Recreational Therapist

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.

Benefits include retirement reciprocity, time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate, and more.

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 planning, organizing, and supervising daily activity programs for psychiatric patients, participating in development of patient's initial assessment, progress, treatment plans, and goals, coordinating recreational therapy orientation and programs with nursing staff, and recommending and overseeing 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.