Recreational Therapist

Sutter Bay Hospitals

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Sacramento Until 9/29/2026 H-1B sponsor history First posted July 31, 2026 Last posted July 31, 2026
Job description

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

SCP-Sutter Center for Psychiatry

Position Overview:

Performs structured evaluations and develops a treatment plan in conjunction with treatment team using therapeutic, recreational and leisure activities. Facilitates recreational therapy groups, and performs other duties as required.

Job Description:

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor's: Recreation Therapy. Must be eligible for national certification or state certification.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE

  • CTRS-Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist OR California Board of Recreation Therapy Certification (CBRTC)

  • BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider

  • DL-Valid Drivers License Class C

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AS TYPICALLY ACQUIRED IN:

  • Experience working with acute psychiatric patients of all ages and levels of functioning, as a Recreation Therapist is preferred.


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Must have a working knowledge of DSM IV, functional knowledge of the relationship between recreational and leisure functions, and a patient s psychological functioning and personality integration.

  • Must be familiar with TJC (The Joint Commission), Federal and State regulations.

  • Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

  • Must be able to work in an environment where patients and their families/representatives may be experiencing stress.

  • Must be able to take appropriate actions in volatile situations.

  • Ability to work cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team.

  • Ability to function independently, prioritize and organize the efficient use of time.

  • Ability to work with all populations.

  • Ability to work in setting that includes working with aged, mentally ill, disoriented and combative patients.

  • Adapts well to changing work environment.

  • Maintains professional and confidential attitudes.

  • Demonstrates effective interviewing skills and behavior observation skills.

  • Excellent program development skills and good interpersonal communication

  • Ability to coordinate and organize multiple tasks required.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with patients, family members, responsible parties and allied personnel.

  • Must be able to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Management of Assaultive Behavior.

Job Shift:

Day/Evening

Schedule:

Per Diem/Casual

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

As Needed, Every other Weekend

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

Yes

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

0

Employee Status:

Per Diem/Casual

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $36.05 to $46.15 / hour

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.

About this role

Summary

Develops and facilitates recreational therapy plans for psychiatric patients.

Job title

Recreational Therapist

Experience level

preferably experienced with psychiatric patients

Industry

healthcare

Location requirements

Sacramento, remote work not allowed

Salary

$4k–$5k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

knowledge of DSM IVregulations understandingcritical thinkingteamworkconfidentialityinterpersonal skillsCPRmanagement of assaultive behavior

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

recreationalleisurepsychiatricassessmenttherapy
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Sacramento, CA, USA

On-site City