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Activities Aide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cottage Grove Place

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

Life Care Services

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

Heritage at Irene Woods

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

The Arlington of Naples

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

Cottage Grove Place

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

Asbury Village

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

Life Care Services

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center ...

Harmony House Care Center

Activity Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

... activities, assisting with scheduling movies, planning parties, organizing games, crafts, and ... Prior Activity Aide experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting is preferable but we are ...

Legacy Healthcare

Activity Aide

Guttenberg, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

... activities, assisting with scheduling movies, planning parties, organizing games, crafts, and ... Prior Activity Aide experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting is preferable but we are ...

Legacy Healthcare

Activity Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

... activities, assisting with scheduling movies, planning parties, organizing games, crafts, and ... Prior Activity Aide experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting is preferable but we are ...

Guttenberg Care Center

Activity Aide

Guttenberg, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

... activities, assisting with scheduling movies, planning parties, organizing games, crafts, and ... Prior Activity Aide experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting is preferable but we are ...

Harmony Dubuque

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA

$18 - $24.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

Harmony Dubuque

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

Harmony Dubuque

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

Legacy Health Care

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

Legacy Healthcare

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we ...

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All JobsActivities Aide JobsActivities Aide Jobs in Iowa

Activities Aide information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$21

How much do activities aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities aide in Iowa is $15.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activities aide?

Activities Aides are professionals who plan, organize, and assist with recreational and therapeutic activities for residents in facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, or community centers. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life, promote social interaction, and support the physical and emotional well-being of participants. Activities Aides work closely with other staff to tailor activities to the needs and interests of individuals, often helping with arts and crafts, games, outings, and special events.

What does an activities aide do?

An activities aide is responsible for helping with physical, educational, or social activities in a variety of settings. As an activities aide, your duties revolve around assisting residents or patients with use of equipment, and planning and monitoring their participation in various activities. Depending on the type of organization, your responsibilities may include planning events and coordination with outside activity providers and facilitators. If you work in a senior care facility, you may need to monitor participants to ensure they are safe and healthy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activities aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activities Aide, you need knowledge of recreational programming, basic caregiving skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with activity scheduling software and safety protocols is typically required. Outstanding communication, creativity, and patience help foster engagement and positive relationships with participants. These skills ensure that activities are safe, enjoyable, and tailored to enhance the well-being of those in care settings.

What are some common challenges activities aides face when engaging residents in group activities?

Activities Aides often encounter challenges such as varying levels of participation, differing physical and cognitive abilities among residents, and maintaining interest across diverse groups. Balancing individual needs with group dynamics can be demanding, as some residents may require more assistance or encouragement to join in. Effective communication, creativity in adapting activities, and patience are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring all residents feel included and engaged.

What is the difference between Activities Aide vs Activities Coordinator?

AspectActivities AideActivities Coordinator
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific trainingCPR, First Aid, event planning certifications
Work EnvironmentAssisted living, nursing homes, senior centersSenior centers, community centers, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with daily activities, support activity programsPlan, organize, and lead activities and events

Activities Aides typically support existing activity programs and assist residents, while Activities Coordinators take a lead role in planning and managing activities. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in senior or healthcare settings, but their responsibilities differ in scope and leadership level.

How to become an activities aide?

To become an activities aide, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with experience in activities or caregiving. Relevant skills include communication, creativity, and patience, and some positions may require background checks or certifications in first aid or CPR. On-the-job training is often provided, and a compassionate attitude is essential for working with residents or clients.

Is activity aide a stressful job?

The activity aide role involves planning and leading recreational activities for residents, which can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially in high-stress environments like long-term care facilities. The job requires strong communication skills and patience, and workload can vary depending on the setting and resident needs, potentially leading to stress during busy or challenging times.

Is being an activities aide hard?

Being an activities aide involves planning and facilitating engaging activities for residents, which can require creativity, patience, and good communication skills. The job may involve physical tasks and working with diverse populations, but it generally depends on the work environment and individual experience. It is often considered manageable with proper training and a positive attitude.
More about Activities Aide jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Activities jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Activities jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Activities Aide jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Activities Aide jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Activities Aide jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Activities Aide job openings:

Activities Aide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activities Aide job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,826 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Activities Aide

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Cottage Grove Place
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Cottage Grove Placeexternal

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


When you work at Cottage Grove Place, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of an extraordinary company - one that's investing in the future of senior living by investing in you. Don't just do a job. Be part of an extraordinary life!
Cottage Grove Place is recruiting for a hospitality focused Activities Aide to join our team! The Activities Aide is responsible for assisting with the overall planning and implementation of varied activity programs to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Health Center, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and independent residents.
Here are a few of the daily responsibilities:
  • Assist with planning and coordinating activities
  • Direct movement of residents to and from recreational areas.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of resident's activity attendance, care plans, and progress notes.
  • Plan and coordinate activities in the absence of the Activities Coordinator.

Here are a few of the qualifications we need you to have:
  • Minimum High School diploma

Salary Range: $18.00-$20.00/Hourly
Hospitality Promises:
  1. We greet you warmly, by name and with a smile.
  2. We treat everyone with courteous respect.
  3. We anticipate your needs and act accordingly.
  4. We listen and respond enthusiastically in a timely manner.
  5. We hold ourselves and one another accountable.
  6. We make you feel important.
  7. We embrace and value our differences.
  8. We ask, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
  9. We maintain a high level of professionalism, both in conduct and appearance, at all times.
  10. We pay attention to the details.

Benefits:
Full-Time offerings includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) Retirement, Holiday Pay, Vacation Time, Sick Time, Personal Time and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Mount Mercy Educational Partnership.
Many roles in the community may require that we ask about your vaccination status. This could include MMR, chicken pox, hepatitis, flu and COVID-19 vaccine status.
If you're an enthusiastic, compassionate, senior care professional who is passionate about hospitality and senior engagement- please apply, we'd love to get to know you!
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