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Activity Helper Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$25.57 - $33/hr

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

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$25.57 - $33/hr

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

Battle Creek, MI

$25.57 - $33/hr

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 ...

Gobles First Steps Childcare Center

Lead Teacher

Gobles, MI

$13.50 - $18/hr

Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education activities * Help maintain facility in a safe and satisfactory condition by completing daily health and safety and cleaning ...

Ask IT consulting

Help Desk Technician

Allegan, MI

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Manages and reports time spent on all work activities. Ability to work in a team environment. Years of Experience: Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to ...

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All JobsActivity Helper JobsActivity Helper Jobs in Portage, MI

Activity Helper information

See Portage, MI salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do activity helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity helper in Portage, MI is $19.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.12 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 Portage, MI?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Portage, MI are:

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Activity Helper jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Activity Helper job openings:

Activity Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Helper job openings in Portage, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 60% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,436 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Activity Therapist

Battle Creek, MI • On-site

Bronson Behavioral Hospital
See more jobs at Bronson Behavioral Hospitalexternal

$25.57 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

OverviewJoin a compassionate team where your creativity and therapeutic skills truly make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients.Bronson Behavioral Health Hospital is hiring an Activity Therapist for a full-time position. The Activity Therapist will plan, coordinate, and implement therapeutic activity programs aligned with each patient's comprehensive treatment plan.The hourly pay range for this position is $25.57-$33.00. Bronson offers competitive wages along with a comprehensive benefits package and many additional perks.
  • Three Medical Plan Levels, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • HSA with a Company Contribution
  • FSA Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Basic Life/AD&D and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 401k with a Company Match   
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Vacation, Sick Time, Personal Days, and 8 Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Access to continuing education credits at no cost to you
  • Paid training and professional development
 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.

BBHH

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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