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Activity Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

As an Activities Director/Social Services Designee you will assist in preparing our residents for their future. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown ...

Activity Coordinator

Windsor Heights, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Are you an Activities Coordinator looking to work for an amazing organization by serving others and ... Active Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) certificate required or must be obtained within six (6) ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

As an Activities Director/Social Services Designee you will assist in preparing our residents for their future. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

As an Activities Director/Social Services Designee you will assist in preparing our residents for their future. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown ...

Activity Coordinator

Windsor Heights, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Overview Are you an Activities Coordinator looking to work for an amazing organization by serving ... Active Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) certificate required or must be obtained within six (6) ...

Activity Director

Osceola, IA

$18 - $24.50/hr

Responsible for planning and implementing activities to meet resident's specific needs, including ... Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations. * Must be able ...

Activities Specialist-Pathways

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

... activity preferences, and assistance needs during recreational activities within 30 days of enrollment and annually. Provides personal care and services to assist participants with activities of ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA

$18 - $24.50/hr

We are currently searching for an Activity Director to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Dubuque is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in an Activity Director by ...

Activity Aide

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Marshalltown is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Activity Aides by ...

Activity Aide

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Marshalltown is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Activity Aides by ...

Activity Aide

Indianola, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Westview Of Indianola Care Center is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Activity ...

Activity Aide

Indianola, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

We are currently searching for Activity Aides to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Westview Of Indianola Care Center is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in Activity ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

We are currently searching for an Activity Director to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Dubuque is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in an Activity Director by ...

Showing results 41-60

Activity Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do activity assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Activity Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Activity Assistant job openings:
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.

AbbeHealth Activity Specialist- Chatham Oaks

UnityPoint Health

Iowa City, IA

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

AbbeHealth Services - is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health and aging services that help individuals achieve their optimum levels of independence and success.

Chatham Oaks, is a subsidiary of AbbeHealth Services located in Iowa City, Iowa.

Are you a compassionate, fun, and caring person looking for a rewarding career in a care-giving setting? Are you looking to make a difference in others peoples lives? Chatham Oaks is seeking a dedicated Activity Specialist to provide activities and supervision to adults with physical and cognitive disabilities at our Iowa City location.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Plan and implement participant programming.
  • Implement treatment plan approaches as designed.
  • Develop monthly activity calendar
  • Demonstrate interactive, creative and engagement programs. 
  • Assist participants in appropriate therapeutic interventions.
  • Assists in the planning, development and participation in participant programming. 
  • Assist in maintaining a reference library of activity materials.
  • Assists in recruiting, scheduling, and training volunteers to assist with activities.
  • Responsible for program areas being maintained and ready for use; maintains a cleati and safe work environment.
  • Provides personal care to participants as needed.
  • Consults with appropriate staff member regarding participant issues through attendance at interdisciplinary team meetings.
  • Documents according to regulations and policies.
  • May drive participants to and from center.
  • Some weekend and evening work may be required.
  • Ability to relate well to the frail senior and/or challenged adults.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written form.
  • Ability to communicate with participants, family members and staff.
  • Willing to learn appropriate therapeutic interventions for adults with physical, psychological, memory and other impairments.
  • Flexibility to respond to constantly changing and demanding situations.

Education

Must be at least 18 years old, High School/GED preferred.

Qualifications/Experience

An ideal candidate will have an interest in working with people diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and/or dementia. One year of experience working with the mental health and/or behavioral health population preferred.


What UnityPoint Health employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995