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 75 Jobs
California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS)

Recreational Therapist

  • Soledad, CA
  • 8 days ago
  • Soledad, CA
  • 8 days ago

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....

New Recreational Therapist

  • Calipatria, CA
  • 10 hours ago
  • Calipatria, CA
  • 10 hours 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

  • Stockton, CA
  • 22 hours ago
  • Stockton, CA
  • 22 hours ago

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...

Associate Park And Recreation Specialist

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 22 hours ago
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 22 hours ago

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,...

Recreation Specialist

  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 23 hours ago
  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 23 hours ago

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)

  • Madera, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Madera, CA
  • 1 day ago

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,...

Part-time Recreation Specialist II

  • Oak Park, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Oak Park, CA
  • 1 day ago

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...

Recreation Therapist

  • Lancaster, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Lancaster, CA
  • 1 day ago

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,...

Associate Park and Recreation Specialist

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 3 days ago

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

  • Carmel by the Sea, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Carmel by the Sea, CA
  • 4 days ago

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...

Recreation Specialist- Seasonal

  • Carmel, CA
  • 8 days ago
  • Carmel, CA
  • 8 days ago

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...

Music Therapist

  • Atascadero, CA
  • 9 days ago
  • Atascadero, CA
  • 9 days ago

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.


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...
AI for Therapists
AI for Therapists: Automate Admin, Boost Client Support, and Practice Ethically with EaseAre you a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional feeling stretched thin by session notes,...

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
50.8%
Master's Degree
31.0%
Associate's Degree
7.8%
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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