Recreational Therapist - Lancaster, CA

Position: Recreational Therapist
Location: Correctional Facility in Lancaster, California
Pay Rate: $61.00 to $63.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-time, 6-month contract (eligible for extension)

Requirements

• Minimum of 12 months of continuous experience in direct patient care within the past 3 years in a public or private institution
• Current clinical competencies
• Valid photo identification (Drivers License or Passport)
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association
• National or California Recreational Therapist certification

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Weekly direct deposit payroll
• 40 hours of paid sick time
• Contract extension bonus
• Pre-employment screenings fully covered (physical, drug test, mask fit, and background check)
• Potential for permanent state employment with full benefits if positions become available

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate changes in patient conditions to the Director of Recreational Therapy and interdisciplinary team
• Provide feedback on patient responses, interventions, and progress toward therapeutic objectives
• Conduct assessments on psychosocial, leisure, and recreational skill development
• Document therapeutic interventions in alignment with the patient's care plan
• Instruct patients in coping skills and stress management techniques
• Apply counseling and therapeutic methods for psychiatric, trauma, and substance use cases
• Facilitate group sessions, utilizing knowledge of group dynamics and therapy practices