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Activities Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Activities Therapist Print ( Apply  Activities Therapist Salary $84,396.96 - $97,697.52 Annually Location Sacramento, CA Job Type Intermittent - 1560 Job Number 27611-D Department DHHS - Health ...

Activities Therapist

Butner, NC · On-site

$19.78 - $28.12/hr

Activities Therapist Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina. Youth ...

New

Activities Therapist

Butner, NC · On-site

$19.78 - $28.12/hr

We are seeking an Activities Therapist with experience in child and adolescent mental health to collaborate with this multidisciplinary team to help our patients grow and thrive. You will design and ...

Activities Therapist This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 6/26/26, 9/28/26, 12/28/26. Under direction, the Activities Therapist plans and performs therapeutic ...

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of * Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute ...

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Activities Therapist

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$47K - $48K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

PACE is currently hiring Recreational Therapist for our Day Health Center for Seniors in Pontiac ... These activities are designed to support people emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Activities Therapist, Full Time, 40 Hours

Holyoke, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us as an Activities Therapist! Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm The Activities Therapist is responsible for planning, organizing and leading art therapy, music therapy, or recreational ...

General Activities Therapist 2

Lucasville, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General Activities Therapist This is a reposting... If you previously applied, you must apply again to be considered. What You'll Do: Plans, conducts, implements and monitors general recreation ...

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Activities Therapist information

See salary details

$12

$28

$45

How much do activities therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities therapist in the United States is $28.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activities therapist?

Activities Therapists are healthcare professionals who plan and lead therapeutic activities for individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or community programs. Their goal is to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients through recreational activities such as art, music, games, exercise, or social events. They assess clients’ interests and abilities and tailor activities to meet their needs, helping to enhance quality of life and promote recovery. Activities Therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support overall treatment plans.

What does an activities therapist do?

An activities therapist designs recreational activities to aid in the therapeutic rehabilitation of patients with illnesses, diseases, or disabilities. Your responsibilities include performing assessments of your patients, reading over their medical records and reports from other medical practitioners, and working with your patients to tailor specific plans based on their interests and hobbies to aid in their rehabilitation. You also make adjustments to the program depending on how your patient performs. Other duties include helping your patients to cope with difficult situations and addressing underlying issues, such as stress or depression, through therapeutic activities.

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

To thrive as an Activities Therapist, you need a background in recreation therapy, psychology, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and certification (such as CTRS). Familiarity with activity planning software, patient documentation systems, and adaptive equipment is commonly required. Creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse client groups are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial to designing effective therapeutic activities that enhance clients’ well-being and support their rehabilitation goals.

What are some common challenges activities therapists face when designing group sessions, and how can they be addressed?

Activities Therapists often encounter the challenge of creating sessions that accommodate a wide range of abilities, interests, and therapeutic needs within a diverse group. Balancing individual goals with group dynamics requires flexibility and strong communication skills. To address these challenges, therapists typically assess participants beforehand, adapt activities for inclusivity, and collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure each session supports therapeutic outcomes while keeping participants engaged and motivated.

What is the difference between Activities Therapist vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectActivities TherapistRecreational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in occupational therapy, recreation therapy, or related field; certifications vary by regionRequires a degree in recreational therapy or related field; certification often from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, schoolsRehabilitation centers, nursing homes, community programs, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizations, educational institutionsHealthcare, community health, senior care, mental health services

Activities Therapists and Recreational Therapists both focus on improving clients' quality of life through therapeutic activities. While their roles overlap significantly, Activities Therapists often emphasize structured activities to develop specific skills, whereas Recreational Therapists focus on leisure activities to promote overall well-being. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable settings, making them closely related professions in the healthcare and rehabilitation industries.

Do you need a degree to be an activities therapist?

Activities therapists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, occupational therapy, or a related field. Some positions may require certification or licensure, depending on the state or employer. Relevant skills include activity planning, communication, and understanding client needs.

What cities are hiring for Activities Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Activities Therapist job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Activities Therapist jobs?

The top employers for Activities Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Activities Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Activities Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Activities Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,690 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Activities Therapist

Sacramento County

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Sacramento County rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Activities Therapist

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sacramento/jobs/newprint/1105716)

Apply

Activities Therapist

Salary

$84,396.96 - $97,697.52 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Intermittent - 1560

Job Number

27611-D

Department

DHHS - Health & Human Services

Opening Date

11/01/2016

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

6/26/26, 9/28/26, 12/28/26

Under direction, the Activities Therapist plans and performs therapeutic rehabilitation activities and functional life skills assessments for patients with a psychiatric or co-occurring disorder by using the principles and practices of recreation therapy. Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

  • Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute care psychiatric facility

  • Basic characteristics of mental and emotional disorders, appropriate assessment techniques for planning and delivering recreation therapy services

  • A variety of individual and group facilitation techniques

principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute care psychiatric facility

  • Basic medical and psychiatric terminology

  • Basic regulations governing the treatment of people in psychiatric health facilities.

  • Principles and practices of community mental health, with emphasis in the interrelationship between public and community agencies in a coordinated service delivery system

Ability to

  • Conceptualize and plan appropriate recreation therapy programs for patients with mental disabilities

  • Adapt treatment programs by graduating tasks to meet patient's level of function

  • Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team

  • Use basic medical and psychiatric terminology

  • Lead and instruct patients in recreational and social activities

  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

License Certificate Registration Requirement:

  1. *Current certification as a Recreation Therapist by either the

(a) California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, or

(b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

OR

  1. *Current license as an Occupational Therapist by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.

OR

  1. *, **Completion of a bachelor's degree program that meets the requirements for a Recreation Therapist certificate issued by either the

(a) Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification; or

(b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

OR

  1. *, **Completion of a bachelor's degree program that meets the requirements for an Occupational Therapist license issued by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.

*Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate certification or registration may constitute cause for dismissal from the class under applicable Civil Service Rules.

**Note: Failure to obtain the required certificate or license within six months from the appointment date constitute cause for dismissal from the class under applicable Civil Service Rules.

***Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/content/personnel/us/en/faqs/ES--faqs.html#gsc.tab=0) or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Criminal History and Background Check: The County will access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for the above job class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure, and applicable federal and state law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

The County will also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within the class. The background check may include personal and professional references checks, credit history check, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

Child and Elder Abuse Reporting: Persons selected for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 and 11160 of the California Penal Code relating to child and elder abuse reporting.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here (http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sacramento) to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

www.SacCountyJobs.net

  • Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

  • Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

  • Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.

  • Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.

  • A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

  • Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

  • The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.

  • Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.

  • If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.

  • Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.

  • If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

  • For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.

  • If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/content/personnel/us/en/faqs/ES--faqs.html#gsc.tab=0) for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

www.saccountyjobs.net

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at dco@saccounty.gov or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions (https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/DCOJobApplicantExamReasonableAccommodation.aspx)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees’ current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance

  • Vision Benefits

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Health Insurance

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • Life Insurance

  • Critical Illness

  • Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)

  • Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the Benefits website (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/Benefits/#gsc.tab=0)

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:

Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.

VACATION:

Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:

14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.

SICK LEAVE:

Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:

Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:

The County’s defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website, http://www.scers.org

DENTAL INSURANCE:

For more information, visit the Benefits website (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/us/en/benefits.html#gsc.tab=0)

LIFE INSURANCE:

The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

For more information, visit the Benefits website (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/us/en/benefits.html#gsc.tab=0)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the Benefits website (https://personnel.saccounty.gov/us/en/benefits.html#gsc.tab=0)

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM


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