RECREATION THERAPIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - HIGH DESERT STATE PRISON (Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility)

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. 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. Please note: 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 be advised of the following additional pay benefits individuals may be eligible for: • 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. Under the general direction of the Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (CF) (Supervisor) 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, CF instructs and motivates patients in individual and group recreation therapy, monitors and documents treatment progress, and works with other health care providers to share recreational therapy assessment information and incorporate therapeutic recreational activities into treatment plans. The RT, CF maintains order and supervises the conduct of patients to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property. To obtain list eligibility for the RECREATION THERAPIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, before applying for the position, you must first take and pass the examination: Exam Bulletin - Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board. Candidates new to CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting. Tuberculosis (TB) testing is required for candidates new to CCHCS prior to appointment followed by department annual TB testing/evaluation thereafter. Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred. CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov. Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. To prepare for the State Application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: Include a copy of your certification from California Board of Recreation and Park Certification(CBRPC) or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc.(NCTRC) or letter stating you are eligible for certification from the CBRPC or the NCTRC. Per Business and Professions Code Section 17505.2 (a)(1) and (a)(2): (a) It is unlawful for a person to represent himself or herself as a recreation therapist, to represent the services he or she performs as recreation therapy, or to use terms set forth in subdivision (c) in connection with his or her services, name, or place of business, unless he or she meets all of the following requirements: (1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy. Alternatively, a person who does not have one of the preceding degrees may qualify if he or she has a baccalaureate degree in a specialization acceptable for certification or eligible for certification by any accrediting body specified in paragraph (2). (2) Current certification or eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC) or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc (NCTRC).