Fresh Listing

Posted: April 15, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Activity Therapist (#015936) Kirkland Correctional Institution, Columbia (RICHLAND) Level 3

State of South Carolina

Department of Corrections

Fresh

Location

South Carolina, 29201

Salary

$35,800 - $46,600

per year

Closes

April 23, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves planning and running recreational activities to help inmates in a mental health program at a South Carolina prison build social skills and healthy leisure habits.

The role requires assessing inmates' needs, creating personalized plans, and working with staff to support their mental well-being.

It's a good fit for someone with a background in therapy or recreation who is patient, creative, and comfortable in a secure correctional environment.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma with experience in therapeutic recreation, music, or art therapy
  • Bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation, or related field (may substitute for experience)
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree and experience in psychiatric rehabilitative settings
  • Preferred: Certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist
  • Ability to complete four weeks of SCDC Basic Training upon hire
  • Skills in assessing inmate needs, developing individualized care plans, and monitoring treatment responses
  • Experience providing training to medical, mental health, and security staff

Full Job Description

Under general supervision,
  • Plans, implements, and coordinates activities and intervention in the development, maintenance, and expression of appropriate social and leisure lifestyles of patients admitted to the Kirkland R&E specialized mental health program unit.
  • Develops recreational/activity therapy based upon assessment of inmate's needs/interests and psychosocial aspect of care.
  • Reviews findings from the treatment team to assess inmate's skills and interests that contribute to developing an individualized plan of care.
  • Monitors response to treatment and changes plans as necessary.
  • Provide training to medical, mental health and security staff.
  • Provides documentation as required by agency standards.
  • Attend divisional meetings and staff training as required.
Must successfully complete four (4) weeks of SCDC Basic Training upon hire.

Questions regarding the application process, this job posting or any other postings with the SCDC should be directed to:
Recruiting and Employment Services
(803) 896-1649
Employment@doc.state.sc.us

Requirements

State of South Carolina minimum requirements:
A high school diploma and relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree in physical education, recreation or a related field may be substituted for the required experience.


SCDC minimum requirements:

A high school diploma and experience in a therapeutic recreational or music/art therapy related field.

A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree and previous experience in a psychiatric rehabilitative setting and certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist is preferred.

Additional Information

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.

Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on NEOGOV: 4/15/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/15/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-sc-5303125