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Entry Level Recreational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist Aide (68F)

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Position is entry level. REQUIREMENTS: * A U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green ... Access to recreational facilities, sports programs, and leisure activities.

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Entry Level Recreational Therapist information

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$14

$35

$64

How much do entry level recreational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level recreational therapist in the United States is $35.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level recreational therapists in their first year on the job?

Entry level recreational therapists often face challenges such as adapting to diverse client needs, learning to develop effective treatment plans, and managing group dynamics within therapy sessions. Building rapport with clients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can be initially daunting, but these skills improve with experience. Additionally, new therapists may need to balance administrative duties with hands-on client interaction while receiving ongoing supervision and feedback.

What is the difference between Entry Level Recreational Therapist vs Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

AspectEntry Level Recreational TherapistCertified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related fieldBachelor's degree in recreation therapy plus CTRS certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsSimilar settings, often with more specialized roles
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare and community organizationsStandard credential for recreation therapy roles in healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Recreational Therapists typically hold a bachelor's degree and may not yet be certified, working under supervision. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) have completed additional certification requirements, demonstrating a higher level of expertise. Both roles work in similar environments, but CTRS credentialing often leads to more advanced opportunities and recognition in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level recreational therapist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Recreational Therapist, you need a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, and basic patient assessment skills. Familiarity with therapy planning software, documentation systems, and, in some cases, eligibility for CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) certification is beneficial. Strong interpersonal communication, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and adapt activities to individual needs. These skills are crucial for developing effective therapeutic programs that enhance clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What does an entry level recreational therapist do?

An entry level recreational therapist helps plan and lead recreational activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses to improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. They may work under supervision to assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and facilitate activities such as arts and crafts, games, sports, or outings. Their goal is to use recreational activities as therapeutic tools to help clients gain skills, enhance their quality of life, and increase independence.
More about Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Recreational Therapist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapist jobs? The most popular types of Recreational Therapist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Recreational Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreational Therapist Full Time Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health - NEW Sign-on Bonus Incl...

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Cost Center

241 PCBH Ancillary

Scheduled Weekly Hours

32

Work Shift

First Second Shift (United States of America)

Shift & Status

New $2500 sign-on bonus!

Who Are We?

We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.

Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. On-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists, and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.

We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.

What Will you Do?

As a Recreational Therapist at Pine Rest, you'll be a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, utilizes clinical skills associated with current training in area of expertise, the expressive arts therapies, recreation or occupational therapies and psycho-educational interventions, to plan, organize and implement a program of ancillary services. Assesses patients' capabilities, needs, interests and goals and designs an individualized treatment program consistent with interdisciplinary team's goals. The Recreational Therapist must demonstrate excellent customer service and have enthusiasm about the program and the Pine Rest organization.

Our Recreational Therapist are driven to make an impact in the lives of those we serve and are motivated by the healing they witness first-hand each day. They are dedicated to excellent customer service, enthusiastic about the care we offer, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in a diverse workplace.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assesses patient care needs, develops/implements a treatment plan in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, continually reassesses treatment plan according to patient care needs.

  • Plans and participates in Milieu Programming: teaching, skill building, and therapy groups.

  • Establishes therapeutic relationship with assigned patients.

  • Provides input to the interdisciplinary treatment plan, functioning as a team member.

  • Participates in Rounds/Treatment planning meetings as necessary.

  • Responsible to monitor for and report to the Manager and Unit Leaders any potential risk to patient safety that could lead to an adverse outcome.

  • Utilizes processes to conserve financial resources.

  • Responsible to document and report all necessary information according to established policies and procedures.

  • Creates a customer/client friendly environment by following quality improvement standards and maintaining professionalism.

  • Is responsible to actively participate in safety management, crisis intervention and prevention. This also may include monitoring, assessment, de-escalation, implementation of restrictive measures, and emergency psychiatric and medical care.

  • Works in various clinical settings with diverse patient populations.

  • Will assist in monitoring documentation of employees in department for accuracy and completeness, conducting chart reviews as needed.

  • Acts as lead in establishing performance improvement activities and serving on committees as needed. Also assists in department performance appraisals by collecting and/or completing concurrent input forms and when appropriate writing the appraisals.

  • Takes an active role in the training needs of staff in orientation, competency assessment and in identifying ongoing training needs of staff. Will promote positive communication between staff members.

  • Collaborates in follow up with disciplinary action.

  • May conduct functional assessments for patients/clients per doctor's order.

  • Collaborates with AT Clinical Manager regarding internships and other departmental activities

What Does the Role Require?

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelors in Recreational Therapy Required. Master's Degree preferred.

  • Certification as CTRS.

  • A minimum of three months of relevant psychiatric/medical/clinical experience necessary in order to gain entry-level abilities in planning and implementing therapeutic activities.

  • Knowledge of current therapy principles in area of expertise, therapeutic expressive arts activities, recreation therapies, psycho-educational interventions and group counseling techniques at a level normally acquired through completion of degree in area of expertise with successful completion of clinical training at a university affiliated Hospital.

  • On the job training or formal education in the application of therapy/counseling principles and practices for patients with various psychiatric/medical conditions.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, vision & life insurance plans

  • 403(b) retirement match contribution by Pine Rest

  • Generous PTO for full and part time employees

  • Tuition assistance & loan forgiveness

  • Employee Assistance Program offering many free and discounted services for therapy, legal, accounting, gym membership, etc.

  • Partnership with Davenport University provides generous discount on tuition for employees and family members.

Notice:

Pine Rest provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All new employees are subject to a criminal background check and education verification which may include sending a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.

NOTICE: Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment is also part of our background process.

The equivalent base pay range for this position is $20.75 - $31.13. Your interview and offer letter will specify whether the role is hourly or salaried. Please note that this range does not include potential shift differentials, incentives, or bonuses, which may be part of the total compensation package. Final base pay will be determined based on location, experience, education, certifications, and FTE status.

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