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Activity Therapist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prime Healthcare

$60 - $80/hr

The Recreation/Activity Therapist directs patient participation in selected activities such as ... therapy assistant (COTA). * 2. Current and active state licensure as required by degree. * 3. ...

Sih

$23.65 - $36.66/hr

The activity therapist is responsible for completing the assessment and conducting activity therapy ... need of the unit. Assist in the maintenance of a safe a therapeutic milieu. Attends and ...

Prime Healthcare

Activity Assistant

Auburn, ME · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

The Activity Therapy Assistant directs patient participation in selected activities such as games, social activities, sports or music to create an atmosphere of sociability, to provide a means of ...

UHS

ACTIVITY THERAPIST - FULL TIME

Summit, NJ · On-site

$28.57 - $42.86/hr

Our Therapeutic Activities Therapist position presents an ideal opportunity for an energetic ... . 7. Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning. 8. Document ...

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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:

Activity Therapist Assistant jobs near you

Activity Therapist Full Time

Oceans Healthcare

Dayton, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Oceans Healthcare rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Haven Behavioral Healthcare, an Oceans Healthcare Company, is a behavioral healthcare system providing high-quality, specialty behavioral health services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Our success is a reflection of the excellence and dedication of our employees at every level of our facilities. The culture of our hospitals is built around service. All jobs performed on our team are worthwhile and every employee makes a difference. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while delivering compassionate, quality care we encourage you to explore career opportunities with Haven.
The Activity Therapist provides therapeutic group and individual interventions using discipline-specific modalities (art, music, or occupational therapy) in accordance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and hospital policies. All duties are performed according to Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, the Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and Performance Improvement standards.
Essential Functions:
  1. Conduct assessments to determine patients' emotional, cognitive, and social needs and develop individualized therapeutic activity plans.
  2. Lead and facilitate therapeutic groups and individual sessions using art-, music-, or occupational-therapy -based modalities
  3. Create a supportive, safe, and engaging environment that promotes patient participation.
  4. Evaluate patient participation and progress, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed, and document all services per policy.
  5. Encourage patients to participate in activities that support emotional expression, social interaction, education, and skill development.
  6. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to implement treatment plans and communicate changes in patient status.
  7. Seek supervision or clinical support when challenges arise in individual or group sessions.
  8. Maintain accurate , timely documentation, including assessments, sessions, and updates to treatment plans.
  9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education / Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy or related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • Masters Degree or LMSW license needed.
  • Prefer three (3) years' clinical practice experience in inpatient acute care.
  • Must hold and maintain current certification / licensure appropriate to discipline:
    • Music Therapist- Board Certified (MT-BC)
    • Registered or Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR, ATR-BC, ATR-P (LPAT)
    • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), with valid state license if applicable

Skills / Abilities:
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care that meets age-, disability-, and culturally related needs of the assigned patient population.
  • Understands principles of growth and development across the lifespan and applies this knowledge in assessment and treatment.
  • Assesses and interprets patient data to identify individual needs and deliver appropriate therapeutic interventions for adolescent, adult, geriatric, chemically dependent, and dually diagnosed populations.
  • Possesses in-depth knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, and associated family dynamics.
  • Demonstrates understanding of evidence-based clinical therapy modalities relevant to activity therapy.
  • Communicates effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members; exhibits strong group facilitation and process skills appropriate to patient needs.
  • Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to perform effectively in stressful or rapidly changing situations.
  • Exhibits strong organizational and time-management skills; able to coordinate multiple priorities efficiently.
  • Functions effectively both independently and under supervision as required.
  • Must successfully complete Basic Life Saving (BLS) certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Work Environment:
Subject to many interruptions. Pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be highly paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically with the atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

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