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Activities Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PACE Southeast Michigan

Activities Therapist Detroit

Detroit, 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 Detroit ... These activities are designed to support people emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and ...

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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 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.
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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, 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 Detroit

PACE Southeast Michigan

Detroit, MI • On-site

$47K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

PACE is currently hiring Recreational Therapist for our Day Health Center for Seniors in Detroit.

PACE is a "Best Place to Work" certified company. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a unique health plan and care provider, committed to keeping aging adults with challenging healthcare conditions in their homes, by caring for their medical, physical, and social needs. PACE Southeast Michigan provides care and services in the home, the community, and our day health center.

Under the direction of the Activities & Recreation Program Leader, you’ll help plan and run group activities for participants in the PACE program. These activities are designed to support people emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You’ll also share updates with your supervisor and the care team as needed.

You’ll take part in assessing new and current participants, share what you observe with the care team, and help create care plans that match each person’s individual needs. You’ll also look for ways to improve the recreation program over time.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create and manage the monthly activity calendar.
  • Make sure all planned activities actually happen.
  • Design activities that fit participants’ abilities, interests, and needs.
  • Lead group activities and keep participants engaged.
  • Coordinate with transportation to plan outings in the community.
  • Track and restock supplies and equipment.
  • Complete all required paperwork on time (assessments, care plans, notes, etc.).
  • Keep work areas clean, safe, and organized.
  • Speak up for participants and report anything out of the ordinary.
  • Work well with nurses, social workers, and the rest of the care team.
  • Attend team meetings.
  • Protect participants’ privacy.
  • Follow safety and infection-control rules.
  • Help with other tasks as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy/Leisure Services.
  • Be legally authorized to practice in Michigan. (A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certificate is required).
  • Will only act within scope of his/her authority to practice.
  • The physical ability to push occupied wheelchairs, furniture and to assist participants with ambulation.
  • Must have one (1) year of experience with a frail or elderly population.

Company Description

PACE is a "Best Place to Work" certified company. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a unique health plan and care provider, committed to keeping aging adults with challenging healthcare conditions in their homes, by caring for their medical, physical, and social needs. PACE Southeast Michigan provides care and services in the home, the community, and our Day Health Center.