Certified Recreation Therapist (CTRS)
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Glendale, CA, 91204
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 32.32-48.07 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center is actively seeking a dedicated and experienced Certified Recreation Therapist (CTRS) to join our acute mental health unit! If you're passionate about leveraging therapeutic recreation to foster healing and recovery, this is your chance to make a profound impact. We're looking for a collaborative team player.
- Conduct comprehensive recreation therapy assessments to determine patient needs, interests, and abilities.
- Develop individualized and group treatment plans based on assessment findings, patient goals, and physician orders.
- Facilitate a variety of therapeutic recreation interventions and activities (e.g., expressive arts, leisure education, social skills training, physical activity, community reintegration preparation) tailored to the unique needs of an acute mental health population.
- Document patient progress accurately and timely in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Actively participate as an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, collaborating with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and holistic patient care.
- One (1) year of experience in Mental Health in an acute hospital setting.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Experience with Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- AHA BLS
- Bilingual skills in Spanish or Armenian preferred.
Founded in 1926 Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center is a 334-bed acute care nonprofit community hospital located in Glendale California. The hospital offers a full complement of services including its award winning heart center the colorectal surgery institute a gastrointestinal program and is a Los Angeles County approved primary stroke center. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/glendalememorial for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
Certified Recreation Therapists in Glendale, CA, play a pivotal role by designing tailored therapeutic activities that promote mental wellness and community reintegration. Their expertise helps patients in acute mental health settings regain social and coping skills, making treatment more holistic and effective within local healthcare systems.
Key skills include conducting detailed patient assessments, crafting individualized treatment plans, and facilitating therapeutic interventions like expressive arts and social skills training. Mastery in interdisciplinary collaboration and proficiency with electronic medical records also distinguish top-performing CTRSs.
CTRS professionals can pursue supervisory roles, specialize in areas like community reintegration, or transition into program coordination. Continuing education and certifications enhance prospects, especially in mental health-focused organizations seeking leadership in recreation therapy.
Catholic Health Initiatives supports CTRSs with a collaborative care culture, interdisciplinary teamwork, and access to advanced therapeutic resources. Their emphasis on holistic patient care and community-oriented programs distinguishes their approach in Glendale's acute mental health sector.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, CTRSs engage deeply with an acute mental health unit emphasizing personalized recovery plans. The hospital’s integration within a large nonprofit network offers expansive professional development opportunities and a strong community health focus rarely matched locally.
Certified Recreation Therapists in Glendale typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, reflecting California’s higher cost of living and demand for mental health specialists. This range is moderately above the national average, rewarding expertise in acute care settings.
Yes, fluency in Spanish or Armenian enhances communication with Glendale’s diverse patient population, improving therapy outcomes and patient engagement. Bilingual Certified Recreation Therapists often enjoy greater job competitiveness and are valued for bridging cultural gaps in care.
Glendale’s acute care and mental health sectors show steady demand for CTRSs, but competition remains moderate due to specialized certification requirements. Candidates with mental health experience and EMR proficiency stand out in local recruitment efforts.
Therapists may navigate complexities like coordinating care across diverse professionals and adapting therapeutic activities to acute mental health needs. Strong communication and flexibility are essential to harmonize treatment goals within Glendale Memorial’s collaborative environment.
Daily tasks involve assessing patient interests, implementing group and individual therapy sessions, and updating treatment plans with real-time progress notes. This dynamic schedule demands adaptability to acute mental health challenges and proactive teamwork within Catholic Health Initiatives.