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Recreation Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Care Career

Recreation Therapist

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$68 - $70/hr

Recreation Therapist Location: Lancaster, CA Pay: $68 to $70 per hour Contract Length: 26 weeks Schedule: Full-time, 5x8-hour shifts or 4x10-hour shifts We are seeking a Recreation Therapist for a 26 ...

HiredFirst

Recreation Therapist

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.4K/wk

Recreational Therapist | Vallejo, CA Help patients heal through creativity, connection, and meaningful experiences. Adventist Health Vallejo is seeking a compassionate Recreational Therapist to ...

Care Career

Recreation Therapist

Acton, CA · On-site

$68 - $70/hr

Recreation Therapist Location: Lancaster, CA Pay: $68 to $70 per hour Contract Length: 26 weeks Schedule: Full-time, 5x8-hour shifts or 4x10-hour shifts We are seeking a Recreation Therapist for a 26 ...

Ridgeview

Recreation Therapist

Middle Point, OH · On-site

Recreation Therapist Location : Everwell Ridgeview Hospital, Inc Position Summary Everwell Ridgeview Hospital is seeking a Recreation Therapist to develop and lead therapeutic recreation programs for ...

Ridgeview

Recreation Therapist

Middle Point, OH · On-site

Recreation Therapist Location : Everwell Ridgeview Hospital, Inc Position Summary Everwell Ridgeview Hospital is seeking a Recreation Therapist to develop and lead therapeutic recreation programs for ...

Ridgeview

Recreation Therapist

Middle Point, OH · On-site

Recreation Therapist Location: Everwell Ridgeview Hospital, Inc; Middle Point, Ohio Position Summary Everwell Ridgeview Hospital is seeking a Recreation Therapist to develop and lead therapeutic ...

Care Career

Recreation Therapist

Palmdale, CA

$68 - $70/hr

Recreation Therapist Location: Lancaster, CA Pay: $68 to $70 per hour Contract Length: 26 weeks Schedule: Full-time, 5x8-hour shifts or 4x10-hour shifts We are seeking a Recreation Therapist for a 26 ...

Care Career

Recreation Therapist

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$68 - $70/hr

Recreation Therapist Location: Lancaster, CA Pay: $68 to $70 per hour Contract Length: 26 weeks Schedule: Full-time, 5x8-hour shifts or 4x10-hour shifts We are seeking a Recreation Therapist for a 26 ...

Care Career

Recreation Therapist

Acton, CA · On-site

$68 - $70/hr

Recreation Therapist Location: Lancaster, CA Pay: $68 to $70 per hour Contract Length: 26 weeks Schedule: Full-time, 5x8-hour shifts or 4x10-hour shifts We are seeking a Recreation Therapist for a 26 ...

MedStar Health

Recreation Therapist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$22.48 - $39.75/hr

The Recreation Therapist assesses patients to determine appropriate therapeutic recreation treatment goals. Plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation treatment service for ...

Care Career

Recreation Therapist

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$68 - $70/hr

Recreation Therapist Location: Lancaster, CA Pay: $68 to $70 per hour Contract Length: 26 weeks Schedule: Full-time, 5x8-hour shifts or 4x10-hour shifts We are seeking a Recreation Therapist for a 26 ...

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Recreation Therapist information

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How much do recreation therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a recreation therapist?

Recreation therapists, also known as therapeutic recreation specialists, are professionals who use recreational activities as therapeutic interventions to help individuals with illnesses, disabilities, or other conditions improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. They assess clients’ needs and design personalized treatment plans that may include activities like sports, arts and crafts, music, and community outings. Their goal is to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and support the rehabilitation process. Recreation therapists often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or community settings.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Therapist, you need a background in therapeutic recreation or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential. Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and documentation software is important for planning and tracking individualized therapy programs. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you connect with clients and tailor activities to diverse needs. These competencies ensure effective therapeutic outcomes, enhance client engagement, and support holistic well-being.

How does a recreation therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Recreation Therapists commonly work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, often collaborating with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. They participate in team meetings to discuss patient progress and contribute their expertise to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Regular communication ensures that recreational activities align with each patient's overall care goals, and therapists may also coordinate group sessions or therapy activities alongside other professionals. This team-based approach helps create holistic and effective interventions for patients.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectRecreation TherapistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Recreation Therapy, certification (CTRS)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitationRehabilitation, orthopedics, sports medicine

Recreation Therapists focus on improving clients' quality of life through recreational activities, while Physical Therapists specialize in restoring physical function and mobility. Both roles work in healthcare settings but have different certifications and treatment approaches.

Is it hard to become a recreation therapist?

Becoming a recreation therapist typically requires earning a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or a related field, followed by obtaining certification such as the CTRS credential. The process involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing an exam, which can take several years of education and training.

What do you do as a recreation therapist?

A recreation therapist plans and implements activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients with illnesses or disabilities. They assess individual needs, develop personalized treatment plans, and use activities like sports, arts, and community outings to promote recovery and quality of life. Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is often required.
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Recreation Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreation Therapist

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing

Dix Hills, NY • On-site

$35/hr

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assess patients' recreational interests, functional abilities, limitations, behaviors, and therapeutic needs.

  • Develop and conduct individualized and group therapeutic recreation activities that support treatment goals.

  • Observe, document, and report patient participation, progress, and response to therapeutic activities.

Job description

Recreation Therapist – Dix Hills, NY

Location: Dix Hills, NY
Employment Type: W2 Contract
Rate: $35/hour

Position Overview:
The Recreation Therapist provides structured therapeutic recreation services to children and adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric care. The therapist plans, implements, and evaluates individualized and group recreation programs that support treatment goals, improve social and coping skills, promote appropriate leisure participation, and contribute to each patient's overall rehabilitation.

Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • Competitive rate of $35/hour providing therapeutic recreation services to children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
  • W2 employment position with a consistent schedule.
  • Schedule: Friday through Tuesday, 10:15 AM–6:45 PM (hours may differ based on facility needs).
  • Valuable experience in a collaborative, supportive environment working with children and adolescents with behavioral and psychiatric needs.
  • Mission-driven work supporting emotional regulation, social interaction, and rehabilitation through therapeutic recreation.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation therapy, recreation, physical education, adaptive physical education, or a closely related field.
  • Education must include coursework in therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy.
  • Experience in recreation therapy or structured therapeutic activities in a behavioral health, psychiatric, pediatric, developmental disability, rehabilitation, residential treatment, or comparable clinical setting.
  • Experience working with children or adolescents with behavioral or psychiatric needs.
  • Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential preferred.
  • Current Basic Life Support or CPR certification.
  • Current First Aid certification.
  • Ability to satisfy required background checks, health screenings, immunization requirements, and facility clearance standards.
  • Ability to complete mandatory facility orientation and training.
  • Ability to perform the physical duties associated with supervising and conducting recreation activities.
  • Skills: therapeutic recreation assessment and treatment planning; individual and group activity facilitation; pediatric and adolescent behavioral health; crisis prevention and de-escalation; behavioral observation and intervention; trauma-informed care; patient safety and risk awareness; activity adaptation; verbal and written communication; organization and time management; professional judgment and boundaries; confidentiality and regulatory compliance; ability to work effectively in a secure inpatient psychiatric environment.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Assess patients' recreational interests, functional abilities, limitations, behaviors, and therapeutic needs.
  • Develop individualized and group therapeutic recreation activities consistent with treatment plans.
  • Conduct structured recreation programs that support emotional regulation, social interaction, communication, self-esteem, coping skills, and appropriate leisure participation.
  • Provide indoor and outdoor activities appropriate to patients' ages, clinical conditions, developmental levels, and safety needs.
  • Adapt activities for patients with behavioral, cognitive, emotional, developmental, or physical limitations.
  • Observe patient participation, behavior, progress, and response to therapeutic activities.
  • Document assessments, interventions, attendance, progress, and outcomes.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and clinical meetings.
  • Monitor and account for recreation equipment, supplies, and materials.
  • Inspect activity areas and equipment for safety hazards and report concerns promptly.
  • Apply approved behavioral-support, de-escalation, emergency, and safety procedures.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
  • Comply with facility policies, treatment protocols, infection-control standards, and applicable regulations.
  • Complete required orientation, training, documentation, and competency requirements.
  • Perform related therapeutic recreation duties assigned within the scope of the position.

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About Greenlife Healthcare Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing is a nationwide recruitment agency, matching both new grads and advanced practitioners to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, multi-specialty groups, and private practices.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Social media

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