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Recreation Therapy Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Belmont Village Aliso Viejo

Enrichment Leader

Tustin, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Associates Degree with coursework in Recreation Therapy, Social Work, Psychology or a related field ... BV Cares direct employee support program for severe and unexpected hardships * Exclusive discounts ...

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All JobsRecreation Therapy JobsRecreation Therapy Director JobsRecreation Therapy Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Recreation Therapy Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.8K

$74.5K

$145K

How much do recreation therapy director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation therapy director in Riverside, CA is $74,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy Director vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreation Therapy DirectorRecreation Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Recreation Therapy, certification (CTRS)Bachelor's or Master's in Recreation Therapy, certification (CTRS)
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, overseeing programs, managing staffDirect client interaction, implementing therapy plans
Employer & IndustryHospitals, rehab centers, senior living facilitiesHospitals, community centers, mental health clinics

The Recreation Therapy Director typically holds a leadership role, managing recreation therapy programs and staff, while Recreation Therapists focus on direct client care and implementing therapy plans. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How does a Recreation Therapy Director typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

As a Recreation Therapy Director, collaboration with other healthcare professionals is essential for developing comprehensive care plans for patients. You will frequently work alongside physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers to assess patient needs and ensure therapeutic activities align with overall treatment goals. Regular meetings and interdisciplinary team discussions are common, allowing you to share progress updates and integrate feedback into your program designs. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial to creating a supportive environment that promotes patient well-being and recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreation Therapy Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Director, you need a background in therapeutic recreation, a bachelor's degree in a related field, and often certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Familiarity with assessment tools, care planning software, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you motivate teams and engage diverse client populations. These skills ensure the effective delivery of therapeutic programs that improve clients' quality of life and meet regulatory standards.

What does a Recreation Therapy Director do?

A Recreation Therapy Director oversees the planning, implementation, and supervision of recreational therapy programs designed to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients or residents in healthcare facilities. They manage a team of recreation therapists, develop activity schedules, and ensure that programs meet the specific needs of individuals with various disabilities or illnesses. Additionally, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create personalized treatment plans and monitor patient progress, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Therapy Director jobs in Riverside, CA? For Recreation Therapy Director jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Therapy Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Therapy Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Recreation Therapy Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Recreation Therapy Director job openings:
Recreation Therapy Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,460 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Recreational Therapist (NCTRC/CTRS)

AvaMed Workforce

Chino, CA • On-site

$54 - $58/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

AvaMed Inc is a Healthcare Staffing Agency that staffs all of California Correctional Facilities. At the moment we are in URGENT need of a CERTIFIED Recreational Therapist (NCTRC/ CTRS) to take on a Full-Time assignment at the correctional facility located in Chino, CA.
Position Details:
Full-Time
Location: Chino, CA
Schedule: Tuesday- Saturday; 7am-3:30pm
Rate: $54/hr-$58/hr
Status: W2/Traveler Pay with Weekly Pay via Direct Deposit
MUST BE CERTIFIED
Job Description:
Under the direction of the Institution's/Facility's CEO/CMH/CMO or designee,
Recreation Therapist's duties/responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the
following requirements.
a. Develop and implement specialized recreation therapy services to CDCR Patient-
Inmates and/or DJJ Youth. Such therapeutic interventions are designed to promote
social interaction, to encourage beneficial and appropriate utilization of leisure time, and
to provide Patient-Inmates and/or DJJ Youth with preparation fo reentry into general
population or other levels of treatment.
b. Participate in the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDTT) and coordinate services
with primary clinicians, correctional counselors and other custody personnel.
c. Evaluate recreation therapy needs for Patients-Inmates and/or DJJ Youth with
particular attention to activities of daily living, communication skills, physical exercise,
and positive coping strategies.
If you are interested please submit your resume and we will reach out to you ASAP.

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