Recreation/Activity Therapist II
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Chula Vista, CA, 91911
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Overview
Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Paradise Valley Hospital is the South Bay’s oldest hospital, the second oldest hospital in all of San Diego County, and the largest employer in National City. For more than 100 years, Paradise Valley Hospital has served San Diego faithfully, proud of our heritage and providing numerous programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community. Our 291-bed, acute care hospital featuresthe San Diego Spine & Joint Center, a highly credentialed acute rehabilitation center, our Paradise Health & Senior Center, a fully equipped and modern cardiac catheterization lab, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surgical services, and 24-hour emergency services. In addition to our healthcare services, we offer comprehensive behavioral health services on the hospital campus and Bayview campus in Chula Vista. Services include psychiatric continuum of care for adult patients, inpatient services, and intensive outpatient services. Learn more at https://www.paradisevalleyhospital.net/.
Responsibilities
Conducts a therapeutic recreation program within the hospital to facilitate rehabilitation of the physically and mentally disabled. The Activity Therapist directs patient participation in selected activities such as games, social activities, sports or music to create an atmosphere of sociability, to provide a means of creative expression and to facilitate the learning skills for recreating during hospitalization and after discharge in the community. Creates an environment that allows the patient to explore his/her own potential, cultivate positive morale and minimize distress of illness.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Bachelors or Masters Degree in Recreation Therapy or Art Therapist or Expressive Arts Therapy or related field.2. Minimum one (1) year experience in Behavioral Healthcare, rehabilitative or SNF setting preferred.
Pay Transparency
Paradise Valley Hospital offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $22.00 to $27.30. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Full TimeShift
DaysEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
Privacy Notice
Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf
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Frequently asked questions
Chula Vista shows a steady need for Recreation/Activity Therapist II roles, especially within healthcare facilities like Prime Healthcare Services. The demand reflects increased community health initiatives and behavioral support programs, making it a promising area for candidates with relevant experience in therapeutic recreation.
California often values certifications such as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for Recreation/Activity Therapists. Holding state-recognized credentials can enhance job prospects at institutions like Prime Healthcare Services, aligning with local regulatory standards and patient care expectations.
A Recreation/Activity Therapist II typically demonstrates advanced proficiency in designing therapeutic activities tailored to complex patient needs, including behavioral healthcare settings. They often possess deeper knowledge of rehabilitation techniques, patient engagement strategies, and outcome measurement beyond foundational recreation therapy skills.
Daily responsibilities revolve around facilitating adaptive recreational programs that support both physical and mental rehabilitation. The therapist adapts activities like social games or creative arts to foster patient morale and community reintegration, balancing clinical objectives with personalized patient interaction.
Growth paths often include advancing to supervisory roles, specializing in behavioral health therapy, or moving into program coordination. Gaining experience in diverse settings like acute care hospitals or senior centers broadens skillsets and opens doors to leadership positions within therapeutic recreation.
Prime Healthcare Services offers tailored tuition reimbursement and access to continuous learning, encouraging Recreation/Activity Therapists II to expand their expertise. The company fosters a collaborative environment promoting skill enhancement and career development aligned with its mission of quality and compassion.
At Prime Healthcare Services, therapists benefit from working within an esteemed hospital system known for comprehensive behavioral health programs and advanced rehabilitation centers in San Diego County. This setting provides rich interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse patient populations unique to the region.
Salaries for Recreation/Activity Therapist II in Chula Vista generally range between $22.00 and $27.30 per hour, reflecting factors like experience, education, and credentials. This aligns with regional market rates for therapeutic recreation professionals in acute and behavioral healthcare environments.
Positions at Prime Healthcare Services for Recreation/Activity Therapist II are mostly offered as full-time day shifts, supporting consistent patient care and program continuity. This structure fits well with the hospital's acute and behavioral health service demands.
Paradise Valley Hospital offers programs such as acute rehabilitation activities, social and creative expression sessions, and community reintegration efforts. A Recreation/Activity Therapist II would coordinate these to support recovery and mental wellness, leveraging the hospital’s diverse service array.