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Activities Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VitalCore Health Strategies

Activity Therapist

Topeka, KS · On-site

$250/hr

... activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. The Activity Therapist performs ...

VitalCore Health Strategies

Activity Therapist

Topeka, KS · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. The Activity Therapist performs ...

VitalCore Health Strategies

Activity Therapist

Lansing, KS · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. The Activity Therapist performs ...

UHS

ACTIVITY THERAPIST

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

Plans and directs recreational activities, structured diversion, or outings with direction of Program Director and Activity Therapy Coordinator. * Maintains Activity Therapy charting policy and ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$25 - $28.42/hr

Harbor Oaks Hospital is looking for a Activity Therapist to join our team. Rate of Pay: $25.00 ... Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility ...

UHS

ACTIVITY THERAPIST - PER DIEM

Summit, NJ · On-site

$30/hr

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

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$25 - $28.42/hr

Overview Harbor Oaks Hospital is looking for a Activity Therapist to join our team. Rate of Pay ... Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.23 - $30.73/hr

Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness. * Facilitate and lead activity sessions to ...

TOUCHETTE

Activity Therapist

Cahokia Heights, IL · On-site

$21.34 - $36.84/hr

Coordinates activities with nursing personnel and other ancillary providers to avoid time conflicts. * Identifies and communicates important client information to other team members as needed.

TOUCHETTE

Activity Therapist

Cahokia Heights, IL · On-site

$17.57 - $26.35/hr

Coordinates activities with nursing personnel and other ancillary providers to avoid time conflicts. * Identifies and communicates important client information to other team members as needed.

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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.

Activity Therapist

VitalCore Health Strategies

El Dorado, KS • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop treatment curriculums in conjunction with the Unit Coordinator.

  • Facilitate activity-based contacts in individual and group settings, and maintain data collection and tracking.

  • Assist clients in building social skills in the general population that will enhance overall wellbeing.

VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

 
We're people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.

VitalCore Health Strategies, (VCHS), an industry leader in correctional healthcare, has an opening for a Full-Time Activity Therapist at El' Dorado Correctional Facility in El' Dorado, KS.


Looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field with competitive wages, an annual incentive bonus, and an excellent benefits package?

At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring compassionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.

ACTIVITY THERAPIST BENEFITS PACKAGE:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision 
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus

ACTIVITY THERAPIST POSITION SUMMARY

To perform this job successfully, the Behavioral Health Activity Therapist must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and provided routine care for behaviorally impaired and emotionally disturbed patients under the direction of licensed behavioral health staff and provide purposeful, goal-oriented activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. The Activity Therapist performs a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining independence within the general population and mastery over their own recovery process. Recovery resources such as booklets, tapes, pamphlets and other written materials may be utilized by the Activity Therapist in the provision of service.

ACTIVITY THERAPIST ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Develop treatment curriculums in conjunction with the Unit Coordinator.
  • Facilitates activity-based contacts in individual and group settings, and maintains data collection and tracking.
  • Conducts non-clinical therapeutic interventions in treatment units and in conjunction with Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
  • With assistance from the treatment team members, utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups; discussions will be utilized where clients will share common problems in daily living and methods they have employed to manage and cope with these problems. 
  • Assist clients in building social skills in the general population that will enhance overall wellbeing.  
  • Attends training and meetings as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

ACTIVITY THERAPIST MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Related Field
  • Must be fluent in English language, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams, and able to utilize an Electronic Health Record.
  • Must be a supportive team member who contributes to and demonstrates teamwork and team concept.
  • Able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • Experience working in a correctional mental health setting preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

Keywords: Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Technician, Recreation Therapist 


 


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