Recreation Therapist Jobs in California
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.

Position: Recreation Therapist Annual Salary Range: $98,028 - $115,380 Recreation Therapists providing in-person care in an inpatient unit will receive: $112,728 - $132,684 Work Locations: Wide Variety...
Local Contract Recreation/Recreational Therapist - $55-65 per hour. Job in Lancaster Gr8Jobs
- Lancaster, CA
- 3 hours ago
- Lancaster, CA
- 3 hours ago
Siri InfoSolutions Inc is seeking a local contract Recreation/Recreational Therapist for a local contract job in Lancaster, California. Job Description & Requirements Specialty:...
Incumbent will create and maintain a safe, positive learning environment to ensure the holistic development of each student and staff member through cultural, social, spiritual, physical and...
RECREATION THERAPIST (BA)- Locked Psychiatric Unit- Monday through Friday
- Corona, CA
- 1 day ago
- Corona, CA
- 1 day ago
REQUIRED LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (C.T.R.S.) certificate required. Current BLS (CPR) required....
Correctional Recreation/Recreational Therapist - $65-67 per hour
- Vacaville, CA
- 1 day ago
- Vacaville, CA
- 1 day ago
Such therapeutic interventions are designed to promote social interaction, to encourage beneficial and appropriate utilization of leisure time, and to provide Patient and/or Youth with preparation for...
program targeted toward what that patient requires most + Keep current on communal and therapeutic resources available to best help the patients + Document a patient's progress during their activities...
Develops and implements therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients needs and interests....
Position Summary Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties...
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...
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 Therapist/Trainee - For Multiple Detention Centers in Riverside County
- Riverside, CA
- 4 days ago
- Riverside, CA
- 4 days ago
The Recreation Therapist will also be tasked with providing therapeutic recreational activities for individuals in a detention setting....
Recreation Specialist Supervisor Nf-3 (Youth Sports)
- Oceanside, CA
- 4 days ago
- Oceanside, CA
- 4 days ago
The majority of this persons time will be spent supervising, planning, organizing, coordinating, marketing, performing administrative duties, and directing a comprehensive youth sports program....
A minimum of one year working with the frail or elderly PREFERRED Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification Benefits InnovAge is dedicated to empowering seniors to live independently...
This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice. Important Dates : Interviews will be held the week of April 21, 2025 A city of 3.75 square miles, San Marino is home to the renowned...
Recreation Specialist Supervisor Nf-3 (Youth Sports)
- Oceanside, CA
- 5 days ago
- Oceanside, CA
- 5 days ago
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their...
Demographic Data for California
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Recreation Therapist Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
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Salary for Recreation Therapist Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Recreation Therapist positions.
Highest Education Level
Recreation Therapists in California offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Recreation Therapist position
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Crisis Prevention
- Mood Disorders
- Aquatics
- High School Diploma
- Officiating
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Music Therapy
- Treatment Planning
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Interventions
- Developmental Disabilities
- Therapeutic
- Group Counseling
- Dementia Care
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Discharge Planning
- Acute Care
- Behavioral Health
- Music
- Fitness
- Mental Health
- Hospital Operations
- Patient Care
- Wellness
- Basic Life Support
- First Aid
- Nursing
- Counseling
- Health Care
- Referrals
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Documentation
- Employee Development
- Collaboration
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Research Skills
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
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