Recreation Therapy Supervisor-26440802
San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, San Diego, CA, United States
Overview
The County of San Diego's Health and Human Services Agency is currently accepting applications for:
Recreation Therapy Supervisor .
Interviews will take place the week of April 20, 2026. Job offers for selected candidates will be made the week of April 27, 2026. The starting salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases June 2026 - 3.83% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + .33% Market Increase). June 2027 - 3.33% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + .33% Market Increase).
Responsibilities Recreation Therapy Supervisors plan and coordinate therapeutic recreation services; lead activities; and supervise Recreational Therapists and Recreation Therapy Aides. The incumbents have primary responsibility for administering the therapeutic recreation program.
Ideal Candidate An ideal Recreation Therapist Supervisor in a psychiatric hospital has recent leadership experience in a behavioral health setting, has thorough experience in coordinating recreational therapy program for the mental health population, and knowledge of Federal and State regulatory requirements. They are proactive, demonstrate strong situational awareness in high-acuity environments, and prioritize compliance and risk mitigation. Most importantly, they foster a culture of safety, accountability, and interdisciplinary collaboration while supporting staff development and high-quality patient care.
Read additional information for Recreation Therapy Supervisor including benefits, minimum qualifications, examples of duties, essential functions, etc.
Hiring Process and Timeline The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
Certification as a Recreation Therapist by the California Board of Recreation Therapy Certification (CBRTC) or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) per California Administrative Code, Title 22, Section 71053 (16); AND,
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in Recreation with specialization in Recreation Therapy; AND,
Three (3) years of full-time experience in a mental health program. Previous experience may have included at least one (1) year as a designated lead.
Note: Supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Required Licenses, Certifications or Registrations Required licenses, certifications and registrations must be maintained throughout employment in this class.
Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.
Some positions may require a California Class B driver’s license within twelve (12) months of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this class.
Certification
Certification as a Recreation Therapist by the CBRTC or NCTRC per California Administrative Code, Title 22, Section 71053 (16).
Certification by NAMT or CBMT is qualifying.
Working Conditions Incumbents may work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. Incumbents are exposed to clients, persons in custody, residents, and/or patients who may become abusive, combative or may have a contagious disease. Incumbents push wheelchairs up and down ramps and on uneven surfaces. Some assignments may involve driving, outdoor work, or exposure to extreme conditions.
Disaster Service Workers Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term public employees includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego supports veterans. We offer preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information. The Military Skills Translator is available to help translate military experience into civilian experience.
Strategic Plan The County of San Diego values diversity and inclusion and has a Strategic Plan. For more information visit the Strategic Plan on sandiegocounty.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Recreation Therapy Supervisor .
Interviews will take place the week of April 20, 2026. Job offers for selected candidates will be made the week of April 27, 2026. The starting salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases June 2026 - 3.83% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + .33% Market Increase). June 2027 - 3.33% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + .33% Market Increase).
Responsibilities Recreation Therapy Supervisors plan and coordinate therapeutic recreation services; lead activities; and supervise Recreational Therapists and Recreation Therapy Aides. The incumbents have primary responsibility for administering the therapeutic recreation program.
Ideal Candidate An ideal Recreation Therapist Supervisor in a psychiatric hospital has recent leadership experience in a behavioral health setting, has thorough experience in coordinating recreational therapy program for the mental health population, and knowledge of Federal and State regulatory requirements. They are proactive, demonstrate strong situational awareness in high-acuity environments, and prioritize compliance and risk mitigation. Most importantly, they foster a culture of safety, accountability, and interdisciplinary collaboration while supporting staff development and high-quality patient care.
Read additional information for Recreation Therapy Supervisor including benefits, minimum qualifications, examples of duties, essential functions, etc.
Hiring Process and Timeline The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
Certification as a Recreation Therapist by the California Board of Recreation Therapy Certification (CBRTC) or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) per California Administrative Code, Title 22, Section 71053 (16); AND,
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in Recreation with specialization in Recreation Therapy; AND,
Three (3) years of full-time experience in a mental health program. Previous experience may have included at least one (1) year as a designated lead.
Note: Supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Required Licenses, Certifications or Registrations Required licenses, certifications and registrations must be maintained throughout employment in this class.
Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.
Some positions may require a California Class B driver’s license within twelve (12) months of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this class.
Certification
Certification as a Recreation Therapist by the CBRTC or NCTRC per California Administrative Code, Title 22, Section 71053 (16).
Certification by NAMT or CBMT is qualifying.
Working Conditions Incumbents may work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. Incumbents are exposed to clients, persons in custody, residents, and/or patients who may become abusive, combative or may have a contagious disease. Incumbents push wheelchairs up and down ramps and on uneven surfaces. Some assignments may involve driving, outdoor work, or exposure to extreme conditions.
Disaster Service Workers Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term public employees includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego supports veterans. We offer preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information. The Military Skills Translator is available to help translate military experience into civilian experience.
Strategic Plan The County of San Diego values diversity and inclusion and has a Strategic Plan. For more information visit the Strategic Plan on sandiegocounty.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr