Salary : $87,206.08 - $105,501.76 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-R1R-BHP2
Department: County-Wide Recruitment
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Bargaining Unit: 01

Description
Under supervision, evaluates the recreational therapy needs for assigned patients, and develops, implements, and documents treatment plans and goals to meet these needs, in an inpatient and outpatient hospital setting.
Distinguishing CharacteristicsThe Recreation Therapist I is an entry-level therapist position. The Recreation Therapist I typically performs routine patient care and may supervise students and volunteers. The Recreation Therapist I is distinguished from the next higher class of Recreation Therapist II in that the Recreation Therapist II requires no more than minimal supervision for complex patient care, possesses clinical expertise in two or more areas of practice, and has supervisory responsibility for interns, Recreation Therapy Assistants and Therapy Technicians.

This position is within Santa Clara Valley Healthcare's Acute Psychiatric facility, with a primary role on the Adolescent/Children Unit. This position will work collaboratively with Occupational Therapy and interdisciplinary team members on the Adolescent/Children Acute Psychiatric Unit to implement individualized and group therapy sessions.

Filing Period and Application ProcedureFinal Filing Date: Open until filled. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 7 days after the issue date. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

Typical Tasks

Patient Care

• Performs relatively routine patient care with fundamental skills in clinical reasoning and problem-solving;
• Determines therapy prognosis, including predicted optimal level of improvement in leisure functioning and the amount of time needed to reach that level, and develops appropriate plans of care to meet the patients' identified goals;
• Implements leisure education programs for patients and their caregivers;
• Performs indirect patient care duties such as communication and coordination of care with the patient, family/caregiver, and other professionals, discharge planning, documentation of all elements of patient management, patient care conferences, and charging for services provided;
• Makes appropriate referrals to various community agencies for patients in need of additional services;
• Plans and implements specialized outpatient programs;
• Plans, implements, and facilitates community outings;
• Develops adaptive recreational equipment;
• Manages own caseload of patients as assigned.

Clinical Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise volunteers and students.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Conducts in-service and instruction to unit staff concerning patient programs;
• Participates in fundraising events to support recreational therapy program;
• Participates in hospital-wide special events;
• Assumes selected responsibilities of other staff during temporary absences;
• May assist in the day-to-day operations of assigned service;
• Acts as a direct liaison to community agencies;
• May assist with selected aspects of the orientation and training of new service personnel.

Professional Development

• Participates in internal and external professional and educational activities to enhance personal and professional growth;
• Participates in hospital research as appropriate;
• Assists with program development as assigned;
• Prioritizes and schedules patient treatment as assigned;
• Provides guidance to interns, assistants and Therapy Technicians.

Employment Standards

Certification or eligibility for certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC), the national credentialing organization for therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy, or the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification to practice as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Some positions may require certification from California Children's Services as a Child Life Specialist.

Possession of a valid California driver's license upon hire.

Sufficient education and experience to demonstrate the possession and application of the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities are typically acquired through at least two (2) years professional experience and two or more specialty areas relevant to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

Knowledge of:

• Basic human anatomy and physiology;
• Pathologies and injuries which result in physical impairment;
• Basic principles, methods, and theory of the practice of recreation therapy;
• Regulatory practice requirements.

Ability to:

• Develop, implement and adapt treatment programs;
• Evaluate patients and interpret clinical data and make clinical judgments;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and other health professionals;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others;
• Efficiently manage time and priorities;
• Demonstrate appropriate patient handling skills;
• Reach, grasp, manipulate and carry a variety of objects;
• Assist, support, lift and transfer patients.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC), the national credentialing organization for therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy, or the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification to practice as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

• Yes
• No

03

If you marked "yes" on the above question in regards to possessing a certification please list it below. Please indicate name of certification and expiration date. If you do not have a certification please write "none."
04

Do you possess eligibility for certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC), the national credentialing organization for therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy, or the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification to practice as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist? If yes please make sure to submit proof.

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of professional experience do you possess in the Recreation Therapy Services field where you worked in a supervisory capacity?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

06

Please describe your professional experience as a Recreation Therapist. Please include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and detailed description of duties performed. If none, write "none"
07

Are you interested in working in a Psychosocial/Behavioral Health setting with Children and Adolescents?

• Yes
• No

08

How many years of professional experience do you have working in a Psychosocial setting?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 4 years
• 5 to less than 8 years
• 8 to less than 12 years
• 12 or more years

09

How many years of professional experience do you have working with Children/Adolescents?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 4 years
• 5 to less than 8 years
• 8 to less than 12 years
• 12 or more years

10

In which of the following specialty area(s) do you have clinical experience? Select all that apply.

• Behavioral health
• Adolescent/Children Psychiatric Services
• Developmental
• Pediatrics
• Psychosocial
• Community inclusion Services
• Physical medicine/Rehabilitation
• Adaptive Sports and Recreation
• Geriatrics
• Other specialty area(s)
• None of the above

11

Please describe your professional Recreation Therapy experience for each specialty selected above.Please include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and detailed description of duties performed. If none, write "none"
12

Do you understand and agree to possess a valid California Driver's license prior to appointment, and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit?

• Yes
• No

13

The list established will be used for full time and temporary extra help assignments. Are you willing to accept a temporary extra help assignment?

• Yes
• No

14

How did you find out about this job?

• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
• County Employee Referral
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Virtual Job Fair
• In Person Job Fair
• In-Person Networking Professional Event
• Virtual Networking Event
• Community Event
• Glassdoor
• Governmentjobs.com
• Professional Association
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website