Recreation Therapist - Wasco State Prison (WSP)

Job Description And Duties

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 19, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period.

This classification is subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales. The authorized HAM rate for this classification is $9,159.

Please note: Individuals may be eligible to receive a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend should they meet the eligibility criteria, including but not limited to remaining employed with CCHCS for six months. Additionally, individuals may be eligible to receive a monthly recruitment and retention differential during their first year with CCHCS (totaling $5,000), should they meet the eligibility criteria.

IMPORTANT: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) employees may be eligible for a $5,000 referral bonus should you be selected for hire, and remain employed with CCHCS for 90 days. For a CDCR/CCHCS employee to be considered, a questionnaire must be completed to the best of your knowledge, including the referring employee’s name, classification, PERNR, and work location. The questionnaire will be provided to the selected candidate during the pre-employment process.

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for this position are:

• A bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• One year of experience working with individuals in correctional facilities.
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation techniques and principles.
• Ability to develop and implement recreational programs that promote patient well-being.
• Experience in monitoring and documenting treatment progress.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to maintain order and supervise patient conduct.

Skills

Preferred skills for this position include:

• Experience with evidence-based therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Knowledge of community reintegration strategies.
• Proficiency in using technology for program development and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

As a CDCR and CCHCS employee, you may be eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

The starting salary for this position is $9,159 per month, subject to the HAM rate authorization. Additional compensation may be available based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is typically full-time, with occasional evening and weekend shifts required to accommodate patient needs.