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Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Youth Villages

Fall 2026 Recreation Therapy Intern

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Recreation Therapy Intern: * Works under the supervision of a NCTRC certified staff member ... recreational goals for each youth) * Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic ...

Youth Villages

Fall 2026 Recreation Therapy Intern

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Recreation Therapy Intern: * Works under the supervision of a NCTRC certified staff member ... recreational goals for each youth) * Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic ...

UHS

Recreation Therapist Intern

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

... Intern to join our team of compassionate, dedicated professionals. Summary of Duties The Recreation ... Recreation therapy. * Level 1 Arizona Fingerprint Clearance card or be able to obtain within 30 ...

UHS

Recreation Therapist Intern

Phoenix, AZ

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

... Intern to join our team of compassionate, dedicated professionals. Summary of Duties The Recreation ... Recreation therapy. * Level 1 Arizona Fingerprint Clearance card or be able to obtain within 30 ...

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Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern information

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How much do entry level recreational therapy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level recreational therapy intern in the United States is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level recreational therapy intern?

An Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern is a student or recent graduate gaining practical experience under supervision in the field of recreational therapy. Their responsibilities often include assisting with planning and leading therapeutic activities, supporting patient documentation, and learning how to assess and meet the needs of clients with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges. This internship helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop professional skills, and prepare for certification or licensure as a recreational therapist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level recreational therapy intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern, you need foundational knowledge in therapeutic recreation, basic patient care, and typically a background in psychology, health sciences, or related coursework. Familiarity with activity planning, assessment tools, and documentation systems such as electronic medical records is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help interns connect with diverse clients and contribute to supportive team environments. These skills are essential for delivering effective and engaging therapy interventions that improve client well-being and support clinical goals.

What is the difference between Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern vs Entry Level Recreational Therapist?

AspectEntry Level Recreational Therapy InternEntry Level Recreational Therapist
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degree; may require internship approvalRequires certification or licensure as a recreational therapist
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical or community settings, often as part of trainingIndependent or team-based therapeutic settings, providing direct patient care
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, rehab centers, community programs, often as a traineeHealthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, providing therapy services

In summary, an Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern is a trainee gaining practical experience under supervision, often during or after their studies. An Entry Level Recreational Therapist has completed necessary certifications and provides direct therapeutic services to clients. The internship serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed recreational therapist.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an entry level recreational therapy intern?

As an Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern, you can expect to assist with planning and leading therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts, music, games, and group outings tailored to clients' needs. You'll observe and help document clients' responses, assist with setting up equipment or materials, and support licensed therapists in executing treatment plans. Collaboration is a regular part of the role, as you'll work closely with other interns, therapists, and sometimes family members to ensure a positive and supportive environment for clients. These experiences provide valuable exposure to the day-to-day operations of recreational therapy settings.
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Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Recreational Therapy Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,721 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Recreation Therapy Intern

Northwest Special Recreation Association

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:
  • To assist with all job responsibilities of the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist including (but not limited to) assessing, planning, developing, implementing and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities within our member park districts and recreation departments.
  • To gain exposure to components of the NCTRC Job Analysis Task Domains. While it is not mandatory that applicants be exposed to all the sub categories within tach task area, each of the main task areas must be completed. No less than 20 hours per week or more than 45 hours per week will be accepted for the internship experience, except as may be provided in the Alternative Internship Guidelines. Additionally, the internship experience must be completed for no less than fourteen consecutive full weeks. The total minimum number of required hours is 560. For students completing only 20 hours a week, the total number of weeks will be 28 to meet the minimum 560 hour requirement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Communication and Outreach
  • Provide timely responses to phone calls, voicemail and written materials, whether received by mail, fax, or email sent by NWSRA.
  • Treat public complaints and concerns with the utmost attention. Is courteous in all cases.
Position Specific Responsibilities
  • Assist in supervision and evaluation for part-time staff and volunteers in assigned programs.
  • Serve as a team leader, prompting group cohesiveness while leading programs and assist in preparing part-time staff and volunteers working in the assigned programs.
  • Develop goals and objectives for each assigned programs and maintain all program paperwork; i.e., records, forms, and correspondence.
  • Effectively navigate to and from designated points in the member districts assigned quickly and without hesitation.
  • Maintain expenditure records for each assigned program, collect, and turn in receipts from program expenses in a timely fashion.
  • Plan and develop programs of all types including weekly, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics and cooperative programs.
  • Prepare and implement behavior management strategies when necessary, to ensure safe involvement in recreation programs by people with disabilities.
  • Drive agency vehicles and transport program participants, as required, and assist in care and maintenance of vehicles as required.
  • Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm, and take initiative when leading programs.
  • Responsible for record keeping such as attendance sheets, as well as incident and accident reporting forms.
  • Provide assistance and instruction to the participants when needed.
  • Understand needs of persons with disabilities and adapt activities to enable participation when necessary.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of behavior plans when needed in assigned programs.
  • Other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by NWSRA's Core Values.
Safety
  • Understand safety polices, maintain a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety policies and inspect work and program areas for compliance with safe work practices and policies.
  • Enforce safety policies by improving employee and public knowledge while correcting unsafe behavior and conditions.
  • Cooperate and assist in the investigation of accidents/ incidents and attends all required safety program and education meetings.
JOB STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS:
Weight Bearing:
  • Ability to gather and transfer program equipment and to move heavy recreational equipment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push a wheel chair up to 300 lbs.
Agility/Flexibility/Balance:
  • Ability to safely lift, transfer and/or position individuals with mobility impairments in wheelchairs.
  • Ability to kneel, crawl, reach, rotate body position, reach into small spaces and run to maintain interaction with participants in programs who may need individualized assistance or close supervision.
Manual Dexterity:
  • Ability to maneuver wheelchairs through narrow or small spaces, such as doorways, washrooms, and vehicles, while operating doors and lifts and lift wheelchairs over obstructions such as curbs, small stairs, and other barriers.
  • Ability to manipulate a variety of objects such as eating utensils or G-tubes to perform personal care for participants as well as writing utensils, communication devices and recreation equipment of all types.
Stamina:
  • Ability to work a varied schedule of days and hours.
  • Ability to drive or ride long distances required for the program.
  • Ability to keep pace with active participants who may be aggressive or a flight risk.
Psychological Considerations:
  • Ability to work with individuals from all backgrounds and special interests in a respectable manner and to maintain a positive attitude in public places.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and handle stress in a calm, professional manner.
Environmental Considerations:
  • Ability to perform in a variety of weather conditions, ranging from mild to severe, year round, and in facilities that may range in temperature, and/or have various exposures such as pool chemicals.
  • Ability to perform in outdoor situations where there is potential exposure to poisonous plants, insects, and wild animals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • At least 21 years of age
  • Enrolled in 4-year College or University in Therapeutic Recreation.
  • Must have a valid driver's license. (in-state not necessary)
  • Have an interest or experience working with children and adults with disabilities.
  • Demonstrate dependability, promptness, flexibility and punctuality.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm in recreation programming and have the ability to engage in activities requiring physical exertion.
  • Willingness to learn and accept new ideas.

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