Recreation Therapy Supervisor-26440810

County of San Diego•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is hiring a Recreation Therapy Supervisor to plan and coordinate therapeutic recreation services, lead activities, and supervise Recreational Therapists and Recreation Therapy Aides. The supervisor has primary responsibility for administering the therapeutic recreation program. The ideal candidate has recent leadership experience in a behavioral health setting, experience coordinating recreation therapy programs for people with mental health needs, and knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations. The candidate demonstrates situational awareness in high-acuity environments, prioritizes compliance and risk mitigation, and fosters safety, accountability, interdisciplinary collaboration, staff development, and high-quality patient care. The role may involve rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, field travel, and work with clients, residents, or patients who may become abusive or combative or have contagious diseases. At the San Diego Psychiatric Hospital, work may also include driving cars or vans, outdoor recreation activities, and exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, or wetness. Incumbents may push wheelchairs up and down ramps and across uneven surfaces. Employment is contingent on background investigation and pre-employment medical screening. The anticipated start date depends on successful completion of screening or another mutually agreed date.

Requirements

Certification as a Recreation Therapist by the California Board of Recreation Therapy Certification (CBRTC) or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), as specified under California Administrative Code, Title 22, Section 71053 (16). Certification by the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) or the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is also qualifying.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or certified foreign studies equivalency, in Recreation with specialization in Recreation Therapy.
Three years of full-time experience in a mental health program; previous experience may include at least one year as a designated lead.
Required licenses, certifications, and registrations must be maintained throughout employment.
Ability to arrange transportation for necessary and timely travel to different worksites, meetings, or field work.
Some positions may require obtaining a California Class B driver's license within 12 months of hire and maintaining it throughout employment.
Candidates must complete a background check, including fingerprinting, and pre-employment medical screening before beginning County employment.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Recent leadership experience in a behavioral health setting.
Thorough experience coordinating recreation therapy programs for the mental health population.
Knowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements.
Proactive approach, strong situational awareness in high-acuity environments, and focus on compliance and risk mitigation.
Ability to foster safety, accountability, interdisciplinary collaboration, staff development, and high-quality patient care.