Recreational Therapist We have immediate openings for RECREATIONAL THERAPIST. The County of San Diego is currently accepting online job applications for Recreational Therapist. We currently have openings in our Inpatient Health Services. Interviews will be held on Thursdays. Job offers will be made shortly after the interviews. Future Salary Increases: June 2026 - 5.9% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 2.4% Market Increase) June 2027 5.4% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 2.4% Market Increase) In addition to the base salary, Recreational Therapists assigned to the following locations will earn an additional premium: San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital - 5% location premium Sheriff's Office - 10% detentions facilities location premium Employees in this job class assess clients, children, residents, patients and/or incarcerated persons in mental health, geriatric, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and/or detention facilities and emergency shelters; plan and implement diverse therapeutic groups; and evaluate treatment/recreational goals. For some positions, certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is qualifying. The ideal candidate for Inpatient Health Services will have experience in a mental health treatment group setting and/or inpatient residential treatment setting planning and administering recreation therapy to children of all ages; can work well with minimal supervision; has experience with curriculum planning, coordinating events and outings for children; has excellent documentation and verbal skills; and can work well with a multidisciplinary treatment team approach. Recreational Therapists in the Sheriff's Office work directly with incarcerated persons/patients in our PSU/LPS housing. They are an active member of the treatment team and provide input regarding an incarcerated persons/patient's participation in activities and behavioral concerns they may observe. Recreational Therapists facilitate recreational therapy activities which can include such groups as physical exercise, personal care, arts and crafts projects and music therapy. Recreational Therapists also coordinate services with outside agencies to provide services such as socialization sessions with animals and peer support services. Recreational Therapists contribute positively to the treatment of incarcerated persons/patients and provide them an opportunity to help themselves improve and recover. Hiring Process and Timeline: Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date:
Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications:
Certified or eligible for certification as a Recreation Therapist with the California Board of Recreation Therapy Certification (CBRTC), or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), in accordance with the California Administrative Code, Title 22, Section 71053(16).
Working Conditions:
Incumbents may work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents are exposed to clients, persons in custody, residents, and/or patients who may become abusive, combative, or may have a contagious disease and children and youth with complex needs. Deputy Sheriffs provide security in the County Jail. Incumbents push wheelchairs up and down ramps and on uneven surfaces.
Note:
In addition to the above, incumbents assigned at the San Diego Psychiatric Hospital may drive cars or vans, work outdoor in grassy recreation area, and may be exposed to extreme temperature, humidity, or wetness during outdoor recreation activities.
Condition of Employment:
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Evaluation: The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information provided on the employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Notes:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
