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.
The Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District is currently accepting applications for a Recreation Specialist. Under general supervision, this role involves planning and leading recreational...
Expressive Art Therapist - BHC Recreational Therapy - Per Diem - 8 Hour - Days
- Concord, CA
- 21 hours ago
- Concord, CA
- 21 hours ago
The Recreation Therapist within his/her area of specialization provides groups and individual interventions within a clinical focus for the inpatient and outpatient programs under the direction of the...
We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health! Organization: SCAH-Sutter Care at Home - Valley Position Overview: Provides art therapy services to individual, group and family...
Recreation Specialist - Institutional (Recreation Specialist)
- Victorville, CA
- 1 day ago
- Victorville, CA
- 1 day ago
Recreation Specialist - Institutional (Recreation Specialist) US Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System - 3.6 Victorville, CA Job Details Full-time $66,012 - $83,490 a year 11 hours ago...
Current certification or eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification...
), CF develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions....
Expressive Art Therapist - BHC Recreational Therapy - Per Diem - 8 Hour - Days
- Concord, CA
- 2 days ago
- Concord, CA
- 2 days ago
The Recreation Therapist within his/her area of specialization provides groups and individual interventions within a clinical focus for the inpatient and outpatient programs under the direction of the...
Recreational Therapist, LA Mental Health Center (Per Diem)
- Los Angeles, CA
- 3 days ago
- Los Angeles, CA
- 3 days ago
Job Summary: Provides a total therapeutic recreation program to meet both group and individual needs....
Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor, organizes and conducts specialized recreation programs for the community. Will work closely with the Recreation Supervisor to plan and implement...
be a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS)....
The City of Vacaville - A beautiful place to live, a great place to work! The City of Vacaville is currently accepting applications for Recreation Specialist II positions within our Parks and...
Recreation Specialist/Recreation Instructor I/Recreation Crew Supervisor: Aquatic Center - Aquatics
- Redding, CA
- 5 days ago
- Redding, CA
- 5 days ago
Apply NOW for these great part-time/seasonal Spring & Summer positions at the Aquatic Center! These are highly sought-after jobs that will be filled as soon as possible, so please apply...
Health Advocates Network is currently seeking a Recreational Therapist to work at a facility in Coalinga, California. These are registry positions with our company. Pay Rate: $58 / hour *W2 Job...
Recreation Therapist - Child & Adolescent Psych Services
- San Diego, CA
- 7 days ago
- San Diego, CA
- 7 days ago
Therapist Only) Auto Insurance (If Driving Personal Vehicle, Helen Bernardy Recreation Therapist Only) Leadership ability in both professional and interpersonal relationships PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS...
DEFINITION To plan, organize, publicize and conduct outreach programs and recreation activities for various age groups; to supervise and monitor children indoors and outdoors. SUPERVISION RECEIVED...
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California 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 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
- Crisis Intervention
- Event Planning
- Crisis Management
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Water Safety Instructor
- Events
- Computer Programming
- Chemical Dependency Treatment
- Clinical Supervision
- CPR First Aid
- Aquatics
- Officiating
- Music Therapy
- Relaxation
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Treatment Planning
- Art Therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Anxiety
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Therapeutic
- Developmental Disabilities
- Interventions
- Care Planning
- Exercise
- Outpatient
- Acute Care
- Discharge Planning
- Psychiatry
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Behavioral Health
- Fitness
- Music
- Mental Health
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Wellness
- Program Development
- Nursing
- First Aid
- Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Care
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Documentation
- Employee Development
- Collaboration
- Policy Development
- Bachelor's Degree
- Regulations
- Research Skills
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- 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 »