RECREATION THERAPIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - HIGH DESERT STATE PRISON

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment, and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Our mission is to facilitate the successful reintegration of individuals in our care by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs in a safe and humane environment.

This position is located at High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in Susanville, CA (Lassen County). Multiple part-time positions are available, working 20 hours per week. The monthly salary range is $4,579.50 to $4,951.50.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) applies to this position, requiring a base salary reduction of 3% (or 4.62% for certain bargaining units) and the receipt of PLP 2025 leave credits through June 2027. Part-time employees are subject to these conditions on a prorated basis.

Additional pay benefits may include eligibility for a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend, a $5,000 annual recruitment and retention differential during the first year, and a $5,000 referral bonus for current CDCR/CCHCS employees.

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 incorporate therapeutic recreational activities into treatment plans. The RT also maintains order and supervises patient conduct to ensure safety.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a recognized college with major work in recreation or recreation therapy, including supervised field work. Registration as a senior will admit applicants to the examination, but evidence of graduation and completion of required field work must be provided before eligibility for appointment.

Benefits

• Eligibility for a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend (subject to criteria).
• Eligibility for a $5,000 annual recruitment and retention differential during the first year (subject to criteria).
• Eligibility for a $5,000 referral bonus for current CDCR/CCHCS employees (subject to criteria).
• Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) authorization with an authorized rate of $9,159.

Schedule

Part-time position, 20 hours per week.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $4,579.50 to $4,951.50. Salaries do not reflect the 3% or 4.62% PLP 2025 reduction.