Certified Recreational Therapist

Recreation Therapist – Make a Meaningful Impact Through Rehabilitation and Reentry

MUST BE CERTIFIED

Help People Build a Successful Life Beyond Incarceration

Elite Recruiters is seeking a compassionate and motivated Recreation Therapist to serve patients within a correctional healthcare facility.

This position is about much more than organizing activities. You will help incarcerated individuals develop the communication skills, healthy routines, positive coping strategies, social confidence, and constructive use of leisure time they will need when returning to their families and communities.

Your work can help patients prepare for movement into the general population, another level of treatment, and—most importantly—a successful transition back into society. For the right Recreation Therapist, this is an opportunity to provide meaningful care while helping reduce barriers to rehabilitation and reentry.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement specialized recreation therapy programs for CDCR patients and/or youth.
• Use therapeutic activities to improve social interaction, communication, physical wellness, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making.
• Help patients develop constructive interests and learn to use their leisure time in positive, productive ways.
• Teach practical coping strategies that patients can continue using after release.
• Evaluate each patient’s recreation therapy needs, with particular attention to:
• • Activities of daily living
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Stress management and positive coping
  • Community reintegration and reentry readiness
• Prepare patients for successful transitions into the general population, other levels of treatment, and the community.
• Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team.
• Coordinate care with primary clinicians, correctional counselors, custody personnel, and other members of the treatment team.
• Document patient progress and communicate treatment needs accurately and professionally.
• Perform additional recreation therapy duties under the direction of the facility’s CEO, CMH, CMO, or designee.

Minimum Qualifications

At least 12 continuous months of professional experience within the past three years performing services similar in scope in a public or private institution.

Internship experience does not count toward the required 12 months of professional experience.

• Graduation from an accredited or recognized college with a major in:
• • Therapeutic recreation; or
  • Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation.

Elite Recruiters is a trusted staffing partner with three decades of experience in corrections and public safety. We connect qualified professionals with rewarding opportunities in correctional facilities and related environments. Our team understands the unique demands of this field and is committed to providing responsive communication, personalized support, and a smooth hiring and onboarding experience.

We seek dependable, professional candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and respect for others. Basic requirements generally include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum age required for the position
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screening
• Ability to meet facility-specific medical, physical, training, and credentialing requirements
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including weekends or holidays when required
• Previous corrections, security, military, healthcare, or public-safety experience may be preferred depending on the role

Requirements vary by position, facility, and jurisdiction. Elite Recruiters is proud to support professionals who are ready to make a meaningful contribution in challenging, essential work environments.