Recreation Therapist
California Correctional Health Care Services California, USA
- Location: California, USA
- Categories: CORRECTIONS, Human and Social Services, Public Health, Other
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Sep 02, 2025
Job Description:
Recreation Therapist
Description
Annual Salary Range: $106,704 – $115,380
Recreation Therapists providing in-person care in an inpatient unit will receive: $122,709 – $132,687
Recruitment and Retention Bonus: Recreation Therapists newly hired with the State of CA are also eligible to receive a recruitment and retention bonus of up to $15,000 within the first 12 months of service.
Referral Bonus: All CDCR/CCHCS employees that refer a mental health clinician who is successfully hired by CCHCS may be eligible to receive a referral bonus of $5,000 per appointed referral.
Work Locations: Wide Variety of Geographic Settings including the Northern California Coast, San Francisco Bay Area, California Capitol, and Southern California
You became a Recreation Therapist to help improve lives. Imagine the impact you can make with California Correctional Health Care Services! We are seeking dedicated Recreation Therapists to join our multidisciplinary mental health care teams.
Within a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s facility, you will assist an adult patient population attain the skills and emotional stability to succeed once they return to the community. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, instructing, and encouraging patients in both individual and group physical, social, or cultural activities
- Planning treatment goals for specific patients
- Preparing clinical notes for inclusion in medical files
- Coordinating recreational therapy efforts with patients’ mental health and medical clinical plans and other clinical team members.
Special Requirements:
- Current certification or eligibility from the California Board of Recreation and Parks and/or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc.
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in recreation therapy or recreation and leisure studies from an accredited college or university.
Benefits of Working with CDCR/CCHCS:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Ensure your and your family's health with full coverage.
- Work-life Balance with Flexible Schedules: Achieve balance with the option of 4-day workweeks at many locations.
- Robust 401(k) and 457(b) Retirement Plans: Secure your retirement with our extensive plans, allowing tax deferral up to $46,000 – $61,000 per year.
- State of CA Retirement that Vests in Five Years: Plan for a secure future with our fast-vesting pension benefits (more at CalPERS.ca.gov).
- CE Annual Stipend of $500/year, Licensed Renewal Reimbursement, and Bi-Annual Allocation of 36 hours for CE: Invest in your professional development with our Continuing Education benefits.
- Rewarding Work with an Underserved / Underprivileged Population: Positively impact lives while growing professionally.
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule: Enjoy ample time away from work for relaxation and personal pursuits.
- Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Teams: Join a supportive environment fostering professional growth and collaboration.
- Safety and Security: Our professional, well-trained Correctional Officers ensure a safe working environment.
- Dedicated Assistance with Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Assistance: We're here to help with your California transition, whether you’re moving here for the first time of moving across state.