Location: Lancaster, CA

Start Date: 01-12-2026

End Date: 08-30-2026

Shift Type: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Day)

Hours per Week: 40

Candidate Pay Rate: $64 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 lead engaging therapeutic recreation programs tailored to mental health needs
• Assess patient strengths and goals to create individualized treatment plans
• Facilitate groups that build coping skills, socialization, and functional independence
• Collaborate with mental health and custody staff to ensure safe, effective programming
• Document participation, progress, and outcomes clearly and timely in clinical records
• Adapt activities to meet security protocols and the unique needs of a correctional setting
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts

Qualifications

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred or equivalent certification
• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field (see education section)
• Experience working with mental health populations; correctional setting experience is a plus
• Ability to complete required 2-week orientation and pass background/security checks
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Valid professional credentials and ability to meet state/facility onboarding requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related behavioral health field preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of therapeutic recreation interventions and activity planning
• Comfort facilitating groups and one-on-one interventions for mental health
• Excellent documentation, assessment, and care‑planning skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Good communication, de-escalation, and boundary-setting skills in a secure environment
• Flexibility and initiative to adapt programs to changing facility needs

Benefits

• Generous pay and a competitive daily/weekly guarantee to keep your bank account happy
• Travel reimbursement and housing stipend options for contract clinicians
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage to keep you healthy and focused
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement to support your professional growth
• Paid time off so you can recharge between assignments
• Referral bonus program — bring a friend, earn a reward
• A supportive interdisciplinary team that values your clinical creativity
• Access to training and continuing education opportunities

Travel Perks: Explore Lancaster, CA

Explore the Antelope Valley while on assignment: discover the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in season, hike local trails in the nearby Angeles National Forest, visit the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, relax at local parks and community events, or take a day trip to Palmdale, Pasadena, or the beaches of Ventura and Santa Monica for weekend adventures.

Hashtags

#RecreationalTherapistJobs #LancasterCAJobs #MentalHealthJobs #UHCCareers #TherapeuticRecreation #CorrectionalHealth #TravelTherapy #HealthcareJobs #RehabJobs #ClinicalCareers