Recreation Therapist Jobs in Downey, CA
A Recreation Therapist, also known as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, utilizes treatment services and recreation activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. They interact with diverse patient populations from children to the elderly, with a broad range of health conditions, such as developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and physical illnesses or injuries. Recreation Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for individuals in institutions, clinical environments, or community settings.
To become a Recreation Therapist, one must possess a combination of hard and soft skills. These include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, patience, empathy, creativity, and adaptability. They should have a strong understanding of human anatomy, disability issues, and therapeutic theories. Additionally, they need to be physically fit, as the job often involves physical activities. A bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field is typically required. Most employers prefer candidates who are certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Before becoming a Recreation Therapist, a person may have roles such as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Recreation Specialist (Part-Time)
- Signal Hill, CA (9 miles from Downey, CA)
- 13 days ago
- Signal Hill, CA (9 miles from Downey, CA)
- 13 days ago
The City of Signal Hill is looking for motivated individuals to join our Parks, Recreation and Library Services team! The ideal candidate is organized, enthusiastic, and community-minded, with a...
- El Segundo, CA (15 miles from Downey, CA)
- 13 days ago
- El Segundo, CA (15 miles from Downey, CA)
- 13 days ago
This recruitment process is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only online applications will be accepted for this...
Recreation Specialist (Senior Computer Instructor)
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 17 days ago
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 17 days ago
THE POSITION Continuous until filled * The ideal candidate will be personable, approachable, patient, tech-savvy, and can work well with people of all ages and abilities. Basic computer skills are...
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 21 days ago
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 21 days ago
Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy Certification/Licensure Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) Experience One year's experience preferred Other Current full vaccination status...
Recreational Therapist - School Setting
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 28 days ago
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 28 days ago
Certification: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) per state/client requirement. Why Join Us?...
Per Diem Recreational Therapist
- Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Provides a total therapeutic recreation program to meet both group and individual needs....
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 30+ days ago
Join Our Mission to Transform Lives! 'Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!' Are you a dedicated Recreational Therapist ready to make a significant impact The Stepping Stones Group is excited to...
- Orange, CA (19 miles from Downey, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Orange, CA (19 miles from Downey, CA)
- 30+ days ago
The City of Laguna Beach is seeking an enthusiastic and team-oriented individual to fill our position of Recreation Specialist. This is an hourly / part-time position. Under direct supervision of...
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Sun Valley, CA (23 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Sun Valley, CA (23 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTST) preferred One (1) year experience in a mental health or related setting preferred. New graduate eligible for certification may be considered....
Music Therapist - San Diego Area
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
Experience training and mentoring Music Therapy interns. Master's Degree in Music Therapy or other related field....
- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (18 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (18 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
recreation program for young adults, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities For information about the park sites, visit: Details on Current Vacancies The SPECIAL EVENTS Recreation Specialist...
Recreation Specialist (Dance Instructor)
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 45+ days ago
Open continuous until filled* The City of Carsons Parks and Recreation Division is seeking (2) passionate and experienced Recreation Specialist Dance Instructors to support our Enrichment Program....
Music Therapist - Inland Empire (Fontana/Riverside)
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 60+ days ago
- Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
- 60+ days ago
Experience training and mentoring Music Therapy interns. Masters Degree in Music Therapy or other related field....
- Long Beach, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 60+ days ago
- Long Beach, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 60+ days ago
Job Type Full-time Description Position: Recreation Specialist Reports To: Recreation Supervisor Department: Recreation FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Primary Position Objectives Responsible for...
RECREATION SPECIALIST (Part-Time)
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 90+ days ago
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
- 90+ days ago
An ideal candidate will have knowledge of ActiveNet or similar cloud-base recreation management system/software is desirable. Job Summary : Under general supervision, conduct special interest...
Demographic Data for Downey, CA
Moving to Downey, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Downey, CA below.
Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles
Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Downey, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in Downey, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Soccer
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Crisis Prevention
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Outpatient Rehabilitation
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Music Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Interventions
- Developmental Disabilities
- Therapeutic
- Group Counseling
- Dementia Care
- Care Planning
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Discharge Planning
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Fitness
- Behavioral Health
- Mental Health
- Music
- Hospital Operations
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- First Aid
- Nursing
- Counseling
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Recreation Therapist Related Career Advice Articles

How to Become a Physical Therapist
Wondering how to become a physical therapist? Use this guide to learn about what physical therapists do, how long it takes to be a physical therapist, and even the average physical therapist salary.
Read article »
What Employers Look for When Hiring for Therapist Jobs
Ready to launch your career in professional therapy? Find out what you can do to stand out to employers and get one step closer to becoming a therapist.
Read article »
Which Physical Therapy Career Path is Right for You?
Just beginning your physical therapist career? Learn about the different types of physical therapy and choose the right physical therapy career path for you.
Read article »