Recreation Therapist Jobs in Los Angeles, 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.
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...
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...
Provides a total therapeutic recreation program to meet both group and individual needs....
- Garden Grove, CA (22 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 9 days ago
- Garden Grove, CA (22 miles from Los Angeles, 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...
- Garden Grove, CA (22 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 9 days ago
- Garden Grove, CA (22 miles from Los Angeles, 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 (18 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 9 days ago
- Sun Valley, CA (18 miles from Los Angeles, 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....
Music Therapist - San Diego Area
- Pasadena, CA (13 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 14 days ago
- Pasadena, CA (13 miles from Los Angeles, 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 (12 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 14 days ago
- Whittier, CA (12 miles from Los Angeles, 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...
- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (16 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 14 days ago
- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (16 miles from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA)
- 15 days ago
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Los Angeles, 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 (13 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 20 days ago
- Pasadena, CA (13 miles from Los Angeles, 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 (13 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 23 days ago
- Pasadena, CA (13 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 23 days ago
Performs patient assessments to evaluate appropriateness for a music therapy program and contributes to the plan of care....
- Pasadena, CA (13 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Pasadena, CA (13 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 30+ days ago
The Stepping Stones Group is hiring a Recreational Therapist to join our team in schools in Pasadena, CA! We are dedicated to providing unparalleled support to our professionals, ensuring they are...
- Long Beach, CA (10 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 30+ days ago
- Long Beach, CA (10 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 30+ 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 Los Angeles, CA)
- 60+ days ago
- Carson, CA (10 miles from Los Angeles, CA)
- 60+ 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 Los Angeles, CA
Moving to Los Angeles, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in Los Angeles, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Baseball
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Swimming
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Martial Arts
- Events
- Clinical Therapy
- Computer Programming
- Play Therapy
- CPR First Aid
- Crisis Prevention
- Instructing
- Dual Diagnosis
- Tennis
- Aquatics
- Human Services
- High School Diploma
- Officiating
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Music Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Developmental Disabilities
- Therapeutic
- Group Counseling
- Interventions
- Masters
- Outpatient
- Discharge Planning
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Health
- Music
- Mental Health
- Wellness
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Program Development
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Interviewing
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Research Skills
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- 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 »