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.

1-15 of 21 Jobs

Recreation Specialist

  • Orange, CA (19 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Orange, CA (19 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 1 day 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...

Recreational Therapist (CTRS)-Neuro-PRN

  • Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 4 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 4 days ago

We are looking for experienced Therapeutic Recreation Specialists who want to provide truly patient-centered care in the Los Angeles, CA area - with PRN positions that accept patients for the duration...

Associate Park And Recreation Specialist

  • Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 5 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 5 days ago

and Duties ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST ANGELES DISTRICT / DISTRICT OFFICE / MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK The reporting location for this position i s the Malibu Creek State Park located at...

Recreational Therapist

  • Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 8 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 8 days ago

Provides a total therapeutic recreation program to meet both group and individual needs....

Recreation Specialist

  • Garden Grove, CA (15 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Garden Grove, CA (15 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago

The City of Garden Grove Community Services Department is now accepting online applications for the position of RECREATION SPECIALIST! Deadline to apply for this recruitment is March 28, 2025 at...

Recreation Specialist

  • Santa Ana, CA (20 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Santa Ana, CA (20 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a...

Recreation Specialist

  • Garden Grove, CA (15 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Garden Grove, CA (15 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago

The City of Garden Grove Community Services Department is now accepting online applications for the position of RECREATION SPECIALIST! Deadline to apply for this recruitment is March 28, 2025 at...

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

  • Sun Valley, CA (23 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Sun Valley, CA (23 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 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....

Recreation Specialist -Senior Programs

  • Yorba Linda, CA (19 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Yorba Linda, CA (19 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 9 days ago

This is a permanent part-time position under the supervision of the Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Coordinator that performs a variety of job duties at the Yorba Linda Community Center. A...

Music Therapist - San Diego Area

  • Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 14 days ago
  • Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 14 days ago

Performs patient assessments to evaluate appropriateness for a music therapy program and contributes to the plan of care....

Senior Recreation Specialist I/II 2/25

  • Whittier, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 14 days ago
  • Whittier, CA (7 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 14 days ago

Description This is a part-time position not to exceed 28 hours of work per week Under general supervision, to organize and supervise various group recreational programs; perform related duties as...

Recreation Specialist

  • Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (18 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 14 days ago
  • Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (18 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 14 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)
  • 15 days ago
  • Carson, CA (10 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 15 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 - Tri-Central (Downey, Baldwin Park, Downey) / Orange Country area

  • Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 20 days ago
  • Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 20 days ago

Performs patient assessments to evaluate appropriateness for a music therapy program and contributes to the plan of care....

Music Therapist - Inland Empire (Fontana/Riverside)

  • Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 23 days ago
  • Pasadena, CA (14 miles from Downey, CA)
  • 23 days ago

Performs patient assessments to evaluate appropriateness for a music therapy program and contributes to the plan of care....

Demographic Data for Downey, CA

Moving to Downey, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Downey, CA below.


Local
National
114,355
2,456
Medium/Lg

Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTherapy curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Leadership Skills Development for Occupational Therapists
The Leadership Skills Development MOOC for Occupational Therapists will support course participants to gain insights into their leadership potential, values and preferences. Together we will...
Therapeutic Recreation Course
Overview Therapeutic recreation allows people to achieve mental, emotional and physical well-being through an enjoyable journey. Explore the world of therapeutic recreation and gain an in-depth...
CranioSacral Therapist
Osteopathy in the Cranial FieldHey everyone! In this course, we're going to explore Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, or OCF. This technique, developed by William Garner Sutherland, uses the...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in Downey, CA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTherapy research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.



Highest Education Level

Recreation Therapists in Downey, CA offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
50.7%
Master's Degree
31.1%
Associate's Degree
7.8%
Doctorate Degree
3.6%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
2.7%
Some College
0.5%
Some High School
0.1%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Recreation Therapists in Downey, CA
Less than 1 year
50.0%
1-2 years
26.9%
2-4 years
15.4%
6-8 years
3.9%
None
3.9%



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