1

Recreational Therapy Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA

... Intern (Unpaid) to join our team. At Canyon Ridge Hospital we understand that not all wounds are ... The Recreation Therapist administers the activity assessment and develops the activity ...

Recreational Therapy Intern information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$17

$23

How much do recreational therapy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapy intern in Riverside, CA is $17.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational therapy intern?

A Recreational Therapy Intern assists certified recreational therapists in planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. They gain hands-on experience by leading group or one-on-one sessions using activities like arts, sports, and music to improve patients' well-being. Interns also help with documenting patient progress and learning about treatment plans. This role provides valuable exposure to healthcare settings and prepares interns for a career in recreational therapy.

What kind of supervision and mentorship can a recreational therapy intern expect during their internship?

Recreational Therapy Interns typically work closely under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or experienced recreational therapy staff. Interns receive regular guidance, participate in team meetings, and may shadow or assist with group and individual activities, ensuring hands-on learning experiences. Mentors also provide constructive feedback, help interns develop professional skills, and encourage reflective practice throughout the internship. This supportive environment allows interns to build confidence while learning best practices in client care and activity planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreational therapy intern?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapy Intern, you need foundational knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, activity planning, and relevant coursework or progress toward a related degree. Familiarity with documentation tools, adaptive equipment, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is valued. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a willingness to learn from feedback help set successful interns apart. Mastering these skills ensures you can safely and effectively support clients’ therapeutic needs in collaboration with licensed professionals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Recreational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreational Therapy Intern jobs in Riverside, CA? For Recreational Therapy Intern jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreational Therapy Intern jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Recreational Therapy Intern jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Recreational Therapy Intern jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Recreational Therapy Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Intern job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,223 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Recreation Therapy Intern, Correctional Facility - California Institution for Men (CIM)

California State Jobs

Chino, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title and Description

California Institution for Men is accepting applications for Temporary (15 weeks), Intermittent appointments to the Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) classification. The Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) is supervised by a NCTRC certified Recreation Therapist and works under the administrative supervision of the Program Assistant and is under the general lead and clinical direction of the Recreation Therapy Intern Coordinators and the Chief of Rehabilitation Therapy Services. Under the general direction of the Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility (CF), the Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF), develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions. The Student Assistant – RT Intern, CF, completes recreation therapy assessments, progress notes, monitors group attendance; facilitates and motivates patients in recreation therapy groups, incorporates therapeutic recreational activities into treatment plans; monitors the effectiveness of therapeutic recreational group programs, audits recreation therapy supplies, participates in the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, and collaborates with mental health care staff.

The successful candidate must be academically eligible for a Recreation Therapy internship based upon their university and National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification standards.

Candidates should possess and demonstrate the basic knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of Recreation Therapy services, basic knowledge of the process of restoration, maintenance and development of capabilities, basic knowledge of the principles of mental health education, the scope and activities of private and public health and welfare agencies, characteristics of mental, emotional, physical, and developmental disorders, current trends in mental health, public health and public welfare, federal and state programs in these fields. Have ability to utilize and effectively apply required knowledge, establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the workplace, ability to secure accurate clinical data and record such data systematically, compose clear, accurate and concise reports, interpret statistical data, analyze situations accurately and take effective action, ability to communicate effectively.

Additional Information: The classification is a temporary appointment (TAU), and the Student Assistant may not work more than 1500 hours in a 12 consecutive month period. No health, dental, or vision benefits are provided for persons in this classification.

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications (MQs) listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, a victim of human trafficking, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code (GC) Section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating "preference under GC Section 18220." Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility. Verification of application or enrollment in a college or university is required prior to appointment.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.