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.

1-15 of 94 Jobs
California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS)

Recreational Therapist

  • Soledad, CA
  • 14 days ago
  • Soledad, CA
  • 14 days ago

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...

Siri InfoSolutions Inc is seeking a local contract Recreation/Recreational Therapist for a local contract job in Lancaster, California. Job Description & Requirements Specialty:...

Recreation Specialist

  • Riverside, CA
  • 8 hours ago
  • Riverside, CA
  • 8 hours ago

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...

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...

New Recreational Therapist

  • Chino, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Chino, CA
  • 1 day ago

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...

Recreation Therapist - Per Diem

  • Saint Helena, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • Saint Helena, CA
  • 3 days ago

Develops and implements therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients needs and interests....

Recreation Specialist (Part-Time, Temporary)

  • La Mesa, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • La Mesa, CA
  • 3 days ago

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...

Recreation Specialist (Part-Time)

  • Signal Hill, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • Signal Hill, CA
  • 3 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...

Recreation Specialist

  • El Segundo, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • El Segundo, CA
  • 3 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...

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....

Recreation Specialist II

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 days ago

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...

Recreation Specialist (Part-Time)

  • San Marino, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • San Marino, CA
  • 4 days ago

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

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

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 California

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 California offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
50.9%
Master's Degree
31.0%
Associate's Degree
7.7%
Doctorate Degree
3.7%
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 California
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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