Description
Rehabilitation Therapists – Department of State Hospitals
Location: Multiple California Locations Available
Salary: Up to $9,240/month
Transform Lives Through Creative and Compassionate Care
The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) is hiring Rehabilitation Therapists across multiple specialties: Art Therapy, Dance Therapy, Music Therapy, Recreational Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. This is your opportunity to join a mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and compassion in mental health rehabilitation.
Whether you're a recent graduate with the right credentials or an experienced therapist ready to take the next step, DSH offers a supportive, team-oriented environment where your work truly matters.
Why Work at DSH?
Meaningful Impact: Help patients rebuild skills and prepare for community reintegration.
Collaborative Culture: Be part of a multidisciplinary team that values your voice and expertise.
Career Growth: Access continuing education and advancement opportunities.
Robust Benefits: Enjoy a full benefits package including retirement, health, dental, and vision plans.
Your Role as a Rehabilitation Therapist
Under the clinical supervision of a Supervising Rehabilitation Therapist, you’ll:
Conduct and document Rehabilitation Therapy Assessments.
Participate in interdisciplinary Treatment Plan meetings.
Plan and lead group therapy sessions to build physical, emotional, and social skills.
Track and report on patient progress toward therapeutic and rehabilitation goals.
Minimum Qualifications
General Requirements for All Specialties:
Completion of an approved clinical internship in your specialty,
OR
Two years of full-time, paid experience in a clinical, residential, or community setting after obtaining your qualifying degree.
Specialty-Specific Requirements:
Art Therapy: Master’s in Art Therapy or Art with emphasis in Art Therapy; or eligibility with the American Art Therapy Association.
Dance Therapy: Master’s in Dance Therapy; or eligibility with the American Dance Therapy Association.
Music Therapy: Degree in Music Therapy; or eligibility with the American Music Therapy Association.
Occupational Therapy: Degree in Occupational Therapy; or certification (or eligibility) as a Registered Occupational Therapist.
Recreational Therapy: Degree in Therapeutic Recreation; or certification (or eligibility) with a recognized therapeutic recreation organization.
Key Competencies
Deep understanding of rehabilitation services for mentally, developmentally, or physically disordered individuals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Emotional resilience and the physical ability to perform therapeutic duties in dynamic environments.
Note: Drug screening is required unless already in a designated sensitive classification.
Learn About LEAP!
Are you a person with a disability seeking a career in state service? The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) offers an alternative, merit-based path into civil service exclusively for individuals with disabilities.
LEAP Process Overview:
- Create a CalCareers Account.
- Get LEAP certified through the California Department of Rehabilitation.
- Take a LEAP MQ Assessment for the classification(s) you are interested in via the Exam Bulletins.
- Apply for vacant positions.
- Participate in an interview process and demonstrate that you are the most qualified person for the job.
- If selected, complete a Job Examination Period (JEP).
- Upon a successful completion of the JEP, you’re hired!
Application Process:
To learn more and to apply, please visit: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/JobSearchResults.aspx#kw=rehabilitation%20therapist&depid=190
