Recreation Therapist Jobs in San Jose, 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 III - Mission Hills Golf Course ($24.33/hour - $32.83/hour)
- Hayward, CA (24 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 4 days ago
- Hayward, CA (24 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 4 days ago
Job Details Level: Experienced Job Location: Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) - Hayward, CA Position Type: Hourly Education Level: Not Specified Salary Range: $24.33 - $32.83 Hourly Job...
Recreation Specialist II - Adult Sports ($20.98/hour - $28.32/hour)
- Hayward, CA (24 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 27 days ago
- Hayward, CA (24 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 27 days ago
Job Details Level: Experienced Job Location: Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) - Hayward, CA Position Type: Hourly Education Level: None Salary Range: $20.98 - $28.32 Hourly Job Shift: Day...
Recreation Specialist I - Adult Sports ($18.09/hour - $24.41/hour)
- Hayward, CA (24 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 27 days ago
- Hayward, CA (24 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 27 days ago
Job Details Level: Entry Job Location: Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) - Hayward, CA Position Type: Hourly Salary Range: $18.09 - $24.41 Hourly Job Category: Recreation Hayward Area...
Recreation Specialist (Temporary)
- Campbell, CA (5 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 45+ days ago
- Campbell, CA (5 miles from San Jose, CA)
- 45+ days ago
The Campbell Recreation and Community Services Department is seeking a temporary Recreation Specialist to assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and marketing recreation activities....
Substitute Outdoor Recreation Specialist - Walden West Science Camp
- San Jose, CA
- 90+ days ago
- San Jose, CA
- 90+ days ago
Job Summary Job Summary The Substitute Outdoor Recreation Specialist performs a variety of responsible utility functions related to maintenance, cleaning, food preparation, facility...
Demographic Data for San Jose, CA
Moving to San Jose, CA? Find some basic demographic data about San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in San Jose, 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 »