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Activity Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Care Initiatives

Activities Assistant

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities: * Assist the activity director in implementing an activity program to meet each resident's needs. * Maintain the resources needed for each resident's activity ...

Harmony House Care Center

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 ...

Legacy Healthcare

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 ...

Harmony House Care Center

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 ...

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Waterloo, IA

... activity; assist military and civilian law enforcement agencies when directed; conduct direct action raids against enemy shipping and waterborne traffic; integrate with and support other special ...

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Activity Assistant information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do activity assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity assistant in Waterloo, IA is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 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.

What type of assistant makes the most money?

Among assistant roles, executive assistants and administrative assistants with specialized skills or experience tend to earn the highest salaries. Those who support top executives, have certifications, or work in high-demand industries can significantly increase their earning potential.

What is the activity assistant job description?

An activity assistant plans, organizes, and facilitates recreational and social activities for residents or clients, often in settings like senior centers or healthcare facilities. They work closely with staff to promote engagement, require good communication skills, and may need to complete relevant certifications or background checks.

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 are Activity Assistants?

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 background checks or certifications in first aid or CPR. Volunteering or prior experience in activities or caregiving can also improve job prospects.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For an Activity Assistant, earning $4,000 a week is uncommon, as the role typically offers lower wages. High-paying jobs that do not require a degree include certain sales positions, real estate agents, or skilled trades like commercial diving or specialized construction, which often rely on experience, certifications, or commissions rather than formal education. These roles may involve variable income, commission-based pay, or overtime opportunities to reach higher weekly earnings.
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 are popular job titles related to Activity Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Activity Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Activity Assistant jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Activity Assistant job openings:
Activity Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $32,790 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Activities Assistant

Activities Assistant

Care Initiatives

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Care Initiatives rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

Pinnacle Specialty Care, a 100-bed long-term care skilled nursing community located in Cedar Falls, IA, is now hiring!
Activities Assistant
Schedule/Shifts Available: Full-Time
Make a Difference Every Day - Join Care Initiatives as a vital part of our activities team!
Join our compassionate care team across more than 40 skilled nursing communities throughout Iowa. If you're a dedicated and empathetic caregiver looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others during their healthcare journey, this is your opportunity to shine.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist the activity director in implementing an activity program to meet each resident's needs.
  • Maintain the resources needed for each resident's activity needs.
  • Assist the activity director with required record keeping.
  • Interact and communicate with residents, families, as well as the healthcare team.
  • Encourage and facilitate resident recreational and therapeutic activities to enhance health and daily routines.

Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • A strong commitment to helping others and consistently treating them with empathy, respect, patience, and discretion.
  • An interest in making everyday FUN and fulfilling for our residents!

Why Join Care Initiatives?
  • Competitive Compensation: Earn a highly competitive wage.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Eligible employees enjoy robust benefit options including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more.
  • Referral Bonus Program: Earn cash rewards for referring your friends.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Develop your skills with company paid training and education to take your career to the next level.
  • Digital Wallet Access: Get paid as you earn-no more waiting for payday!

Start Your Journey with Us
Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, dedication, and care truly matter. At Care Initiatives, we're committed to helping you grow your career while improving the lives of those we serve.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, Care Initiatives will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
Care Initiatives is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Care Initiatives complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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