Recreational Therapist - Mental Health
Location: Imperial, CA
Start Date: 12-29-2025
End Date: 06-28-2026
Shift Type: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Day); alternative schedule: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Day)
Hours per Week: 40
Candidate Pay Rate: $65 per hour
About United Health Care Staffing
At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Design and implement meaningful therapeutic recreation activities tailored to mental health populations
- Lead engaging group and one-on-one sessions that promote coping skills, socialization, and daily living skills
- Assess patient needs, set measurable goals, and document progress in accordance with facility and regulatory standards
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary mental health team members to create coordinated care plans
- Maintain safety, security, and professional boundaries while working within a correctional facility
- Provide education and support to patients and staff to reinforce therapeutic goals and promote recovery
- Monitor outcomes and continuously refine programs to maximize patient engagement and benefit
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related field (required)
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or equivalent certification preferred
- Experience working with mental health populations; experience in correctional or secure settings is a strong plus
- Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
- Ability to pass background checks and meet facility security clearance requirements
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with clinical charting standards
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field
- CTRS certification preferred
Knowledge & Skills
- Therapeutic recreation program planning and activity implementation
- Group facilitation and individual therapeutic techniques for mental health
- Behavioral observation, risk assessment, and de-escalation strategies
- Clinical documentation, treatment planning, and progress tracking
- Collaborative communication with multidisciplinary teams
- Understanding of safety and custody protocols in correctional settings
Benefits
- Competitive pay and a guaranteed 40-hour workweek to help you plan your life
- Supportive team environment where your skills in mental health matter
- Flexible weekday schedule with no regular weekend shifts
- Opportunities for professional growth and skill-building in therapeutic recreation
- Licensure and certification assistance and reimbursement conversations available
- Paid time off to recharge and maintain work-life balance
- Referral bonus program to reward you for helping us grow the team
- Comprehensive onboarding so you feel confident from day one
Travel Perks: Explore Imperial, CA
This is a contract position in the Imperial area. While working here you can explore nearby outdoor highlights like the Salton Sea shoreline and regional birdwatching sites, take day trips to the Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis) for stunning desert scenery and off-road adventures, or visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for hiking and stargazing. Local small towns offer farmer's markets and regional eateries, and Palm Springs and San Diego are reachable for weekend getaways.
Apply Now
Ready to start your next adventure as a Recreational Therapist - Mental Health? Let's get you moving forward!
Send your resume to [email protected] or call us at 408-441-9200 today.
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