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Activity Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Legacy Health Care

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

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

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 ...

Harmony House Care Center

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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

Legacy Healthcare

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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

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 ...

Robert Half

Accounting Assistant

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

This role will focus on core accounts payable and accounts receivable activities while helping ... needed. * Assist with accounts receivable activities by tracking incoming payments, updating ...

Senior High School

TAP Assistant

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$37K - $47K/yr

Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Assistant The Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Assistant is ... Complete monthly Personal Activity Reports and mileage reports * Work closely with Transition Team ...

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Activity Assistant information

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How much do activity assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Waterloo, IA 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $32,790 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Activity Aide - 1st Shift Full time

Pillar of Cedar Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

At Pillar of Cedar Valley, we love what we do and have fun while we're doing it. Working with our residents is an adventure. They've led amazing lives and have the stories to prove it. Here, you'll join a community of incredible residents and a company dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and care.

The Activities Aide is responsible for providing all of the fun and excitement to residents and employees. As the Activities Aide you will help to assure that our activities are fun, fresh, engaging, and well attended. You will lead therapeutic programming while striving to enhance our Residents’ quality of life.

Shifts: 1st shift 8:30am-4:30pm every other weekend

Benefits

  • Competitive salary

  • Perfect Attendance Bonus

  • Medical, Dental & Vision plans

  • Retirement 401K Savings Plan

  • Generous Vacation Plan

  • Paid Time Off

  • Internal growth opportunities

  • Positive work environment

  • Regular staff appreciation and recognition

Job Description

  • Create and lead fun and functional programs in coordination with the Director of Activities

  • Assist in resident outings, which can include but not limited to shopping centers, movies, restaurants, community events, etc. that may also entail driving residents to and from the resident outing.

  • Lead scheduled Activities and occasionally make changes to scheduled plans when necessary, with approval from the Activities Director

  • Become knowledgeable of each individual resident’s background, cultural, life history, disease and medical care needs in detail to ensure an appropriate person-centered activity plan

  • Per direction of the Activity Director, conduct, oversee, and complete initial and all on-going assessments, including but not limited to social, medical, cognitive, communication abilities, spiritual needs, physical, neuro-psychological, behavioral, amongst others as it relates to individual activity/leisure

  • Service and great guest experience is your top priority

  • Have computer knowledge 

  • Other duties as directed or needed

Qualification

  • Experience leading group activities in a Skilled Nursing/Senior Living

  • Preferred CNA with current license

  • Is empathetic and can work with residents who may be ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally challenged, or difficult

  • Have a valid driver’s license preferred, but not required

Pillar of Cedar Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment, free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.