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Part Time Recreation Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Part Time (8A-4P) 32 hours a pay period General Summary/Responsibilities ... Occupational therapy, Recreational therapy, Art therapy, Expressive therapy, or Rehabilitation ...

Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Part Time (8A-4P) 32 hours a pay period General Summary/Responsibilities ... Occupational therapy, Recreational therapy, Art therapy, Expressive therapy, or Rehabilitation ...

Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Part Time (8A-4P) 32 hours a pay period General Summary/Responsibilities ... Occupational therapy, Recreational therapy, Art therapy, Expressive therapy, or Rehabilitation ...

Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Part Time (8A-4P) 32 hours a pay period General Summary/Responsibilities ... Occupational therapy, Recreational therapy, Art therapy, Expressive therapy, or Rehabilitation ...

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Part Time Recreation Therapist information

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$14

$35

$64

How much do part time recreation therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time recreation 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 part time recreation therapists and how can they be addressed?

Part-time recreation therapists often face the challenge of building consistent relationships with clients due to limited hours. They may also need to coordinate closely with full-time staff to ensure continuity of care and effective program delivery. To address these challenges, it's helpful to maintain detailed documentation, communicate regularly with the team, and maximize the impact of each session by focusing on clients' immediate needs and goals. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are key to thriving in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time recreation therapist?

To thrive as a Part Time Recreation Therapist, you need a background in therapeutic recreation or a related field, often with a degree and certification such as CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). Familiarity with client assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and documentation software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and adapt activities to diverse needs. These skills are vital for promoting clients' well-being and ensuring effective, individualized therapeutic interventions.

What is the difference between Part Time Recreation Therapist vs Part Time Recreational Therapist?

AspectPart Time Recreation TherapistPart Time Recreational Therapist
CredentialsRequires a degree in recreation therapy or related field, certification often preferredSimilar educational background, certification may be required or preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehabilitation centers, community programsSenior centers, outpatient clinics, community recreation facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare and rehabilitation settingsCommunity and recreational organizations, healthcare settings
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared based on therapy focus and certificationSimilar roles with slight variation in terminology

Both roles involve designing and implementing recreational activities to improve clients' physical and mental health. The main difference lies in terminology and specific work settings, but they generally require similar credentials and serve overlapping industries.

What can you do with a part time recreation therapist degree?

A part-time recreation therapist degree qualifies individuals to work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and community centers, developing and implementing therapeutic recreational activities for clients with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. The role often involves assessing client needs, planning programs, and collaborating with healthcare teams, with certification often required for practice. This degree can lead to part-time positions that support patient recovery, improve quality of life, and promote social engagement.

What is a part time recreation therapist?

Part time recreation therapists are professionals who use recreational activities and therapy techniques to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being, but they work less than full-time hours. They may work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or community programs. Their responsibilities include assessing clients’ needs, planning and leading therapeutic activities, and documenting progress, all while working a flexible or reduced schedule. This role is ideal for people who want to make a positive impact while balancing other personal or professional commitments.

Are part time recreation therapists in demand?

Part time recreation therapists are in steady demand as healthcare and senior care facilities seek professionals to improve clients' quality of life through therapeutic activities. Employment opportunities depend on regional needs, facility budgets, and certification requirements such as CPR and therapeutic recreation credentials.

Where do part time recreation therapists make the most money?

Part time recreation therapists tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific setting, such as hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
More about Part Time Recreation Therapist jobs
What cities are hiring for Part Time Recreation Therapist jobs? Cities with the most Part Time Recreation Therapist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapist jobs? The most popular types of Recreation Therapist jobs are:
What states have the most Part Time Recreation Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Part Time Recreation Therapist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Part Time Recreation Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

PT Recreation Therapist- Living Hope Treatment Center

Villa of Hope

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description


JOB TITLE: Part Time Recreation Therapist

POSITION GRADE: 75 [ salary range: $18-20$hr commensurate with education and experience ]

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Living Hope Treatment Center

SUPERVISOR: Program Director

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Program Director, the Recreation Therapist actively participates as a member of the inter-disciplinary treatment team and assesses, plans, implements and evaluates therapeutic recreation activities for clients in residence; Carries out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agency’s Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Exercises full compliance with Agency code of conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations.
  • Exercises full compliance with the Justice Center’s Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs.
  • Maintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and/or records.
  • Maintains and monitors the condition of the recreation equipment.
  • Performs and logs safety inspections on recreation equipment.
  • Oversees use of facilities within recreation/education complex as assigned.
  • Secures facilities at completion of recreation activities/programs.
  • Completes incident reporting within required timeframes when residents are involved in reportable events during recreation therapy activities.
  • Provides support and assistance to staff and clients in crisis situations.
  • Reads and becomes familiar with program policy manual.
  • Supervises department volunteers and interns as assigned.
  • Logs daily progress and attendance of client’s participation in therapeutic recreation activities.
  • Submits monthly progress reports on each resident to the clinical record.
  • Plans and implements in-service training sessions for residential counselor staff as requested
  • Leads and assists in workshops (ropes course) for therapeutic recreation specialists as assigned.
  • Submits proposals for implementation of recreation activities quarterly to Director.
  • Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency towards clients, families and staff with respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activates.
  • Develops relationships with each client conducive to promoting healthy growth and development.
  • Completes service delivery documentation within required timeframes and submits progress notes to the respective Social Worker.
  • Submits budgetary needs to the Program Director on an ongoing basis.
  • Assists Management in the delivery of the Sanctuary Model aligning operational areas with values of the model.
  • Plans, schedules, and implements youth guided therapeutic recreation activities as scheduled.
  • Attends community meetings to obtain patient input on preferred recreation activities.
  • Completes an initial interview, assessment, and ongoing treatment progress reports and presents a review of resident’s objectives on treatment plans according to required timeframes.
  • Assists in equipment inventory on an on-going basis.
  • Assists in compiling statistics for quality assurance.
  • Attends weekly staff meetings and required trainings.
  • Communicates concerns or problems directly to Program Director.
  • Provides coverage as a Recreation Therapist to other units in the absence of other Recreation Therapists as needed.
  • Perform other similar duties requiring comparable skills utilizing the Sanctuary Model Guiding Principles and Seven Commitments.

POSITION SPECIFICS:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in art education, drama, music education, physical education, psychology, recreation, recreation & leisure, sociology, therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation, or special education preferred.

Experience:

  • Three years of experience in treating those with substance use disorder preferred

Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills with youth, families, staff, and stakeholders
  • Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands on time and resources
  • Ability to form, lead, and participate effectively on teams
  • Creative problem solving.
  • Commitment to quality improvement

Travel:

  • Valid NYS driver’s license required

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: sitting, standing, bending, lifting, talking and hearing, and walking. Must be able to perform a variety of household tasks, climb stairs, move throughout the cottage or group home and quickly respond to emergencies. Utilizes Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Good vision is imperative. Must be able to talk and hear well.

The following lists physical demands an employee may perform on an occasional basis: ability to stay awake during overnight hours.

COMPETENCIES:

Leading Self

  • Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)-
    1. Do the right thing, because it is the right thing, even when no one is looking. Truth to Power.
  • Customer Focus
    1. Build positive relationships through communication and collaborative problem solving.
  • Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
    1. Believe in the dignity and humanity of all people to reach their full potential.