Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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:
9/7/2026
Who May Apply
This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating “preference under Government Code section 18220”. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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:
Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Postal
Attn:
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
PO Box 7005
Atascadero,
CA
93423-7005
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Drop Off
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real
Atascadero,
CA
93422
Building 105
08:00 AM
-
04:30 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov.
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 required and must be included.
- Other - Applicants must provide proof of application for, or enrollment as a student in an appropriate college or university program.
- Other - Applicants must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcripts with their application (STD. 678). Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts. Please note: foreign transcripts must include verification for US equivalency from an independent company.
- Other - Applicants must provide a Letter of Verification from your Academic Advisor or Director of Therapeutic Recreation at your school stating when you will be completing your coursework. Verification may be included in a Letter of Recommendation if written by your Academic Advisor or Director of Therapeutic Recreation.
- Other - Applicants must provide a Sample of Objectives or Program Design Project that you have completed for one of your classes. Please note: AI generated documents will not be accepted.
- Other - Applicants must provide a Cover Letter that includes a brief narrative describing any experience you feel contributed to your education as a Recreation Therapist.
- Other - Applicants must provide two (2) signed Letters of Recommendation, at least one should be from a Recreation Therapy Instructor. The signed letters may be uploaded via CalCareers account, mailed directly to the DSH-Atascadero Employment Office (see How to Apply for mailing address), or the author may email directly to the DSH-Atascadero Employment Office email ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov. Please note: If you are not submitting letters at this time, you may use the Bypass File option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document then select Bypass File).
