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 conducted on an ongoing basis.
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases
** 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.
Read additional information for Recreational Therapist including essential functions, working conditions, etc.
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
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Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional
background screening. -
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
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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.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
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 upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Accommodation
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.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader)
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
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.
