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Activity Therapist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Activity Therapist This is a Full-time position! Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or ... Provides direct client contact, as appropriate. * Assist with maintaining unit safety. * Interviews ...

Activity Therapist

Cahokia Heights, IL · On-site

$21.34 - $36.84/hr

Provides activity therapy to clients admitted and treated for psychiatric illness. This position ... Provides direct client contact, as appropriate. * Assist with maintaining unit safety. * Interviews ...

Activity Therapist

Cahokia Heights, IL · On-site

$17.57 - $26.35/hr

Provides activity therapy to clients admitted and treated for psychiatric illness. This position ... Provides direct client contact, as appropriate. * Assist with maintaining unit safety. * Interviews ...

Activity Therapist Ridgeview Institute-Monroe - Monroe, GA 30655 Position Summary JOIN OUR TEAM AS ... Provide assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency. * Assist ...

Provide assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency. * Assist ... Plan and implement activity therapy for assigned patient case load within the facility. * Model and ...

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Activity Therapist Assistant information

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How much do activity therapist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity therapist assistant in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity therapist assistant?

Activity Therapist Assistants, also known as Recreational Therapy Assistants, work under the supervision of activity or recreational therapists to help plan, implement, and monitor therapeutic activities for patients in healthcare settings. Their goal is to support patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being through activities such as games, arts and crafts, music, and group outings. They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or community programs and assist in documenting patient progress and setting up equipment. Activity Therapist Assistants play a critical role in enhancing patients' quality of life and aiding in their rehabilitation and recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activity therapist assistant?

To thrive as an Activity Therapist Assistant, you need a background in therapeutic recreation or a related field, along with knowledge of activity planning and group facilitation. Familiarity with activity scheduling software, basic medical recordkeeping, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential for engaging participants and adapting activities to their needs. These competencies ensure safe, effective, and enjoyable therapeutic experiences that contribute to clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What are some typical challenges an activity therapist assistant might face when working with diverse patient populations?

Activity Therapist Assistants often work with individuals of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds, which can present challenges in adapting activities to suit each participant's unique needs. It requires creativity, patience, and strong communication skills to ensure that activities are both engaging and therapeutic for everyone involved. Additionally, managing group dynamics and motivating reluctant participants are common aspects of the role. Collaborating closely with the lead therapist and other healthcare professionals is key to overcoming these challenges and delivering effective therapeutic experiences.

What is the difference between Activity Therapist Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectActivity Therapist AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, rehab centersHospitals, community centers, mental health facilities
Job RoleAssist activity therapists in implementing therapy plansDesign and implement recreational activities to improve patients' well-being

While both roles focus on enhancing patient quality of life through activities, Activity Therapist Assistants support therapists with daily tasks, whereas Recreational Therapists independently develop and lead therapeutic recreational programs.

What cities are hiring for Activity Therapist Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Activity Therapist Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of Activity Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Activity Therapist Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Activity Therapist Assistant jobs include:

$250/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Activity TherapistVitalCore Health Strategies Topeka, Kansas, United States About this position

We're people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.

VitalCore Health Strategies, (VCHS), an industry leader in correctional healthcare, has an opening for a Full-Time A ctivity Therapist at Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka, KS.

Looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field with competitive wages, an annual incentive bonus, and an excellent benefits package?

At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring compassionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.

ACTIVITY THERAPIST BENEFITS PACKAGE:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus

ACTIVITY THERAPIST POSITION SUMMARY

To perform this job successfully, the Behavioral Health Activity Therapist must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and provided routine care for behaviorally impaired and emotionally disturbed patients under the direction of licensed behavioral health staff and provide purposeful, goal-oriented activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. The Activity Therapist performs a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining independence within the general population and mastery over their own recovery process. Recovery resources such as booklets, tapes, pamphlets and other written materials may be utilized by the Activity Therapist in the provision of service.

ACTIVITY THERAPIST ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Develop treatment curriculums in conjunction with the Unit Coordinator.
  • Facilitates activity-based contacts in individual and group settings, and maintains data collection and tracking.
  • Conducts non-clinical therapeutic interventions in treatment units and in conjunction with Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
  • With assistance from the treatment team members, utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups; discussions will be utilized where clients will share common problems in daily living and methods they have employed to manage and cope with these problems.
  • Assist clients in building social skills in the general population that will enhance overall wellbeing.
  • Attends training and meetings as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

ACTIVITY THERAPIST MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Related Field
  • Must be fluent in English language, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams, and able to utilize an Electronic Health Record.
  • Must be a supportive team member who contributes to and demonstrates teamwork and team concept.
  • Able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • Experience working in a correctional mental health setting preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

Keywords: Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Technician, Recreation Therapist

Salary Information

$23 - $25Hourly Wage

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