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Activities Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lifepoint Health

Therapist, Activity

Beachwood, OH · On-site

As an Activities Therapist joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ® . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and ...

UHS

ACTIVITY THERAPIST - FULL TIME

Summit, NJ · On-site

$28.57 - $42.86/hr

Our Therapeutic Activities Therapist position presents an ideal opportunity for an energetic, motivated individual with prior experience working with patients with behavioral health or addictions ...

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Activities Therapist information

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$12

$28

$45

How much do activities therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.
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Activities Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activities Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Primary Therapist/Activities Therapist

CATCH, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Internal applicants are now being recruited for the following position. If you have been in your current position for at least six months and meet the minimum requirements for this position, please apply if interested.
Role and Responsibilities
Lehigh House LTSR is an integrated residential treatment program developed to provide behavioral health and residential services to Community Behavioral Health consumers with serious mental illness, requiring extended comprehensive behavioral health support services in a non-hospital, community-based residential setting.
FULL TIME
Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 8am to 4pm
Saturday/Sunday - 8am to 4pm
Brief outline of position
  • Carry a caseload of eight residents.
  • Conduct various therapy groups.
  • Conduct individual therapy and documentation throughout the week.
  • Co-facilitate clinical meetings as directed.
  • Assess prospective residents for admission and write report and recommendations.
  • Visit residents when hospitalized and write reassessment and recommendations.
  • Participate in therapeutic outings in community with activity therapist.
  • Participate in monthly utilization review meetings.
  • Weekly supervision with Associate Director.
  • Participate in LTSR task force meetings with OMH.
  • Attending weekly treatment team meetings.
  • Consult with Associate Director, ICM(s), and resident family members regarding clinical and residential issues.
  • Complete all documentation required by City, State, and program guidelines.
  • All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONS REQUIREMENTS
Master's Degree in one of the social sciences. Must have psychiatric experience including group therapy. Must have valid Driver's license.
PREFERRED SKILLS
Stress Management/Composure
Ethical Conduct
Social and Communication Skills
Patience
Customer/Client Focus
De-escalation techniques
Empathy
Listening Skills
Flexibility
Critical Thinking
WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE (IF APPLICABLE)
Must have an acceptable PA criminal history, FBI clearance and Child Abuse clearance done prior to hire.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates out of the Lehigh House LTSR/Partial Hospital program on Lehigh Avenue.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
FULL TIME
Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 8am to 4pm
Saturday/Sunday - 8am to 4pm
- 40 hours per week
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must have physical ability to: A) Frequently climb stairs; B) Stand and sit for prolonged periods of time; C) Carry heavy items; D) Bend, kneel and reach; E) Passively restrain individuals in emergency situations.
TRAVEL
None
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CATCH Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CATCH Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. CATCH Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CATCH's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.
Please note that your supervisor will receive a notification once you have applied to this position.

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