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Activity Aide Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Activity Aide

Waterloo, IA

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony House Care Center is looking to invest in Activity Aides by providing opportunities to further ...

Activity Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony House Care Center is looking to invest in Activity Aides by providing opportunities to further ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Home Health Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Provide companionship with engaging activities and ensure client safety. * Report changes in ... Home Health Aide: * Valid Driver's License * Must have own vehicle with proof of adequate car ...

Hospice Aide

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Responsibilities * Assist patients with daily living activities including bathing, dressing, oral ... Hospice Aide/CAN work after completion * Required 2 years 2-5 years of home care or hospice ...

Certified Medication Aide CMA

Waterloo, IA

$15 - $18.50/hr

... Activities of Daily Living, observing changes in condition, ensuring a safe environment, and ... One (1) year of C.N.A. and Medication Aide experience is preferable but we are willing to invest in ...

Certified Medication Aide CMA

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

... Activities of Daily Living, observing changes in condition, ensuring a safe environment, and ... One (1) year of C.N.A. and Medication Aide experience is preferable but we are willing to invest in ...

Certified Medication Aide CMA

Oelwein, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

... Activities of Daily Living, observing changes in condition, ensuring a safe environment, and ... One (1) year of C.N.A. and Medication Aide experience is preferable but we are willing to invest in ...

Certified Medication Aide CMA

Oelwein, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

... Activities of Daily Living, observing changes in condition, ensuring a safe environment, and ... One (1) year of C.N.A. and Medication Aide experience is preferable but we are willing to invest in ...

Certified Medication Aide CMA

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... Activities of Daily Living, observing changes in condition, ensuring a safe environment, and ... One (1) year of C.N.A. and Medication Aide experience is preferable but we are willing to invest in ...

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Activity Aide information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do activity aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity aide in Waterloo, IA is $15.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity aide?

Activity Aides are professionals who assist in planning, organizing, and leading recreational or therapeutic activities for groups in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community centers. Their role is to encourage participation, promote socialization, and help improve the quality of life for participants, often seniors or individuals with disabilities. Activity Aides work under the supervision of activity directors or coordinators, and may help with setting up materials, leading games, arts and crafts, or outings. They play a key part in supporting the emotional and physical well-being of those they serve.

How does an activity aide typically collaborate with other members of a healthcare or senior living team?

Activity Aides work closely with nursing staff, therapists, and other caregivers to design and deliver engaging activities tailored to residents’ needs. They often coordinate schedules, communicate residents’ preferences or limitations, and ensure activities support therapeutic or wellness goals. Effective collaboration helps ensure residents are safe, engaged, and that activities complement overall care plans. Regular team meetings and shared documentation are common ways Activity Aides stay aligned with the broader care team.

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

To thrive as an Activity Aide, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of recreational programming, and experience working with seniors or special populations. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity tracking tools, and safety protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential for engaging participants and adapting activities to individual needs. These skills ensure that residents have meaningful, safe, and enjoyable experiences that support their well-being and social engagement.

What is the difference between Activity Aide vs Certified Nursing Assistant?

AspectActivity AideCertified Nursing Assistant
CertificationsTypically no formal certification required, but some facilities prefer activity-specific trainingMust have CNA certification
Work EnvironmentAssists with recreational and social activities in senior living or care facilitiesProvides basic patient care and assistance in healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesOrganizes activities, social events, and entertainment for residentsAssists with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility

While both roles work in senior care environments, Activity Aides focus on enhancing residents' quality of life through activities, whereas CNAs provide direct personal care and health support. The roles often complement each other in healthcare and senior living facilities.

How to become an activity aide?

To become an activity aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with seniors or in recreational activities. Some employers may require certification in first aid or activity planning, and strong communication and organizational skills are important for success in this role.

Is activity aide a stressful job?

Activity aides often work in healthcare or senior living settings, organizing recreational activities for residents. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially when managing residents with varying needs, but it also offers rewarding interactions and the opportunity to improve residents' quality of life. Stress levels vary based on work environment, workload, and support systems in place.

What are the duties of an activity aide?

An activity aide assists with planning and facilitating recreational and social activities for residents, often in healthcare or senior living settings. They help promote engagement, monitor participant safety, and support activity coordinators, requiring good communication skills and patience. Their duties may include setting up materials, encouraging participation, and ensuring activities run smoothly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Activity Aide jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Activity Aide jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Activity Aide jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Activity Aide job openings:

Infographic showing various Activity Aide job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,427 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Are you looking for a rewarding career in Skilled Nursing? We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team!

Harmony House Care Center is looking to invest in Activity Aides by providing opportunities to further your career and with the tools and encouragement you need to succeed.

We offer great benefits including:

  • Competitive wages.

  • Tuition reimbursement.

  • Internal growth opportunities.

  • Comprehensive benefits package.

  • 401K with employer match.

  • Employee concierge program.

  • And more!

As an Activity Aide you are instrumental in maintaining the emotional and social wellbeing of our residents’. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown to expect at Harmony House Care Center by interacting with and providing companionship to our residents, encouraging residents to participate in activities, assisting with scheduling movies, planning parties, organizing games, crafts, and accompanying residents on activities outside of the facility. Our residents will depend on your knowledge, skills, and attention to detail to ensure they emotional and social wellbeing needs are met.

To be eligible for consideration applicants should have:

As a minimum, a tenth (10th) grade education. Prior Activity Aide experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting is preferable but we are willing to invest in the right candidate!

If you are an individual who gets satisfaction from knowing they made a difference, stop in to learn more and get your career started.

Harmony House Care Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. When completing this application, you may exclude information that would disclose or reference this information, or any information relating to any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Harmony House Care Center never requests or sends money, payment transfers, direct deposit, or Social Security Number (SSN) information as part of their recruitment process.