ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Activity Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Arvum Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Meals and uniforms Activities & Events Coordinator Responsibilities: * Assist in the development ... Must be willing to work flexible hours (evenings and every other weekend) for planned activity ...

UnityPoint Health

Abbe Health Activity Specialist

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Provides personal care and services to assist participants with activities of daily living, including toileting, showers, eating assistance, grooming and oral care. Performs laundry, housekeeping ...

UnityPoint Health

Abbe Health Activity Specialist

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Provides personal care and services to assist participants with activities of daily living, including toileting, showers, eating assistance, grooming and oral care. Performs laundry, housekeeping ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsActivity JobsActivity Assistant JobsActivity Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Activity Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do activity assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity assistant in Iowa is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Activity Assistant vs Activity Coordinator?

AspectActivity AssistantActivity Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in activities or recreationSimilar requirements; often requires experience in activity planning
Work EnvironmentAssists in activity implementation, often in healthcare, senior living, or community centersPlans, organizes, and oversees activities, typically in similar settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, senior living communities, recreational centersSame as Activity Assistant, with more responsibility for planning
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsLooking for leadership or planning differences

The main difference between an Activity Assistant and an Activity Coordinator is the level of responsibility. An Activity Assistant supports the implementation of activities, while an Activity Coordinator plans, organizes, and oversees activities. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in healthcare or community settings, but the Coordinator typically has more leadership duties.

How do you become an activity assistant?

To become an activity assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with groups or in recreational settings. Relevant skills include communication, organization, and creativity, and some positions may require certification in first aid or activity planning. Applying through healthcare facilities, senior centers, or community organizations is common.

How does an activity assistant collaborate with other staff to ensure engaging programs for participants?

Activity Assistants frequently work alongside recreation coordinators, nursing staff, and volunteers to plan and facilitate events that meet the interests and needs of residents or participants. Collaboration involves regular communication to assess participants’ abilities, gather feedback, and coordinate scheduling. This teamwork helps ensure that activities are inclusive, safe, and tailored to diverse abilities, ultimately creating a supportive and engaging environment. Being proactive and adaptable when working with others is key to success in this role.

What is an activity assistant?

Activity Assistants are professionals who help plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for groups, often in settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community centers. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for participants by providing engaging and therapeutic activities, such as arts and crafts, games, music sessions, and social events. They work closely with other staff to ensure activities are suitable for the participants’ abilities and interests, and help monitor participation and well-being during events.

How to become an activity assistant?

To become an activity assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with groups or in recreational settings. Relevant skills include communication, organization, and creativity, and some positions may require certification in first aid or CPR. Job requirements vary by employer but generally involve assisting with planning and leading activities for residents or participants.

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

To thrive as an Activity Assistant, you need a basic understanding of recreational programming, strong organizational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity planning tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you engage participants and foster a positive environment. These skills ensure that activities are safe, inclusive, and enjoyable, enhancing the well-being of participants in care or community settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Activity Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Activity Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Activity Assistant job openings:
Activity Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,234 per year, or $15 per hour.

Part- Time Activities Assistant

Grand Living

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Grand Living rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Grand Living
Grand Living is changing the way generations embrace life and is quickly becoming an iconic brand in senior hospitality. What began as a vision to create distinctive senior living communities has evolved into a collection of remarkable residences, offering luxury-inspired amenities and extraordinary service to residents and guests. Our communities include gracious apartments, stunning décor and design excellence at every turn, but from the moment you are greeted, you'll experience something far more luxurious than the architecture: our people. Their unparalleled commitment to personal service in every engagement is at the very heart of what we do.
Key Details:
  • Full-Time, 10am-6pm with flexibility
  • Weekdays with some weekend hours
  • Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care areas

About the Position
The Activities Assistant (FACETS® Assistant) is responsible for enhancing the overall Resident experience through the provision of exceptional implementation of the FACETS® program. FACETS® is Grand Living's collection of life-enriching experiences, which focus on the five dimensions of well-being: socialization, health and wellness, lifelong learning, legacy, and spirituality. This approach to daily life for our residents encompasses a rich variety of activities, life enrichment and holistic wellness all aimed at providing First Class Happiness®. The Activities Assistant is to model The Sterling Touch® friendly, courteous, helpful, timely and professional manner in all interactions, resulting in a very high level of resident satisfaction. The Activities Assistant position is under the general guidance of the Director of FACETS®, in accordance with Community standards, processes, procedures, practices and philosophy.
Qualifications and Requirements
The Activities Assistant must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
  • High School Diploma or GED, required.
  • One or more years' experience in planning, coordinating, or leading activities and events, preferred.
  • Ability to read, write and understand the English language in order to communicate with the residents and other employees.
  • Our FACETS® program incorporates a variety of activities including theater, art, music, fitness, education, event planning and recreation. The ideal candidate must be willing and able to participate in the execution of a well-rounded, refined program which meets the needs and expectations of our educated, talented, sophisticated residents. Please be prepared to share your ideas on how to build a wellness centered program for our residents.
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, crouch, bend, stoop, reach, grasp, push, pull and work continuously without sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift or carry up to 20 pounds.

Benefits
For the Activities Assistant position, we offer competitive compensation and a full benefits package for full-time employees including 1) a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program offering 120 hours of PTO in the first year, increasing to 160 hours in the second year, and continuing to build with length of service; 2) affordable insurance options for medical, dental, vision and more; 3) a 401(k) with a 4% company match on a 5% contribution, 4) automatic life insurance and AD&D coverage for all team members with a robust employee assistance program (EAP).
PTO is earned at lesser rates for part-time staff. Grand Living is a high-end upscale environment including exquisite cuisine and free employee meals (must meet eligibility requirements), Grand Spa & Fitness facilities available for use at designated times.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Grand Living, our motto is "Your Life. Uniquely Embraced." We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, where our differences aren't just accepted, but celebrated.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Grand Living employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply