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Forensic Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreational Therapist

Reno, NV · On-site

$28.35 - $29.93/hr

... forensic educators, and program coordinator led and supported by a program director ... Bachelor's prepared candidate in recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational ...

... forensic educators, and program coordinator led and supported by a program director ... Bachelor's prepared candidate in recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational ...

Recreational Therapist

Reno, NV · On-site

$28.35 - $29.93/hr

... forensic educators, and program coordinator led and supported by a program director ... Bachelor's prepared candidate in recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational ...

... forensic educators, and program coordinator led and supported by a program director ... Bachelor's prepared candidate in recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational ...

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Forensic Occupational Therapy information

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$10

$36

$66

How much do forensic occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic occupational therapy in the United States is $36.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $43.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Forensic Occupational Therapy job?

A Forensic Occupational Therapy job involves working with individuals in legal or criminal justice settings to assess and improve their ability to perform daily activities. These professionals often work in prisons, mental health institutions, or rehabilitation centers, helping clients develop life skills, manage behaviors, and reintegrate into society. They collaborate with legal teams, social workers, and healthcare providers to create intervention plans. The role requires knowledge of both occupational therapy and forensic principles to address the unique needs of individuals involved in the justice system.

What types of clients and settings do Forensic Occupational Therapists typically work with?

Forensic Occupational Therapists generally work with individuals involved in the legal or criminal justice system, such as those in correctional facilities, secure hospitals, or community forensic services. Clients are often adults or adolescents with mental health needs, learning disabilities, or behavioral challenges associated with offending behavior. The work environment can range from locked psychiatric units to probationary or community integration settings, requiring strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, social workers, and legal professionals. This role offers the opportunity to advocate for clients' rehabilitation and support their safe reintegration into the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Occupational Therapy position, and why are they important?

Forensic Occupational Therapists need a solid background in occupational therapy, coupled with specialized knowledge in mental health, risk assessment, and the legal or criminal justice system, typically supported by state licensure and advanced training in forensic settings. They commonly utilize assessment tools specific to forensic populations, secure documentation systems, and may hold certifications in forensic or mental health occupational therapy. Superior communication, critical thinking, and resilience are vital soft skills for building rapport with clients and navigating challenging environments. These competencies are essential for providing effective rehabilitation and risk management services in secure or legal contexts.

More about Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Occupational Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Occupational Therapy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,501 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist

NaphCare

Reno, NV • On-site

$28.35 - $29.93/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


NaphCare rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

748th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
NaphCare is hiring a full-time Recreational Therapist or allied specialty (e.g., Expressive Arts or Occupational Therapist) to join our Jail Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) Program, THRIVE, that operates as a 30-bed adult psychiatric unit within the Washoe County Detention Facility in Reno, NV. The program primary purpose is to provide competency to stand trial evaluation and restoration services.
Payrate for this position ranges from $28.35 - $29.93/hour.
**This is not a remote position.
The Recreational Therapist will assess clients, plan, and implement diverse therapeutic groups, and evaluate recreational goals all aimed at improving overall mental health including general functioning, physical heath, motivation for treatment, and emotional well-being. The ideal candidate has experience working in a mental health and/or correctional setting, and in working within a multidisciplinary team.
THRIVE provides specialized behavioral health services for patients found incompetent to stand trial (IST) due to serious mental illness and/or mental disability, and have been remanded to inpatient restoration treatment. The unit is a therapeutic environment, providing intensive day treatment services. By providing patient-centered, evidenced-based, and holistic care, THRIVE seeks to eliminate the need for these patients to transfer to await further delays in their legal case by having to await transfer to a hospital. The ultimate aim is to assist defendants in moving forward with their legal case and with their lives in a healthier place.
Responsibilities
The Recreational Therapist will work with a team of mental health therapists, psychiatric providers, psychiatric nurses, forensic examiners, forensic educators, and program coordinator led and supported by a program director.
Responsibilities:
  • Contributing member of the multidisciplinary behavioral health treatment team
  • Assess patients to inform intervention planning initially and on a periodic basis
  • Facilitate and document mental health recreation therapy groups
  • Facilitate and document incentivization program for patient treatment participation
  • Coordinate with healthcare and custody staff regarding patients' mental health care
  • Participate in educational and training activities related to mental healthcare, security, and restoration
  • Demonstrate general knowledge of mental health treatment provision

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's prepared candidate in recreational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, mental health, or closely related field
  • Recreational Therapist certification (or allied field such as Expressive Arts or Occupational Therapy)
  • Preferred (not required): At least 1 year of experience, including working with adults living with serious mental illness and/or in a correctional or adult inpatient mental health environment
  • Preferred (not required): Experience planning/administering recreation therapy to mental health patients

Why Join NaphCare?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time! In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we have opportunities for new graduates and experienced medical professionals, promote educational growth, and strongly support career advancement within the company.
NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:
  • Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
  • Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
  • Lowest Cost Benefits!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
  • 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Referral bonuses
  • Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Generous paid time off & paid holidays
  • Free continuing education and CMEs

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I'll be in touch.
Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran
Want a better idea of what it's like to work in a jail? See what our LPNs do:
NaphCare - Life as an LPN - YouTube
Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare

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About NaphCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NaphCare partners with correctional facilities to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare. We recognize that we serve a unique and diverse patient population, and our onsite teams take pride in bringing excellence in care to a population in great need. Be part of a world-class team of professionals who are revolutionizing correctional healthcare. NaphCare offers competitive compensation! Our full-time teammates have a top-notch benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, FREE prescriptions, flexible spending account, company-paid life and AD&D insurance with voluntary life and AD&D options, ST & LT disability, 401(k) company contribution, 20 days Paid Time Off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, employee referral bonuses, etc.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1989