Recreation Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Recreation Assistant positions qualify for H-1B visa and other work visa sponsorship when they require specialized recreation therapy, sports science, or kinesiology knowledge. Community centers, healthcare facilities, and therapeutic recreation programs sponsor international candidates who demonstrate expertise in adaptive programming, therapeutic interventions, or specialized recreational modalities for diverse populations. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsTherapeutic Recreation Assistant
Lake Winona Manor
0.5 FTE, 40 Hours Per Pay Period
Shifts 8am to 4:30pm, with late stay until 8pm one night a week. Every 4th Saturday
Starting Wage of $19.00/Hour. Wage placement based upon experience.
Position Overview:
The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant provides life-enriching activities to residents of Lake Winona Manor. The individual will carry out a leisure program designed to meet the resident’s interests and needs monitored by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This individual must be comfortable working with elderly/disabled adults in a healthcare setting. The recreational therapist will plan and participate in specialized games, sports, crafts, and other leisure activities to help residents and patients restore capabilities and/or manage mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- This individual will conduct leisure programs and 1:1 visits as well as documentation as directed by a CTRS. They will work within the interdisciplinary team to promote an atmosphere of engagement for all levels of our residents.
- This individual will assist and direct volunteers when directed by a CTRS.
- This individual will provide observation and input regarding the resident’s leisure status to ensure appropriate care planning.
- Complete departmental duties, i.e. birthday board, door decorations, monthly calendar, etc.
- Individual will be capable of driving the TR Bus and Van to facilitate outings.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Skills and Experience:
Required:
- High school/GED/equivalent
- CPR Certification
- Completed van competency test with valid driver’s license and willingness to drive resident transport vehicle
- Basic computer skills
- Must obtain CNA certification within 1 year of employment
Preferred:
- One-year experience in Long Term Care
Work Environment:
Generally, works in a controlled environment with varied pace and stress levels. Must be able to multitask, prioritize and handle interruptions.
Required Work Schedule:
Generally, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and includes an every 4th Saturday.
Summary of Benefits at Winona Health:
At Winona Health, we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive and affordable benefits package for our employees and their families. While benefits may vary based on employment classification and job status, the following key benefits are available:
- Health Insurance: Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health support and wellness incentives
- Income Protection: Short and long-term disability, plus additional benefits like accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal assistance, and identity protection plans
- Retirement Planning: Access to a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions once eligibility requirements are met
- Work/Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and earned sick time to support personal well-being
- Education & Development: Paid training, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and sponsored seminars to foster both personal and professional growth
- Employee Discounts: Special offers with local businesses, including the YMCA and cell phone providers
For more details or specific information, visit our website or contact Human Resources.
Internal Applicant Policy:
It is the policy of Winona Health to work with employees in an equitable fashion regarding promotions, transfers, and position reclassifications.
Any employee wishing to apply for another available position at Winona Health must submit an application for consideration through the internal application portal. Employees requesting to change positions should have successfully completed at least six (6) months in their current position. Employees currently in the formal disciplinary process may be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources to determine eligibility to request transfer. The employee’s past performance, experience, training and qualifications will be considered in transfer/hiring decisions. Consideration for transfer or promotion is not a guarantee of transfer or promotion. Employees may be given a chance to interview for a position when they meet the minimum position qualifications.
Disclaimer:
Winona Health is an equal opportunity employer. Winona Health does not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate against a person with respect to tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local discrimination commission, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law. Winona Health does not tolerate retaliation against any employee, patient/resident, physician, or other individuals pursuing concerns regarding Civil Rights issues. Winona Health adheres to ALL pertinent governmental policies and legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, as amended, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Licenses & Certifications
Required: CPR
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
Lake Winona Manor
0.5 FTE, 40 Hours Per Pay Period
Shifts 8am to 4:30pm, with late stay until 8pm one night a week. Every 4th Saturday
Starting Wage of $19.00/Hour. Wage placement based upon experience.
Position Overview:
The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant provides life-enriching activities to residents of Lake Winona Manor. The individual will carry out a leisure program designed to meet the resident’s interests and needs monitored by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This individual must be comfortable working with elderly/disabled adults in a healthcare setting. The recreational therapist will plan and participate in specialized games, sports, crafts, and other leisure activities to help residents and patients restore capabilities and/or manage mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- This individual will conduct leisure programs and 1:1 visits as well as documentation as directed by a CTRS. They will work within the interdisciplinary team to promote an atmosphere of engagement for all levels of our residents.
- This individual will assist and direct volunteers when directed by a CTRS.
- This individual will provide observation and input regarding the resident’s leisure status to ensure appropriate care planning.
- Complete departmental duties, i.e. birthday board, door decorations, monthly calendar, etc.
- Individual will be capable of driving the TR Bus and Van to facilitate outings.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Skills and Experience:
Required:
- High school/GED/equivalent
- CPR Certification
- Completed van competency test with valid driver’s license and willingness to drive resident transport vehicle
- Basic computer skills
- Must obtain CNA certification within 1 year of employment
Preferred:
- One-year experience in Long Term Care
Work Environment:
Generally, works in a controlled environment with varied pace and stress levels. Must be able to multitask, prioritize and handle interruptions.
Required Work Schedule:
Generally, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and includes an every 4th Saturday.
Summary of Benefits at Winona Health:
At Winona Health, we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive and affordable benefits package for our employees and their families. While benefits may vary based on employment classification and job status, the following key benefits are available:
- Health Insurance: Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health support and wellness incentives
- Income Protection: Short and long-term disability, plus additional benefits like accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal assistance, and identity protection plans
- Retirement Planning: Access to a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions once eligibility requirements are met
- Work/Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and earned sick time to support personal well-being
- Education & Development: Paid training, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and sponsored seminars to foster both personal and professional growth
- Employee Discounts: Special offers with local businesses, including the YMCA and cell phone providers
For more details or specific information, visit our website or contact Human Resources.
Internal Applicant Policy:
It is the policy of Winona Health to work with employees in an equitable fashion regarding promotions, transfers, and position reclassifications.
Any employee wishing to apply for another available position at Winona Health must submit an application for consideration through the internal application portal. Employees requesting to change positions should have successfully completed at least six (6) months in their current position. Employees currently in the formal disciplinary process may be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources to determine eligibility to request transfer. The employee’s past performance, experience, training and qualifications will be considered in transfer/hiring decisions. Consideration for transfer or promotion is not a guarantee of transfer or promotion. Employees may be given a chance to interview for a position when they meet the minimum position qualifications.
Disclaimer:
Winona Health is an equal opportunity employer. Winona Health does not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate against a person with respect to tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local discrimination commission, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law. Winona Health does not tolerate retaliation against any employee, patient/resident, physician, or other individuals pursuing concerns regarding Civil Rights issues. Winona Health adheres to ALL pertinent governmental policies and legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, as amended, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Licenses & Certifications
Required: CPR
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Recreation Assistant
Target therapeutic recreation programs
Healthcare systems, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities need Recreation Assistants with specialized therapeutic training, making H-1B sponsorship more likely than general community recreation roles.
Emphasize specialized degree requirements
Highlight how your recreation therapy, kinesiology, or adapted physical education degree directly relates to designing evidence-based therapeutic interventions rather than general activity coordination.
Research adaptive recreation specializations
Employers value expertise in autism spectrum programming, geriatric fitness, or disability sports. These specialized skills strengthen the case for requiring your specific educational background.
Consider hospital and clinical settings
Medical facilities offering recreational therapy services are more familiar with visa sponsorship processes and understand the specialized nature of therapeutic recreation work.
Document certification requirements
Many states require CTRS certification for therapeutic roles. Employers sponsoring visas often prefer candidates already meeting or working toward these professional licensing requirements.
Focus on program development experience
Demonstrate ability to design, implement, and evaluate specialized recreation programs. This higher-level responsibility supports the argument for specialty occupation classification under immigration law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Recreation Assistant positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, when the role requires specialized knowledge in recreation therapy, adaptive programming, or therapeutic interventions. General activity coordination roles typically don't qualify, but positions requiring expertise in disability services, geriatric programming, or clinical recreation therapy can meet H-1B visa specialty occupation requirements.
What degree is required for visa-sponsored Recreation Assistant roles?
Most sponsored positions require a bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Adapted Physical Education, or closely related field. The degree must directly relate to therapeutic recreation rather than general recreation or sports management to support specialty occupation classification.
How to find Recreation Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Recreation Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on community centers, parks departments, resorts, and recreational facilities that commonly hire Recreation Assistants. These employers often sponsor H-1B, TN visa, or other work visas for qualified candidates with recreation, sports management, or related educational backgrounds.
Which employers sponsor Recreation Assistants for work visas?
Healthcare systems, rehabilitation hospitals, assisted living facilities, and specialized therapeutic recreation programs sponsor most frequently. These employers understand the clinical nature of therapeutic recreation and are more familiar with immigration processes than community recreation centers.
How competitive is H-1B sponsorship for Recreation Assistant positions?
Competition varies significantly by specialization. Therapeutic recreation roles in healthcare settings face less competition than general recreation positions. Candidates with CTRS certification, specialized population experience (autism, geriatrics, disabilities), or bilingual skills have stronger sponsorship prospects.
Can Recreation Assistants change employers on an H-1B visa?
Yes, but the new employer must file a new H-1B petition before you can start working. You can begin work once USCIS receives the petition if you maintain valid H-1B status. The new position must also qualify as a specialty occupation requiring your specific educational background.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Recreation Assistant 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.