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 – Multiple Locations Hiring! Increased Salaries are Just the Beginning… The past few years have seen dramatic shifts in the health care landscape....
Rehab Therapist-Art, Music, Recreation - On Call - Mental Health 194
- Santa Cruz, CA
- 3 days ago
- Santa Cruz, CA
- 3 days ago
"They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I'd be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live..." - Client from Telecare What You Will...
Responsibilities include facilitating experiences for guests & members of the resort (including families, children, adults, and corporate groups). Click here to spend a 'day in the life' of a...
Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Dance Therapy or recreation therapy required • Completion of an approved clinical internship in the appropriate rehabilitation specialty...
Music therapy methods can include, receptive, improvisational, compositional, and / or performance / community based techniques....
DEFINITION Assist with providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers through counter reception and organizing, planning, and implementing the City of Arroyo Grande...
We are currently seeking *Recreation Therapist* The *Recreation Therapist* position is a *full-time* non-exempt position responsible for providing a current and comprehensive program of activities for...
Utilize advanced knowledge of counseling and therapeutic concepts and methods for determining therapeutic services for psychiatric, traumatic, and chemically dependent patients....
Salary: $0 / Week The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary educational team to develop and implement individualized recreational therapy...
You have an appreciation for a wide range of therapeutic approaches. You have a passion for working with children. You have knowledge of HIPAA regulations to safeguard patient information....
Classification Definition (PART-TIME/AT-WILL) Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not...
Provides both leadership and assistance in planning, implementing, and administering the activity program for an acute care, inpatient psychiatric unit. Participates as a member of a...
Benefits Information Full-time employees will enjoy a competitive benefits package with options for you and your family including: Paid Time Off Paid Holidays 401(k) Matching Health Insurance...
This position is assigned to the Community Recreation Division; Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department; Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC). The purpose of this position is to perform duties...
), CF develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions....
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
- Swimming
- Certified Lifeguard
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- CPR First Aid
- Eating Disorders
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Music Therapy
- Relaxation
- Gait Training
- Treatment Planning
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Anxiety
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Exercise
- Developmental Disabilities
- Yoga
- Masters
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Acute Care
- Discharge Planning
- Trauma
- Geriatrics
- Behavioral Health
- Fitness
- Music
- Mental Health
- Patient Care
- Wellness
- Basic Life Support
- Masters In Education
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Collaboration
- Documentation
- Employee Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Research Skills
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
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