Location: Lancaster, CA

Start Date: 01-12-2026

End Date: 08-30-2026

Shift Type: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Day). Alternative schedule options: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (4/10) or Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (5/8)

Hours per Week: 40

Candidate Pay Rate: $64 per hour

About United Health Care Staffing

At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Design and lead meaningful recreational therapy programs that support mental health recovery and coping skills
• Assess patients’ functional and psychosocial needs and document progress clearly and professionally
• Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions focused on skills-building, recreation, and socialization
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to align treatment goals and contribute to care plans
• Adapt activities to a correctional mental health environment while maintaining safety and dignity
• Provide education and reassurance to patients to promote engagement and positive outcomes
• Maintain accurate records, follow facility policies, and ensure confidentiality at all times

Qualifications

• Current certification or licensure in Recreational Therapy (e.g., CTRS) preferred or equivalent clinical credential
• Experience in mental health-focused recreational therapy; correctional facility experience is a strong plus
• Ability to complete a two-week orientation prior to assignment start
• Strong communication and group facilitation skills
• Background checks and facility-required clearances (per facility policy) as this role is in a correctional setting

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Kinesiology, Psychology, or related field preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and evidence-based approaches for mental health
• Skill in designing structured group activities and individualized treatment plans
• Comfort working in a secure/correctional healthcare environment with attention to safety protocols
• Ability to document clinical progress and communicate with interdisciplinary teams
• Flexibility and problem-solving when adapting programming to facility constraints

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay with a steady 40-hour guarantee to keep your schedule predictable
• Supportive team environment where your clinical creativity is welcomed and valued
• Comprehensive onboarding with a required two-week orientation to set you up for success
• Opportunities to develop professionally working in a mental health correctional setting
• Flexible scheduling options to help balance life and work
• Access to peer collaboration and multidisciplinary care—feel part of a bigger mission
• Referral program to reward you for bringing great teammates on board
• Resources and support for licensure and continuing education

Travel Perks: Explore Lancaster, CA

This is a contract placement in Lancaster, CA—an ideal spot for outdoor lovers. Explore nearby Antelope Valley attractions including the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (seasonal wildflower viewing), local hiking at Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, and small-town arts and farmers markets in downtown Lancaster. Weekend excursions to the greater Los Angeles area or Mojave Desert are easy drives for city attractions, museums, or desert sunsets.

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#RecreationalTherapistJobs #LancasterCAJobs #MentalHealthJobs #UHCCareers #CorrectionalHealth #TherapeuticRecreation #HealthcareJobs #ContractHealthcare #CaliforniaJobs