Job Details
Recreational Therapist
2026-03-11 County of Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara,CA
Description:
Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers. The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Recreational Therapists oversee the treatment and program direction for patients assigned for recreational therapy and differ from Occupational Therapists, who oversee programs designed to provide practice in prevocational, vocational, sensorimotor, educational, social, and daily activity skills.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will:
1. Plans, organizes, and supervises daily activity programs for psychiatric patients; observes patient behavior for significant signs of health or illness to report to staff; leads individual and group recreation therapy sessions; provides patient safety and welfare during therapy sessions; and instructs and supervises patient use of equipment.
2. As a member of treatment team, participates in development of patient's initial assessment, progress, treatment plans, and goals; selects appropriate activities for diagnostic and treatment needs; assists patients in establishing and accomplishing treatment goals; and writes reports describing patients' initial assessment, behavioral changes, progress, or regression.
3. Coordinates recreational therapy orientation and programs with nursing staff; and recommends and oversees purchase of recreational therapy equipment.
Employment Standards
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.
Certificates: 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.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment. The ability to work weekends may be required.
Knowledge of: principles, practices, and professional standards of recreational therapy; current trends in therapeutic recreation; methods of psychological behavior assessment and evaluation; basic computer knowledge; and program administration.
Ability to: assess, plan, organize, and supervise a departmental recreational therapy program for clients; assess and evaluate patient treatment progress or regression; lead individual and group sessions; assist patients in establishing and attaining realistic treatment goals; write effectively; speak clearly and concisely; keep accurate and comprehensive records; develop effective working relationships with staff, family members, and persons with varying degrees of mental illness; select equipment and oversee purchases and use; identify, develop, and utilize community facilities, support agencies, and programs; maintain confidentiality; and foster trust and cooperation.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Some incumbents in this job classification work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others. Incumbents will receive training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and must be able to restrain patients in crisis and other situations.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Vaccination Verification and Testing: This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: CONTINUOUS. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Gabriela Huerta, Employment Analyst - ...@sbcbwell.org
Retirement Plans
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application
02
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed.
04
This position will require you to work weekends.
05
This position, you will work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others.
06
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. The Employment Standards for this position is:• 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. For more information or to determine you are eligible to apply for certification, please go to: Please select which choice you qualify under.
07
Eligibility for certification means you have submitted the proper documents and completed the Recreation Therapy Certification Application and have received your notice that you are eligible to take the examination. Please select which option applies to you.
08
If you selected C, please answer and follow these directions. Per California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, applicants are required to obtain fieldwork/internship or work experience. Please answer only that experience which qualifies you for registration based on the fact sheet on website. Complete for each internship/position you held. A) Agency and Department Name B) Street address, City, State, Zip C) Position held D) Supervisor's name & Title E) Dates MM/DD/YR F) Total Hours G) You are required to attach your transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) to your application.
09
Out of State Certification: If you have an out of State certification, please contact the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification to assist you in determining if your certification is acceptable. PO Box 2137 Fallbrook CA 92088 V/M & Text: 661-###-#### Email: ...@gmail.com Website: cbrpc.org
10
If you have a certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification. Please provide certification number and expiration date. If not applicable, type "N/A".
11
I understand the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking and my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job classification. Do not type "See Resume" or "See Application" as raters will not have access to any information expect what is provided in the response boxes for each question. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:
12
How many years of working experience do you have with mentally ill patients? Details about your employer and length of time should be included in your application.
13
Do you have a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR and AED) Certificate?
14
Do you have a Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB)?
Required Question
Salary : $64,467.52 - $77,043.20 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-6465-01 (O/BW)
Department: Behavioral Wellness
Opening Date: 03/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
NOTICE OF CHANGE:
This recruitment will remain open until filled.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis with the first review on Friday 3/13/2026
SALARY
$30.99 - $37.04 Hourly
$64,467.52 - $77,043.20 Annually
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.
BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit hereIn addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.
Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers. The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:
- Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
- Integrity in individual and organizational actions
- Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
- Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
- Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
- A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
- Emphasis on prevention and treatment
- Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
- Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
- Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels, i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
- Safety for everyone
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Recreational Therapists oversee the treatment and program direction for patients assigned for recreational therapy and differ from Occupational Therapists, who oversee programs designed to provide practice in prevocational, vocational, sensorimotor, educational, social, and daily activity skills.
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
1. Plans, organizes, and supervises daily activity programs for psychiatric patients; observes patient behavior for significant signs of health or illness to report to staff; leads individual and group recreation therapy sessions; provides patient safety and welfare during therapy sessions; and instructs and supervises patient use of equipment.
2. As a member of treatment team, participates in development of patient's initial assessment, progress, treatment plans, and goals; selects appropriate activities for diagnostic and treatment needs; assists patients in establishing and accomplishing treatment goals; and writes reports describing patients' initial assessment, behavioral changes, progress, or regression.
3. Coordinates recreational therapy orientation and programs with nursing staff; and recommends and oversees purchase of recreational therapy equipment.
Employment Standards
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.
Certificates: 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.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment. The ability to work weekends may be required.
Knowledge of: principles, practices, and professional standards of recreational therapy; current trends in therapeutic recreation; methods of psychological behavior assessment and evaluation; basic computer knowledge; and program administration.
Ability to: assess, plan, organize, and supervise a departmental recreational therapy program for clients; assess and evaluate patient treatment progress or regression; lead individual and group sessions; assist patients in establishing and attaining realistic treatment goals; write effectively; speak clearly and concisely; keep accurate and comprehensive records; develop effective working relationships with staff, family members, and persons with varying degrees of mental illness; select equipment and oversee purchases and use; identify, develop, and utilize community facilities, support agencies, and programs; maintain confidentiality; and foster trust and cooperation.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Some incumbents in this job classification work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others. Incumbents will receive training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and must be able to restrain patients in crisis and other situations.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review Application and supplemental questions to determine applicants who meet the employment standards.
- Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score on the Supplemental Questionnaire and on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their application. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than eleven (11) qualified candidates.
Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:
- Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
- The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Vaccination Verification and Testing: This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: CONTINUOUS. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Gabriela Huerta, Employment Analyst - ...@sbcbwell.org
Retirement Plans
- Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
- Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
- Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
- County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
- To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application
- I understand
02
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
- I understand
03
The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed.
- I understand
04
This position will require you to work weekends.
- I understand
05
This position, you will work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others.
- I understand
06
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. The Employment Standards for this position is:• 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. For more information or to determine you are eligible to apply for certification, please go to: Please select which choice you qualify under.
- I have a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy
- I have a bachelor's degree in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy (provide transcripts)
- I have not completed my bachelor's in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy
- None of the above. I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
07
Eligibility for certification means you have submitted the proper documents and completed the Recreation Therapy Certification Application and have received your notice that you are eligible to take the examination. Please select which option applies to you.
- I completed my certification application and have been accepted
- I completed my certification application and I'm waiting for my results
- I have not completed my certification application
- I'm certified as a Recreation Therapist Out of State
- None of the above or do not qualify
08
If you selected C, please answer and follow these directions. Per California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, applicants are required to obtain fieldwork/internship or work experience. Please answer only that experience which qualifies you for registration based on the fact sheet on website. Complete for each internship/position you held. A) Agency and Department Name B) Street address, City, State, Zip C) Position held D) Supervisor's name & Title E) Dates MM/DD/YR F) Total Hours G) You are required to attach your transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) to your application.
09
Out of State Certification: If you have an out of State certification, please contact the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification to assist you in determining if your certification is acceptable. PO Box 2137 Fallbrook CA 92088 V/M & Text: 661-###-#### Email: ...@gmail.com Website: cbrpc.org
- I understand
10
If you have a certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification. Please provide certification number and expiration date. If not applicable, type "N/A".
11
I understand the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking and my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job classification. Do not type "See Resume" or "See Application" as raters will not have access to any information expect what is provided in the response boxes for each question. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:
- I understand
12
How many years of working experience do you have with mentally ill patients? Details about your employer and length of time should be included in your application.
- 5 or more years of experience
- 3 - 4 years of experience
- 1 - 2 years of experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- I do not have this experience
13
Do you have a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR and AED) Certificate?
- I have a valid CPR and AED Certificate
- I'm in the process of obtaining my CPR and AED Certificate
- My CPR and AED Certificate is expired
- None of the above
14
Do you have a Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB)?
- I have taken the Management of Assaultive Behavior
- I'm in the process of taking the Management of Assaultive Behavior
- None of the Above
Required Question