Location: Lancaster, CA

Start Date: 01-13-2025

End Date: 03-01-2026

Shift Type: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Day). Alternate option: 4x10 with RDO Tue, Wed, Thu, 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

• Assess patient needs and design meaningful therapeutic recreation interventions focused on mental health
• Lead group and individual activities that promote social skills, coping strategies and community reintegration
• Develop personalized treatment plans and measurable goals in collaboration with the care team
• Document progress and outcomes clearly and timely in the patient's record
• Monitor safety, de-escalate situations when needed, and maintain a therapeutic environment
• Train and mentor support staff or volunteers to run recreation programs effectively
• Coordinate activities with occupational therapy, mental health clinicians and facility staff for integrated care
• Evaluate program effectiveness and adjust interventions to maximize patient engagement and recovery

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related human services field
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred or CTRS eligibility
• Current BLS/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience working in mental health, behavioral health or correctional environments preferred
• Ability to pass required background checks, security clearances and health screenings
• Strong communication and documentation skills, with a team-oriented approach

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field required
• Advanced training or certifications in mental health or therapeutic recreation encouraged

Knowledge & Skills

• Group facilitation and activity planning tailored to mental health populations
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and outcome measurement
• Competence in clinical documentation and individualized care planning
• Trauma-informed care approaches and de-escalation techniques
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to institutional settings
• Organizational skills for managing schedules, supplies and program logistics

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage to keep you healthy and focused
• Paid time off so you can recharge and come back inspired
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement to support your professional growth
• Professional development and training opportunities, including orientation support
• A supportive team that values your expertise and well-being
• Work-life balance with predictable daytime schedules
• Referral program to share opportunities with colleagues you trust
• Access to institutional resources and multidisciplinary collaboration

Travel Perks: Explore Lancaster, CA

Explore the Antelope Valley: stroll the BLVD in downtown Lancaster for local shops, galleries and eateries, visit the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, and enjoy outdoor time at the nearby Prime Desert Woodland Preserve. Nature lovers can make day trips to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (seasonal blooms), Vasquez Rocks for iconic rock formations, or head into the Angeles National Forest. Los Angeles is an easy drive for weekend cultural outings, and Joshua Tree is within reach for desert hikes and stargazing.

Hashtags

#RecreationalTherapistJobs #LancasterCAJobs #MentalHealthJobs #UHCCareers #TherapeuticRecreation #CorrectionalHealthJobs #CTRS #HealthcareJobs #RegistryJobs