Recreation Therapist — Transform Lives in CA Prisons

California Correctional Health Care Services; California; On-site; USD 109,908 - 118,386; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Teams

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule

Robust retirement plans, including 401(k), 457(b), and State Pension

Safety and Security provided by professional Correctional Officers

Dedicated Assistance with Visa Sponsorship

Job summary

A correctional health care agency in California is seeking a dedicated Recreation Therapist to help improve lives within the correctional system. This position offers an attractive salary range of $109,908 to $118,386, along with recruitment and retention bonuses of up to $15,000. The Recreation Therapist will work in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams, addressing the needs of an underserved patient population. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related fields and relevant certifications. Comprehensive benefits are included, making this an impactful role in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Current certification or eligibility from the California Board of Recreation and Parks.
• Graduation with a minimum Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or recreation and leisure studies.

Responsibilities

• Help improve lives by providing therapeutic recreational services.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Engage with an underserved patient population.

Skills

Current certification from the California Board of Recreation and Parks

Eligibility from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Recreational and leisure studies knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or recreation and leisure studies

Job description

Increased Salaries are Just the Beginning…

The past few years have seen dramatic shifts in the health care landscape. California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) is poised to meet the evolving clinical care demands of our patient population while responding to the day-to-day needs of our dedicated providers.

$118,836

Rec Therapists providing care at certain locations will receive a 15% pay differential

$136,656

Additional Benefits of Practicing with CDCR/CCHCS

But increased salaries are just the beginning – our recreation therapists also receive comprehensive State of California benefits, including:

• Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Teams within a Community of Colleagues
• Rewarding Work with an Underserved/Underprivileged Population
• Work-life Balance with Flexible Schedules
• Safety and Security provided by professional, well-trained Correctional Officers
• Dedicated Assistance with Visa Sponsorship
• Relocation Assistance for those new to state of CA service
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule
• Robust 401(k) and 457(b) Retirement Plans (tax defer up to $46,000 - $61,000 per year)
• State of CA Retirement that Vests in Five Years (visit www.CalPERS.ca.gov for retirement formulas)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Wide Variety of Geographic Settings including the Northern California Coast, the Bay Area, California Capitol, and Southern California

Take the first step and submit your CV to [e-mail] or apply directly to this posting today!

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.

EOE

Department Information

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.

Department Website: https://cchcs.ca.gov/careers