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Activity Assistant Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

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Activity Assistant information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

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How much do activity assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity assistant in Brainerd, MN is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with experience in activities or caregiving. Relevant skills include communication, organization, and creativity, and some positions may require background checks or certifications in first aid or CPR. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level roles can also improve chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Brainerd, MN?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What job categories do people searching Activity Assistant jobs in Brainerd, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Activity Assistant jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Activity Assistant jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Activity Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Activity Assistant job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,536 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Forestview Special Educational Assistant ASD

Brainerd Public Schools

Brainerd, MN • On-site

$16.50 - $17.15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Special Education Assistant
Date Posted:
2/18/2026
Location:
Forestview Middle School
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Position Title: Educational Assistant
Location:Forestview Middle School
Assignment: 2025-2026 School Year, ongoing
Hours: 30 hours per week
Duty Days: 173 duty days per school year
Compensation: $16.50-$17.15 per hour (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in Education Assistant contract located on district website)
Non-Exempt
Full Benefits including paid Sick/ESST and Personal leave
Union: ED MN - Educational Assistant
JOB SUMMARY:
The ASD Special Education Paraprofessional will assist and carry out the goals, objectives and adaptations in the individual education plan of special needs students in various settings; classrooms, physical education, lunchroom, bus loading area, cafeteria and common spaces.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to:
  • Carrying out the duties and responsibilities outlined in a student's individual education plan.
  • Assist student(s) in individual and group settings whether in the resource room or inclusive educational setting. This could include in the community or volunteer setting.
  • Provide specialized instruction/interventions/accommodations as outlined in the IEP.
  • Team with the classroom teacher and/or special education teacher to deliver classroom instruction.
  • Demonstrate and model appropriate developmental and behavioral skills through play or interaction with the child.
  • Assist the individual student in self-help and independent living skills - this can include the following 1. Dressing and undressing, 2. Toileting - which may include changing diapers, training pants, cleaning the child and implementing toilet training techniques, 3. Supervise and assist with eating skills, this could include but is not limited to adapted feeding utensils or feeding tube, 4. Supervise and assist child with an assistive device, this could include but is not limited to, any prosthetic device, brace, wheelchair, communicative or assistive technology device. 5. Support students in Developmentally Adaptive Phy Ed activities and Special Olympics events and activities.
  • Supervise student(s) during lunch, time out situations, recess, field trips, and emergency situations or in temporary absence of the teacher due to emergency or restrictive procedure situation.
  • Monitor classroom instruction for purpose of ensuring student progress and a safe learning environment.
  • Bus duty that could involve riding the bus and following through with prescribed bus programs, meeting the bus, and reporting about student's bus behavior/needs to the case manager.
  • Participate physically with the students in activities being taught.
  • Collaborate with Special Education Teachers, Classroom teachers and related service providers to ensure student safety and success.
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Develop effective working relationships with students.
  • Support building and classroom discipline policy.
  • Maintain good communication skills and a cooperative working environment with other school staff.
  • Participate in assigned professional development.
  • Maintain knowledge of building procedures manual and school district policies.
  • Work cooperatively with the building administrator, accepting constructive feedback and direction.
  • Address disagreements with fellow employees constructively and respectfully.
  • Monitor student progress on assigned tasks.
  • Follow school district policy in reporting suspected abuse/neglect.
  • All other duties as identified by the team in the IEP process for individual situations.
  • Other special education related duties as assigned by the proper administrative authority.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Meet highly-qualified requirements for paraprofessional (two-year associate degree, 60 college credits, para-pro or para e-link certification)
  • Experience working with students with physical, cognitive and/or mild behavioral needs
  • Handle with Care Training - certification required within three months of being hired and maintained during employment.
  • Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to be a member of a team.
  • Ability to be flexible based on program and student needs.
  • Ability to assist students in individual or group settings whether in the resource room or inclusive education setting as well as in the community as a job coach.
  • Ability to implement and follow through on specific therapies and programs for an individual as prescribed by the individual education plan. This could involve lifting, transferring, positioning, assisting with daily living activities such as toileting, feeding, and restrictive procedures when necessary.
  • Ability to collect data on student progress as defined in the Individual Education Plan.
  • Ability to remain calm and patient in volatile situations and react and respond quickly in a variety of situations.
  • Ability to work under the supervision of a site principal and/or special education teacher.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks at once while dealing with constant interruptions.
  • Ability to work with students, families, professionals, and staff of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ability to interact with and maintain cooperative relationship with all levels of staff and the public.
  • Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply online