Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Certified Recreational Therapists can secure H-1B, O-1, or EB-2/EB-3 visa sponsorship through healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and specialized care organizations. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or related field, with strong approval rates due to clear educational requirements and documented therapeutic outcomes. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuries, illnesses and other challenges. In a variety of locations and community-based settings, we offer a range of programs, including vocational and therapy programs, day treatments, and specialized services for infants, children, adolescents, Military Service Members and Veterans.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Therapeutic Certified Recreational Therapist
Part Time Position, supporting Grand Rapids and surrounding areas
Do you have experience in Recreational Therapy and are looking for rewarding work in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others? Bring your commitment and clinical skills to a team-based workplace that puts people first.
- Provide therapeutic recreation-based treatment program opportunities, including individual and group therapy, in a safe, effective manner to all program participants.
- Complete assessment/evaluation in the areas of Recreational Therapy upon admission for all program participants.
- Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy.
- Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to meet the needs of each program participant.
- Communicate with the program participant, family, and funders as needed regarding participant status and need of services.
- Remain current and compliant with federal, state, and accrediting body regulations and standards.
- Adhere to work practices consistent with Mentor mission, policies, and procedures.
- Adhere to code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
- Procure and maintain all recreational equipment to assure safe and appropriate use by program participants and staff.
- Advocate and educate staff, program participants, and families in the areas of recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation.
- Maintain best practice methods through continued education coursework.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy.
- Two years of experience in a rehabilitation environment and/or work with persons with neurological and developmental deficits.
- Certification of CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist).
- Knowledge of rehabilitative techniques relative to recreation for persons with diverse neurological impairment.
- Ability to interpret evaluations from various disciplines (Neuropsychology, Occupational/Speech/Physical Therapies) and understand the relevance to your practice.
- Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
- Exceptional communication skills with an ability to establish trust and rapport quickly.
- A good listener with an ability to empathize while still providing guidance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Why Join Us?
- Full compensation/benefits package for full-time employees.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Complex work adding value to the organization’s mission alongside a great team of co-workers.
- Enjoy job security with nationwide career development and advancement opportunities.
We have meaningful work for you – come join our team – Apply Today!
Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuries, illnesses and other challenges. In a variety of locations and community-based settings, we offer a range of programs, including vocational and therapy programs, day treatments, and specialized services for infants, children, adolescents, Military Service Members and Veterans.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Therapeutic Certified Recreational Therapist
Part Time Position, supporting Grand Rapids and surrounding areas
Do you have experience in Recreational Therapy and are looking for rewarding work in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others? Bring your commitment and clinical skills to a team-based workplace that puts people first.
- Provide therapeutic recreation-based treatment program opportunities, including individual and group therapy, in a safe, effective manner to all program participants.
- Complete assessment/evaluation in the areas of Recreational Therapy upon admission for all program participants.
- Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy.
- Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to meet the needs of each program participant.
- Communicate with the program participant, family, and funders as needed regarding participant status and need of services.
- Remain current and compliant with federal, state, and accrediting body regulations and standards.
- Adhere to work practices consistent with Mentor mission, policies, and procedures.
- Adhere to code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
- Procure and maintain all recreational equipment to assure safe and appropriate use by program participants and staff.
- Advocate and educate staff, program participants, and families in the areas of recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation.
- Maintain best practice methods through continued education coursework.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy.
- Two years of experience in a rehabilitation environment and/or work with persons with neurological and developmental deficits.
- Certification of CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist).
- Knowledge of rehabilitative techniques relative to recreation for persons with diverse neurological impairment.
- Ability to interpret evaluations from various disciplines (Neuropsychology, Occupational/Speech/Physical Therapies) and understand the relevance to your practice.
- Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
- Exceptional communication skills with an ability to establish trust and rapport quickly.
- A good listener with an ability to empathize while still providing guidance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Why Join Us?
- Full compensation/benefits package for full-time employees.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Complex work adding value to the organization’s mission alongside a great team of co-workers.
- Enjoy job security with nationwide career development and advancement opportunities.
We have meaningful work for you – come join our team – Apply Today!
Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Certified Recreational Therapist
Target healthcare systems with established visa programs
Large hospital networks like Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and Cleveland Clinic have dedicated immigration departments and regularly sponsor therapists. They understand the specialty occupation requirements better than smaller facilities.
Emphasize your CTRS certification and continuing education
NCTRC certification demonstrates specialized knowledge that supports H-1B specialty occupation requirements. Document your continuing education credits and any additional certifications in adaptive sports or specific populations.
Focus on facilities serving specialized populations
Pediatric hospitals, spinal cord injury centers, and veteran medical centers often struggle to fill recreational therapist positions. These facilities are more likely to sponsor international candidates due to staffing shortages.
Highlight experience with evidence-based interventions
Document your experience with specific therapeutic protocols, outcome measurements, and interdisciplinary team collaboration. This demonstrates the specialized knowledge that differentiates recreational therapy from general activity coordination.
Consider travel therapy companies for initial sponsorship
Travel therapy agencies like CoreMedical Group sponsor international therapists for temporary placements, which can lead to permanent positions. They handle visa logistics and place candidates in underserved areas.
Research state licensing requirements early
Some states require recreational therapist licensure while others don't. Target states with clearer licensing pathways and facilities familiar with credentialing international graduates from COAPRT-accredited programs.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a recreational therapy degree specifically for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, most successful H-1B cases require a bachelor's degree specifically in recreational therapy from a COAPRT-accredited program, plus CTRS certification. Related degrees in kinesiology or psychology with substantial recreational therapy coursework may qualify, but a direct degree match strengthens your case significantly for specialty occupation requirements.
Which healthcare facilities are most likely to sponsor recreational therapists?
Rehabilitation hospitals, children's hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and skilled nursing facilities with specialized programs sponsor most recreational therapists. Large health systems like HCA Healthcare, Encompass Health, and Select Medical have established visa sponsorship programs and understand the role's specialty occupation requirements better than smaller community facilities.
Can I get sponsored working in assisted living or nursing homes?
Yes, but choose facilities with structured therapeutic recreation programs, not just activities coordination. Sponsors need to demonstrate that your role requires specialized therapeutic knowledge, not general recreation planning. Facilities with Medicare rehabilitation services or specialized dementia care programs typically have stronger sponsorship cases.
What's the approval rate for recreational therapist H-1B petitions?
Recreational therapy H-1B petitions have favorable approval rates when properly documented, typically above 85%. The role clearly meets specialty occupation requirements with its degree mandate and NCTRC certification standards. Most denials result from inadequate job description documentation or employers unfamiliar with demonstrating the specialized knowledge requirement.
Can I transition from student status to H-1B as a recreational therapist?
Yes, F-1 students can use OPT to gain experience while seeking H-1B sponsorship. Complete your CTRS certification during OPT if not already done. Many employers prefer sponsoring candidates they've worked with during OPT periods, especially in specialized settings like pediatric rehabilitation or behavioral health facilities.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Certified Recreational Therapist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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