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....
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...
Responsibilities Join our team of professional and passionate health care professionals who are committed to the well-being of our patients and provide patient care based on competence...
Job Description and Duties ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST / OHMVR DIVISION / HEADQUARTERS / SACRAMENTO CA The reporting location for this position is Headquarters Office in Sacramento,...
Description and Essential Functions The Recreation Specialist position plans, organizes, and conducts specialized recreational and/or aquatic activities; and performs related duties as assigned....
RECREATION THERAPIST (CERT) Universal Health Services United States, California, Madera Jun 17, 2025 Responsibilities River Vista Behavioral Health sits along the bluffs overlooking the San Joaquin...
Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Outdoor Recreation)
- Los Angeles, CA
- 1 day ago
- Los Angeles, CA
- 1 day ago
Supervisory Recreion Specialist (Outdoor Recreion) Department of the Air Force United Stes Space Force Summary About the position: This is a NAF position with the 61st Force Support Squadron,...
THE POSITION JOB DESCRIPTION P/T RECREATION SPECIALIST II Under the direction of the Recreation Coordinator or Supervisor, this position holds all the responsibilities of the Recreation Attendant...
OR A bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university and must be a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). The degree must be approved by the NCTRC....
Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Outdoor Recreation)
- San Pedro, CA
- 2 days ago
- San Pedro, CA
- 2 days ago
Overall responsible for the operation, control, supervision and management of Outdoor Recreation; Equipment rental/checkout, RV Storage, Picnic Area reservations, Outdoor Adventure programs,...
and Duties ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST / OHMVR DIVISION / HEADQUARTERS / SACRAMENTO CA The reporting location for this position is Headquarters Office in Sacramento, CA. This position...
RECREATION SPECIALIST- PT The Unbound Collection Carmel Valley Ranch US - CA - Carmel GOLF AND RECREATION Hourly/Entry Level Employee Part-time 18.00 Hourly US Dollar (USD) pay basis Req ID:...
Rehab Therapist-Art, Music, Recreation - On Call - Mental Health 194
- Santa Cruz, CA
- 7 days ago
- Santa Cruz, CA
- 7 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...
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.
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
- Computer Programming
- CPR First Aid
- Grief and Loss
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Music Therapy
- Relaxation
- Gait Training
- Treatment Planning
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Anxiety
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Interventions
- Developmental Disabilities
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Masters
- Outpatient
- Psychiatry
- Acute Care
- Discharge Planning
- Trauma
- Geriatrics
- Behavioral Health
- Fitness
- Music
- Mental Health
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Wellness
- Masters In Education
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Health Care
- Referrals
- 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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