Recreation Therapist, CF - California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC)

California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) is located in Lancaster, CA, 45 miles north of Los Angeles. This position is subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales, with an authorized HAM rate of $9,159 per month.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) reduces the base salary of full-time employees in Bargaining Unit 19 (and related Excluded, Exempt, and Statutory Exempt employees) by 3% and provides 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Part-time and permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same conditions on a prorated basis.

Eligible candidates may receive a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend after six months of employment with CCHCS, as well as a monthly recruitment and retention differential totaling $5,000 during their first year. CDCR/CCHCS employees may also qualify for a $5,000 referral bonus if the selected candidate remains employed for 90 days.

About the Role

Under the general direction of the Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (CF) or Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker I, CF, the Recreation Therapist (RT), CF develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions. The RT instructs and motivates patients in individual and group recreation therapy, monitors and documents treatment progress, and collaborates with other healthcare providers to integrate recreational therapy into treatment plans. The role also involves maintaining order and supervising patient conduct to ensure safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for incarcerated individuals.
• Instruct and motivate patients in individual and group recreation therapy sessions.
• Monitor and document patient progress in treatment.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to share recreational therapy assessments and incorporate activities into treatment plans.
• Maintain order and supervise patient conduct to protect safety and property.

Benefits

• One-time $10,000 recruitment and retention stipend (eligibility after six months of employment).
• Monthly recruitment and retention differential totaling $5,000 during the first year (eligibility criteria apply).
• $5,000 referral bonus for CDCR/CCHCS employees (if applicable, after 90 days of employment).