Recreation Therapist, CF- Valley State Prison, Chowchilla

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 19, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 3 percent and will receive 5 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period.

This is a limited term position which may be extended or become permanent.

This Job Control is listed Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on the following dates:
09/09/26, 09/23/26, 10/07/26, 10/21/26, 11/04/26, 11/18/26, 12/02/26, 12/16/26


Please be advised of the following additional pay benefits individuals may be eligible for:

• This classification is subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales. The authorized HAM rate for this classification is $9,159.

Please note: Individuals may be eligible to receive a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend should they meet the eligibility criteria, including but not limited to remaining employed with CCHCS for six months. Additionally, individuals may be eligible to receive a monthly recruitment and retention differential during their first year with CCHCS (totaling $5,000), should they meet the eligibility criteria.


IMPORTANT : California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) employees may be eligible for a $5,000 referral bonus should you be selected for hire, and remain employed with CCHCS for 90 days. For a CDCR/CCHCS employee to be considered, a questionnaire must be completed to the best of your knowledge, including the referring employee's name , classification , PERNR , and work location . The questionnaire will be provided to the selected candidate during the pre-employment process.


Under the general direction of the Senior Psychologist, Correctional Facility (CF) (Supervisor) or Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker I, CF, the Recreation Therapist (RT), CF develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions. The RT, CF instructs and motivates patients in individual and group recreation therapy, monitors and documents treatment progress, and works with other health care providers to share recreational therapy assessment information and incorporate therapeutic recreational activities into treatment plans. The RT, CF maintains order and supervises the conduct of patients to protect and maintain the safety of persons and property.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


Education: Equivalent to graduation from a recognized college with major work in recreation or recreation therapy. The major must have included supervised field work. (Registration as a senior will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent and completion of the required field work before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RECREATION THERAPIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530114


Position #(s):
View phone number on click.appcast.io-XXX

Working Title:
Recreation Therapist, CF- Valley State Prison, Chowchilla


Classification:
RECREATION THERAPIST, CORRECTIONAL FACILITY $9,159.00 - $9,903.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
Multiple


Work Location:
Madera County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time


Facility:
Valley State Prison


Department Information
Vision

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.


Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.


Commitment

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.


CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.


CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.


CDCR/CCHCS values all team members. We work cooperatively to provide the highest level of health care possible to a diverse correctional population, which includes medical, dental, nursing, mental health, and pharmacy. We encourage creativity and ingenuity while treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect, all of which are critical to the success of the CDCR/CCHCS mission.


This advertisement is for a Recreation Therapist, CF position(s) located at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, CA located in Madera County. Please write the position number on your application: View phone number on click.appcast.io-XXX.


Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure to have a valid email address on your application.

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on your application.


Department Website:


Special Requirements
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.


All applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQ's) of the classification, per SPB Rule 250, with the exception of Training & Development (T&D) Assignments.


Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.


If using academic education above the twelfth grade to meet minimum qualifications, include a copy of your degree and/or Informal (Unofficial) School Transcripts.


Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .


Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.


When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.


CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to .


This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.


Employment History on the STD. 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. To prepare for the State Application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist .


Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


California Correctional Health Care Services
Regional Human Resources-Central
Attn: Griselda Kelley, RHU-Central
Regional Human Resources - Central
PO Box 5359
Fresno , CA 93755


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


California Correctional Health Care Services
Regional Human Resources-Central
Griselda Kelley, RHU-Central
Regional Human Resources - Central
PO Box 5359
Fresno , CA 93755


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other -
  License/Certificate : Include a copy of your certification from California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC) or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. (NCTRC) or letter stating you are eligible for certification from the CBRPC or the NCTRC.
  
• Other -
  Education: Equivalent to graduation from a recognized college with major work in recreation or recreation therapy. The major must have included supervised field work. (Registration as a senior will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent and completion of the required field work before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


Include a copy of your certification from California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC) or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. (NCTRC) or letter stating you are eligible for certification from the CBRPC or the NCTRC.


Per Business and Professions Code Section 17505.2 (a)(1) and (a)(2):


It is unlawful for a person to represent himself or herself as a recreation therapist, to represent the services he or she performs as recreation therapy, or to use terms set forth in subdivision (c) in connection with his or her services, name, or place of business, unless he or she meets all of the following requirements:


Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy. Alternatively, a person who does not have one of the preceding degrees may qualify if he or she has a baccalaureate degree in a specialization acceptable for certification or eligible for certification by any accrediting body specified in paragraph (2).


Current certification or eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification or by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc.


Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, , and the CalPERS website, .


Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at .


Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at .


This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Griselda Kelley
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lucy Daza
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
CCHCS EEO Office
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io
California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Examination Information:


CalCareers Exam / Assessment Search

To obtain list eligibility for the Recreation Therapist classification, before applying for the position(s), you must first take and pass the CalCareers examination.


Additional Information:


PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO RE-EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENTAL RESTRICTION OF APPOINTMENT, STATE RESTRICTION OF APPOINTMENT, AND SURPLUS CANDIDATES.


All methods of appointment may be considered.


State Application Checklist: To prepare for the State application process, please visit Work4CA: State Application Checklist .


Interview Checklist: To prepare for the interview process, please refer to the Work4CA: Interview Checklist .


CCHCS accepts electronic applications. If interested, please submit an electronic application (STD 678) through your CalCareer account at . Your application must be submitted on or before the above Final Filing Date.


Paper App (If unable to submit an electronic application): To apply for this position, you may submit a Standard State Application (STD 678) along with copies of your most recent performance report, college transcripts/college diploma (if applicable) and license/certification (if applicable) to the contact person listed above.


Resumes will be accepted in addition to the required STD. 678.


This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.