Job Description

Recreational Therapist

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time position for a Recreational Therapist in Santa Barbara for the Psychiatric Health Facility.

Salary: $31.77 - $37.97 Hourly $66,079.52 - $78,969.28 Annually

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis with the first review on Friday 3/13/2026.

The ideal candidate will:

• Work well independently and with a team
• Be flexible and able to adjust to change
• Demonstrate strong work ethic and integrity
• Possess time management skills
• Demonstrate great written and verbal communication skills
• Be self-motivated and take initiative

Examples of duties include:

• Plans, organizes, and supervises daily activity programs for psychiatric patients; observes patient behavior for significant signs of health or illness to report to staff; leads individual and group recreation therapy sessions; provides patient safety and welfare during therapy sessions; and instructs and supervises patient use of equipment.
• As a member of treatment team, participates in development of patient's initial assessment, progress, treatment plans, and goals; selects appropriate activities for diagnostic and treatment needs; assists patients in establishing and accomplishing treatment goals; and writes reports describing patients' initial assessment, behavioral changes, progress, or regression.
• Coordinates recreational therapy orientation and programs with nursing staff; and recommends and oversees purchase of recreational therapy equipment.

Employment standards include:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy and eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification.
• Appointees must obtain certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification within one year of appointment. Within six months of appointment, appointees must obtain a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment. The ability to work weekends may be required.
• Knowledge of: principles, practices, and professional standards of recreational therapy; current trends in therapeutic recreation; methods of psychological behavior assessment and evaluation; basic computer knowledge; and program administration.
• Ability to: assess, plan, organize, and supervise a departmental recreational therapy program for clients; assess and evaluate patient treatment progress or regression; lead individual and group sessions; assist patients in establishing and attaining realistic treatment goals; write effectively; speak clearly and concisely; keep accurate and comprehensive records; develop effective working relationships with staff, family members, and persons with varying degrees of mental illness; select equipment and oversee purchases and use; identify, develop, and utilize community facilities, support agencies, and programs; maintain confidentiality; and foster trust and cooperation.
• Working conditions include: some incumbents in this job classification work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others. Incumbents will receive training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and must be able to restrain patients in crisis and other situations.

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