports Culture of Caring) - Provides timely and professional service to both internal requests and the requests of the people we support and customers; is responsive to the people we support and customers' needs and requests. Is always courteous to the people we support or customer and considers the needs of the people we support or customer when making decisions.
Following Policies and Procedures - Understands and follows company policies; encourages others to follow work rules; calls attention to actions that may violate policies and procedures.
Meeting Basic Work Expectations - Complies with basic job requirements and tasks; arrives at work on time as scheduled; proactively informs others when he/she encounters problems that may limit his/her ability to meet expectations.
Essential Job-Related Responsibilities
Provide rehabilitations services, including recovery, stigma, health and wellness, and personal development. Responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and revision to the Functional Assessment and Person-Centered Plan.
Supports the individuals in the development of various skill building activities.
Monitors utilization of service to ensure that it is effective, appropriate, and aligned with the individuals identified Person Centered Plan.
Provides counseling and guidance to individuals to effectively deal with problems and develop positive relationships.
Assists with access of community resources in accordance with the individual’s personal goals for community involvement.
Prepare and complete all necessary documentation, including 90-day reviews, activity notes, procedure documentation for admission, incident reports, continued stay information, and miscellaneous paperwork/reports within required timeframes as requested.
Utilize safe crisis management techniques to manage situations involving agitated and/or hostile behaviors, without the use of physical restraints.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders. Ensures stakeholder satisfaction with the company by maintaining proactive, responsive communication. Maintains regular, proactive communication with key stakeholder groups, and builds new relationships as needed to further the company’s mission and vision.
Directs Communication with Management and Executives. Establishes and maintains frequent and regular communication with corporate executives. Notifies Supervisor immediately of events that could significantly impact unit or company.
Identifies and executes on growth opportunities. Identifies growth opportunities for the development of supports and services that are in alignment with the company’s service array and mission.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
RHABH
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits.
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
We are hiring for:
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist North Hampton County
Type:
Regular
If you are a positive and personable individual looking for a satisfying and fun opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and people facing mental health, and substance use challenges, join our team at RHA Health Services!
Provides support to individuals with Mental Health or Co-Occurring issues in a site-based setting. These interventions are strengths based and focused on promoting recovery. This professional assists individuals to increase their functioning so they can be successful and satisfied in the environment of their choice with the least amount of professional intervention. This is done through direct and indirect skills teaching and the development of natural and formal supports.
Required Competencies
Accepting Responsibility (Supported by Be Proactive) - Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes; and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his or her actions and their consequences, both good and bad.
Setting Objectives and Goals (Supported by Beginning with the End in Mind) - Sets meaningful, challenging performance objectives with clear measures of success for themselves and team.
Prioritizing and Organizing Work (Supported by Put First Things First) - Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives. Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple projects on track.
Managing Performance (Supported by Think Win Win) - Has an authentic interpersonal style that engages others and encourages high performance. Uses personal influence to encourage and support.
Communicating Effectively (Supported by Seek First to Understand then to be Understood) - Shares information. Listens and involves others. Clearly conveys ideas in a manner that engages others and helps them understand and retain the message.
Displaying Creativity (Supported by Synergize) - Uses creativity appropriately to drive progress and encourages others to do the same. Makes innovation a priority among team members; encourages reasonable risk taking.
Managing Stress (Supported by Sharpening the Saw) - Uses healthy and effective methods to manage stress (e.g., maintaining appropriate diet, exercise, and sleep schedules); reacts effectively when faced with high-pressure situations.
Championing the needs of the People we Support/Customers (Supports Culture of Caring) - Provides timely and professional service to both internal requests and the requests of the people we support and customers; is responsive to the people we support and customers' needs and requests. Is always courteous to the people we support or customer and considers the needs of the people we support or customer when making decisions.
Following Policies and Procedures - Understands and follows company policies; encourages others to follow work rules; calls attention to actions that may violate policies and procedures.
Meeting Basic Work Expectations - Complies with basic job requirements and tasks; arrives at work on time as scheduled; proactively informs others when he/she encounters problems that may limit his/her ability to meet expectations.
Essential Job-Related Responsibilities
Provide rehabilitations services, including recovery, stigma, health and wellness, and personal development. Responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and revision to the Functional Assessment and Person-Centered Plan.
Supports the individuals in the development of various skill building activities.
Monitors utilization of service to ensure that it is effective, appropriate, and aligned with the individuals identified Person Centered Plan.
Provides counseling and guidance to individuals to effectively deal with problems and develop positive relationships.
Assists with access of community resources in accordance with the individual’s personal goals for community involvement.
Prepare and complete all necessary documentation, including 90-day reviews, activity notes, procedure documentation for admission, incident reports, continued stay information, and miscellaneous paperwork/reports within required timeframes as requested.
Utilize safe crisis management techniques to manage situations involving agitated and/or hostile behaviors, without the use of physical restraints.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders. Ensures stakeholder satisfaction with the company by maintaining proactive, responsive communication. Maintains regular, proactive communication with key stakeholder groups, and builds new relationships as needed to further the company’s mission and vision.
Directs Communication with Management and Executives. Establishes and maintains frequent and regular communication with corporate executives. Notifies Supervisor immediately of events that could significantly impact unit or company.
Identifies and executes on growth opportunities. Identifies growth opportunities for the development of supports and services that are in alignment with the company’s service array and mission.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
RHABH
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
Contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits.
EEO Statement RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
See all 53+ 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.