ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Activity Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist - PRN

Chicago, IL · On-site

Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent. * Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups. * Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist - PRN

Chicago, IL · On-site

Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent. * Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups. * Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist - PRN

Chicago, IL · On-site

Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent. * Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups. * Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude ...

219 Health Network

Activity Aide - CVI

Munster, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Activity Aide - CVI - Rehabilitation Center - Hartsfield Village (Powers Health)Full-time, includes ... Must be understanding, empathetic, supportive, and helpful. Looking for someone who can maintain a ...

New

Powers Health

Activity Aide - CVI

Munster, IN

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Activity Aide - CVI - Rehabilitation Center - Hartsfield Village (Powers Health) SCHEDULE ... Must be understanding, empathetic, supportive, and helpful. Looking for someone who can maintain a ...

Powers Health

Activity Aide - CVI

Munster, IN · On-site

$15.05 - $20.98/hr

Activity Aide - CVI - Rehabilitation Center - Hartsfield Village (Powers Health) SCHEDULE ... Must be understanding, empathetic, supportive, and helpful. Looking for someone who can maintain a ...

Aerotek

Shop Helper

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Shop Helper This role supports daily operations in a production shop by assisting with unloading materials, measuring and cutting steel and wood, and helping with shipping and receiving activities.

219 Health Network

Activity Aide - CVI

Munster, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Activity Aide - CVI - Rehabilitation Center - Hartsfield Village (Powers Health)Full-time, includes ... Must be understanding, empathetic, supportive, and helpful. Looking for someone who can maintain a ...

New

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Naperville, IL

$17 - $19/hr

Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in ... Ability to do consistent physical activity - reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling ...

Caliber Collision

Auto Painter Helper

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Auto Painter Helpers will be required to repair vehicles thoroughly, safely, and profitably in ... Ability to do consistent physical activity - reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling ...

State of Illinois

ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$63K - $89K/yr

ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated ... Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in ...

State of Illinois

ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$63K - $89K/yr

ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated ... Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in ...

State of Illinois

ACTIVITY THERAPIST (UMP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$63K - $89K/yr

ACTIVITY THERAPIST - 00157 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated ... Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsActivity Helper JobsActivity Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL

Activity Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$21

$33

How much do activity helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity helper in Chicago, IL is $21.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity helper?

Activity Helpers are individuals who assist in organizing, facilitating, and supervising recreational, educational, or therapeutic activities in various settings such as schools, community centers, care homes, or camps. They support leaders or coordinators by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and engaging participants to ensure everyone is involved and safe. Activity Helpers play a key role in making activities enjoyable and accessible, often working with children, the elderly, or people with special needs. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the environment and the specific needs of the group they are supporting.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an activity helper?

To thrive as an Activity Helper, you need basic knowledge of recreational activities, organizational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling tools, activity planning software, and basic first aid certification may be required. Strong communication, patience, and a friendly demeanor are essential soft skills for engaging participants and fostering a positive environment. These skills ensure activities run smoothly, safely, and are enjoyable for all involved.

What challenges do activity helpers face and how can they address them?

Activity Helpers often encounter challenges such as engaging participants with varying interests, managing group dynamics, and ensuring everyone feels included. To address these, it's important to be adaptable, communicate clearly, and observe group interactions closely. Collaborating with supervisors and other team members to share ideas and feedback can also help in adjusting activities to better suit the group's needs. Building rapport with participants and being proactive in offering assistance ensures a positive and inclusive environment.

What is the difference between Activity Helper vs Activity Coordinator?

AspectActivity HelperActivity Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in caregiving or activitiesSimilar credentials; often requires experience in activity planning and sometimes certifications in recreation or therapy
Work EnvironmentAssisted living facilities, nursing homes, community centersSenior living communities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in elder care and community programsUsed in healthcare, senior care, and recreational services
Job FocusSupporting activity implementation, assisting with activitiesPlanning, organizing, and leading activities

While both roles support activities in care settings, Activity Helpers assist with executing activities, whereas Activity Coordinators are responsible for planning and leading them. The roles often overlap, but coordinators typically have more responsibility for program development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Activity Helper jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Activity Helper job openings:

Activity Helper jobs near you

Activity Therapist - PRN

Acadia Healthcare

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 190 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

696th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient's treatment plan.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient's needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
  • Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
  • Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
  • Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
  • Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
  • Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games and community outings.
  • Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
  • Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Three or more years' experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required.
  • Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
  • CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances
(e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

What Acadia Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Acadia Healthcare logo

About Acadia Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider in the healthcare and hospital industry, based in Franklin, Tennessee, United States. The company is recognised for its commitment to creating a behavioural health network that provides accessible, high-quality treatment options for individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. Acadia Healthcare was founded in 2005, with the mission to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioural health and addiction disorders.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2005

Social media

Facebook

View All Acadia Healthcare Jobs

Apply