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  • RECREATION THERAPIST I

    Los Angeles, California United States LOS ANGELES COUNTY Full Time $70,628.88 - $95,180.88 Annually Apr 27, 2026
    Los Angeles County Employer:

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY

    Start Your Career with Los Angeles County With a population of more than 10 million people and 88 cities, Los Angeles County has more residents than any county in the nation.  With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation. As the largest employer in Southern California, over 100,000 employees in more than 36 Departments provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more. As one of the Top 10 Government Services Employers, as named by Forbes Magazine, the County of Los Angeles provides those committed to a career in public service with boundless opportunities, a platform for professional and personal growth and the ability to truly make a difference in people's lives. A career with the County means you will have the chance to be a part of building and providing services for an amazingly diverse population of citizens. From helping families in need to fighting fires to keeping our beaches clean, the County of Los Angeles provides an environment where you can touch and enrich lives everyday. A career path in the County is truly that – a path. Many of those in our County family begin and end their careers here in two very different places. You may start out as an Administrative Assistant in Public Works and find yourself a few years later as a Manager in the Department of Community and Senior Services. While many County employees remain on the same career path in one department for their entire careers, others move between departments or take advantage of training and other opportunities to find new careers within the County. The path you take is up to you. As a Los Angeles County employee, the opportunities – and the possibilities - are limitless. Flexible Work Schedules Depending on the requirements of their department and position, some employees may have the option to craft a work schedule that accomplishes their mission, while providing flexibility, including 4/40 workweeks and other options. Your Choice of Locations From the harbor at Marina del Rey to the forests of the Antelope Valley, big cities, small municipalities and rural communities – there are opportunities to work for the County wherever you roam and wherever you call home. Job Security The County of Los Angeles is committed to providing our permanent employees with long-term employment and dependable benefits. It's a lasting career with an employer who is committed to your success. Career Development The County encourages all employees to take advantage of the many training and development opportunities available. Outstanding Benefits The County offers its employees one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation. Diversity Integrity and respect lie at the heart of our Equity Policy and reflect our Mission, Vision, and Values.      

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Position/Program Information

    DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

    EXAM NUMBER: b5871A

    The application filing period will begin on March 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (PT) - Continuous. We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

    As the nation’s largest public mental health department, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health ensures access to care and treatment for our most vulnerable residents in a region with more than 10 million people.

    Make an impact by helping diverse and underserved populations in a variety of settings throughout LA County. We offer phenomenal medical and life insurance, fantastic retirement benefits, along with many additional incentives! Help us build a better future! For more information about the amazing benefits offered by Los Angeles County, please visit us here: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/

    Are you ready to advance the health of our patients and our communities by providing extraordinary care?

    DEFINITION:
    Performs professional recreation therapy services in acute medical, rehabilitation, or psychiatric hospitals, out-patient clinics, community health centers, mental health facilities, or institutional settings to enable physically, mentally, or socially disabled patients or clients attain, restore, or maintain physical, social, or mental functioning, or to adjust to their disability; serves as a member of an interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic treatment team.

    Essential Job Functions

    Essential Job Functions
    • Interviews and evaluates patients to assess their service needs and levels of functioning using techniques such as diagnostic tests, exercise, and other assessments; develops treatment plans and goals; determines the interventions or modalities by which these goals are to be achieved.
    • Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team and provides therapy input to the overall treatment approach in general case conferences or meetings in which specific patient problems are discussed; communicates tests results and measurements to physicians, members of allied health disciplines, and patients' families; develops and modifies initial and subsequent treatment programs consistent with the changing needs of the patient.
    • Provides feedback to interdisciplinary team members on patient's response to treatment and recommends maintaining or changing treatment procedures accordingly.
    • Participates in and contributes to the planning of recreation therapy services and programs, and the development and evaluation of program goals, objectives, and outcome measures.
    • Coordinates patient treatment and results with other agencies and professionals such as physicians, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation and school personnel, and families to provide total care to the patient.
    • Provides referral services to patients regarding recreational resources within the organization as well as the community.
    • Conducts a variety of therapeutic recreational, social, and physical activities adaptive to and focusing on the restoration of physical, social, and mental capabilities, including the planning and coordinating of community integration programs.
    • Develops and maintains liaison with other hospitals, schools, community organizations and groups, and recreation facilities to establish a working relationship and encourages their participation in recreation therapy and after-care follow-up programs.
    • Conducts treatment sessions for individuals and groups to improve physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning and independence in life activities; selects treatment interventions and modalities such as play therapy, social recreation and leisure activities, games, music, art, drama, dance, movement, exercise, sports, athletics, horticulture, and aquatic activities that are compatible with the patient's interests, needs, and capabilities.
    • Instructs and trains patients and their families in the use of assistive devices and techniques to reach independence and reintegration into life activities.
    • Delegates and supervises work assignments to Recreation Therapy Assistants, Aides, students, and other support personnel by providing technical instruction and guidance in the implementation of therapeutic recreation activities.
    • Serves as preceptor to students, volunteers, and institutional workers, and orients other health disciplines to the recreation therapy program.
    • Attends professional meetings, conferences, and workshops to keep abreast of new trends and innovative techniques used in the field of recreation therapy.
    • Participates in continuing education/staff development programs and other hospital departmental and professional licensing requirements.
    • Prepares requests for equipment and supplies to be submitted to the supervisor for budgetary input.
    • Develops and maintains patient records, records clinical notes on patient charts, and prepares patient progress reports for reference by the treatment team.


    Requirements

    REQUIRMENTS TO QUALIFY:

    TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

    Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Therapy or in Therapeutic Recreation.

    LICENSE:
    Current certification to practice as a Recreation Therapist issued by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification or as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation.***

    No withhold will be allowed. Required education and license(s) must be fully met at the time of filing, and clearly indicated on the application. All required certifications must be active and unrestricted or your application will not be accepted.

    A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions. In some cases, a valid California Class B Driver License may be required for appointment to some positions in this class.

    Physical Class III - Moderate: Includes standing or walking most of the time, with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching; includes working on irregular surfaces, occasionally lifting objects weighting over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.
    SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
    To receive credit for your education, include a legible copy of your official diploma, official transcript, or letter/certificate from an accredited institution within seven (7) calendar days from the application submission date. The document should show the date the degree was conferred and be in English; if it is in a foreign language, it must be translated and may need to be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. For more information on our standards for educational documents, please visit:
    https ://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf (Download PDF reader) and https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205105_PPG_123_Ace_Resource_Guide.pdf (Download PDF reader)

    We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.
    ** *Include a copy of a valid and unrestricted certification to practice as a Recreation Therapist issued by the California Board of Parks and Recreation Certification or a valid and unrestricted certification to practice as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

    DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Experience providing professional recreation therapy services in acute medical, rehabilitation, psychiatric hospitals, out-patient clinics, community health centers, mental health facilities, or institutional settings .
    • Experience working with chronic mentally ill and/or psychiatric patients.


    Additional Information

    EXAMINATION INFORMATION:
    This examination will consist of an evaluation of experience and desirable qualification based on information listed on the online application and supplemental questionnaire at the time of filing, weighted 100%. Additional credit will be given for experience related to the desirable qualification.

    Applicants must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher in order to be placed on the eligible register.

    All notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important to provide a valid email address. Please add [email protected] and [email protected] to the list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail.

    Special Information:

    Appointees may be required to work any shift, including evenings, nights, holidays or weekends.

    Past and present metal health clients and family members are encouraged to apply.

    Vacancy Information: The resulting eligible register will be used to fill vacancies throughout the Department of Mental Health as they occur.

    Eligibility Information:
    Applications will be processed on an "as-received" basis and those receiving a passing score will be promulgated to the eligible register accordingly.
    The names of applicants receiving a passing score in the examination will be added to the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation.

    NO PERSON MAY COMPETE IN THIS EXAMINATION MORE THAN ONCE EVERY TWELVE (12) MONTHS.

    Application and filing information:

    We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

    Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

    We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

    We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the following domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail: [email protected] , [email protected] , and [email protected] .

    New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to govermentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

    Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

    For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.

    All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's login information may erase a candidate's original application record.

    Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI):

    The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

    Department Contact Name: Antonio Estrada

    Department Contact Phone: (213) 972-7034

    Department Contact Email: [email protected]

    California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

    Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099

    For detailed information, please click here
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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Find Your Dream Job: Top Parks and Recreation Jobs to Apply For

Find Your Dream Job: Top Parks and Recreation Jobs to Apply For

Parks and recreation play a vital role in creating vibrant communities, and the demand for professionals in this field continues to grow. Whether you’re passionate about maintaining state parks, overseeing golf courses, or helping preserve our natural resources, countless career opportunities are waiting for you. In this guide, we’ll explore various jobs in parks and recreation, the departments that make up this sector, and the benefits of pursuing a rewarding career in this dynamic industry.

 

Exploring Career Opportunities in Parks and Recreation

The field of parks and recreation offers diverse career opportunities, ranging from management and administration to maintenance and operations. Whether you’re interested in overseeing community programming or keeping city parks beautiful, you have a role. From seasonal positions to full-time jobs, parks and recreation departments provide a range of employment options.

If you’re interested in helping preserve nature for future generations, many state parks offer specialized positions focused on conservation and sustainability. Let’s consider some of the top parks and recreation jobs.

 

Types of Parks and Recreation Jobs

Management and Administration

  1. Park Manager: Oversee the daily operations of a park or recreation center, ensuring it runs smoothly.
  2. Recreation Director: Develop and implement programs that engage the community and foster active participation.
  3. Administrative Assistant: Provide key administrative support to the park team, handling tasks such as scheduling and communications.

Maintenance and Operations

  1. Park Maintenance Worker: Perform essential tasks like landscaping, cleaning park facilities, and repairing equipment.
  2. Equipment Operator: Operate heavy machinery such as tractors and mowers to maintain parks and golf courses.
  3. Janitor/Cleaner: Ensure the cleanliness and safety of park facilities, making them enjoyable for visitors.

Recreation and Programming

  1. Recreation Coordinator: Plan and execute engaging activities and events at city parks and recreation centers.
  2. Park Ranger: Patrol parks, ensuring safety and enforcing rules while educating the public about natural resources.
  3. Lifeguard: Monitor swimming pools, ensuring the safety of swimmers during peak seasons.
 

Specialized Roles in Parks and Recreation

Golf Courses and Sports Facilities

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If you have a passion for sports and golf courses, there are specialized jobs available in these areas:

  1. Golf Course Superintendent: This person oversees the maintenance and operations of a golf course, ensuring it’s in top condition.
  2. Sports Facility Manager: Manage daily operations at a sports complex, including field maintenance and event coordination.
  3. Athletic Field Maintenance Worker: Keep athletic fields and facilities in excellent condition for sporting events and community use.

State Parks and Conservation

Working in state parks often involves a focus on preserving and promoting natural resources. Some of the specialized roles include:

  1. Park Naturalist: Educate visitors about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems within a state park, helping to foster a connection with nature.
  2. Conservation Biologist: This person works to protect and preserve natural resources within state parks, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
  3. Park Ranger (State Parks): Enforce regulations and ensure the safety of visitors in state parks while educating the public on conservation efforts.
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Elevate your career or find the ideal government talent on Careers in Government! Explore and shape the future with us.

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Working in City Parks and Recreation Departments

City parks offer a range of career opportunities for those interested in working at the local level. Whether you’re involved in recreation programming or keeping the parks maintained, plenty of rewarding jobs are available.

  1. Seasonal positions: Help with specific projects during peak seasons, such as working in swimming pools or leading summer programs.
  2. Full-time positions: Take on more permanent roles within city parks, including management and operations.
  3. Team-based roles: Work collaboratively with other employees to keep parks running smoothly and provide an excellent experience for visitors.
 

Job Opportunities and Application Process

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If you want to start your career in parks and recreation, you can search for openings through your local government’s career center or statewide listings. Many parks departments are constantly recruiting new talent, offering a variety of roles that match different skill sets and interests.

The application process typically involves submitting a resume and completing an online application. If you’re selected for an interview, you’ll likely meet with a hiring manager to discuss your qualifications and how you can contribute to the parks team.

 

The Benefits of a Career in Parks and Recreation

There are many perks to working in parks and recreation, from the opportunity to work outdoors to making a meaningful difference in your community. Some of the key benefits include:

  1. Rewarding career: Working in parks and recreation directly impacts your community’s quality of life, providing spaces for recreation and relaxation.
  2. Opportunities for advancement: Many parks departments offer clear career pathways, with chances for promotions into management or specialized roles.
  3. Job security: Public spaces like parks and recreation centers are essential to communities, so there’s a constant need for qualified professionals in this field.
  4. Diverse work environments: From urban city parks to expansive state parks, you can work in various settings, depending on your interests.
 

Conclusion

A career in parks and recreation is fulfilling and offers a chance to make a lasting impact on your community. Whether you’re interested in managing golf courses, preserving natural resources, or planning recreation programs, there are countless career opportunities in this field. You can take the next step by exploring job openings and start your journey toward a rewarding career today.

Remember, parks are essential to the health and happiness of communities, and the professionals who maintain and manage these spaces play a critical role. Join the world of parks and recreation and help shape the future of public spaces for future generations.

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Launch your career with Careers in Government! Explore exciting opportunities, connect with passionate professionals, and shape your legacy.

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