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Entry Level Recreational Therapist Jobs in Racine, WI

Direct Support Provider

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

... therapies and pharmacy. We primarily provide service supplemental staffing services to school ... Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth.

Direct Support Professional

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

... therapies and pharmacy. We primarily provide service supplemental staffing services to school ... Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth.

Direct Support Professional

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

... therapies and pharmacy. We primarily provide service supplemental staffing services to school ... Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth.

Direct Support Professional

Beach Park, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

... therapies and pharmacy. We primarily provide service supplemental staffing services to school ... Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth.

Entry Level Recreational Therapist information

See Racine, WI salary details

$13

$33

$60

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level recreational therapist in Racine, WI is $33.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Entry Level Recreational Therapist jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Entry Level Recreational Therapist job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Recreational Therapist job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,145 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Direct Support Provider

Delta-T Group

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Company Description

Delta-T Group is a national broker and referral service for specialized types of healthcare and educational professionals. Our unique portfolio of services allows clients to access a strong team of professionals possessing a wide variety of experience and training while providing .

Our team of Account Managers and Staffing Coordinators work together to refer the highest caliber of professionals with degrees, certifications and licenses of varying levels in the fields of social services, psychiatry, occupational therapy, language speech pathology, special education teachers, para professionals, mental health, addictions treatment, allied therapies and pharmacy. We primarily provide service supplemental staffing services to school districts and charter schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, outpatient treatment facilities, and residential homes.

Job Description

(Nonprofit / Social Services / Healthcare / Transitional Living Programs / DD Residences, TLPs, CILAs)


The Personality


Have you cared for a loved one and found it rewarding? Do you have the motivation to help others? Does making a difference matter to you? Are you someone who enjoys learning is ready to earn multiple certifications in CPR, First Aid and more thorough on the job training program?


We are working closely with several client partners to refer professionals for training classes and orientations that are scheduled weekly in various locations. For this position, a caring heart and a desire to help others to live as independently as possible is the only experience required. The comprehensive training program they provide will teach you everything you need to know to be successful in this job.


Because this is an entry level role, our clients have opportunities that offer future career growth. We would love to tell you more, please apply immediately!


The Opportunity


As a Direct Support Professional, you will play a direct care role, assisting individuals with severe developmental disabilities to learn skills of daily living.


This can include providing training and assistance with self-care, hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry.

Engaging in socialization and recreation activities, as well as use of public transportation to these activities.

Professional communication with individuals being served, co-workers, and outside agency personnel.

Ensuring that participants are engaged, active and involved according to scheduled plans.

Maintaining familiarity with individualized behavior programs and implementing them accordingly.

Reinforcing the positive behavior of participants according to individual needs.


You will receive 40 hours of classroom training and 80-120 hours of on the job training to complete DSP Certification, including:


Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities

Human Rights

Abuse/Neglect & Exploitation

Safety

CPR

First Aid

Ensuring the Rights of the Individual

Non-Violent Crisis Interventions

Community Integration




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Qualifications

The Must-Haves




U.S. high school diploma or GED, or educational evaluation by an approved and licensed agency if you were educated outside of the United States


Ability to pass a background check, to include criminal background, finger prints, DCFS CANTS (Abuse and Neglect Tracking System), education credentials, and references









Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.