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Play Therapist Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

... * Assist in developing culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent affirming ... Certified Play Therapist (CPT) or active pursuit of play therapy certification * Bilingual Spanish ...

Physical Therapist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist

San Bernardino, CA

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist Float

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist Float

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist Float

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

Physical Therapist Float

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

At Concentra, you will be a vital member of our patient care team and play a crucial role in ... quality patient care * Assist marketing staff with tours as necessary * Take all necessary ...

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Play Therapist Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do play therapist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for play therapist assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a play therapist assistant?

Play Therapist Assistants are professionals who support licensed play therapists in providing therapeutic services to children through play-based activities. They help set up and facilitate sessions, prepare materials, observe children's behavior, and maintain a safe, supportive environment. While they do not typically conduct therapy independently, their role is crucial in helping children express emotions and work through challenges using play. Play Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of a qualified therapist and often contribute to progress notes and session planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a play therapist assistant?

To thrive as a Play Therapist Assistant, you need a background in psychology, child development, or counseling, often supported by relevant coursework or experience in therapeutic settings. Familiarity with play therapy techniques and tools, as well as basic record-keeping systems, is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to build trust with children and families are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective support of therapeutic goals, create a safe environment for clients, and facilitate successful collaboration with licensed play therapists.

What are some common challenges faced by play therapist assistants when supporting children during therapy sessions?

Play Therapist Assistants often encounter challenges such as engaging children who may be shy, resistant, or have difficulty expressing emotions through play. Adapting activities to suit each child's unique needs and developmental level requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, assistants must maintain a supportive and safe environment while managing group dynamics or collaborating with therapists and family members to ensure consistency in care. With experience, these challenges become valuable learning opportunities that build strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Play Therapist Assistant vs Play Therapist?

AspectPlay Therapist AssistantPlay Therapist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications or training in play therapyMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; licensure or certification in play therapy
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, mental health centers, private practicesPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, educational settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist play therapists, support therapy sessions, prepare materialsConduct therapy sessions, diagnose, develop treatment plans

The main difference between a Play Therapist Assistant and a Play Therapist lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Play Therapist Assistants support licensed Play Therapists and typically require less advanced credentials, focusing on assisting during sessions. Play Therapists are fully qualified professionals who conduct therapy independently, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. Both roles work in similar environments and aim to help children through play therapy, but their scope of practice and required credentials differ significantly.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Play Therapist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Play Therapist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Play Therapist Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,309 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - San Jacinto

Pacs

San Jacinto, CA • On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


PACS Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Now Hiring: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Per Diem / Part-Time

Location: San Jacinto Valley Post Acute - San Jacinto, CA
Schedule: Per Diem / Part-Time
Compensation: $40.00 - $43.00 per hour (based on experience)

San Jacinto Valley Post Acute is looking for a motivated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our growing therapy team. You will play a key role in helping residents regain strength, mobility, and independence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist
  • Assist in implementing individualized care plans for residents
  • Track and document patient progress and outcomes
  • Communicate effectively with therapists, nursing staff, and care teams
  • Ensure safety and adherence to therapy protocols

Qualifications

  • Current California PTA license
  • Skilled nursing facility experience preferred
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Patient-focused and team-oriented mindset

San Jacinto Valley Post Acute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.


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About PACS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Farmington, UT, US