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Recreation Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Therapy Manager

Castro Valley, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $92K/yr

This role oversees a comprehensive recreation therapy and wellness program designed to support residents' physical, intellectual, spiritual, social/emotional, and environmental wellbeing. Using the ...

Recreation Therapy Manager

Castro Valley, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $92K/yr

This role oversees a comprehensive recreation therapy and wellness program designed to support residents' physical, intellectual, spiritual, social/emotional, and environmental well-being. Using the ...

Our Recreation Therapy Specialists work with young people in a residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation ...

Recreation Therapy Specialist

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

Our Recreation Therapy Specialists work with young people in a residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation ...

Recreation Therapy Coordinator

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Recreation Therapy Coordinator At Resthaven, we believe care is more than a profession - it's a calling. Since 1945, we have remained committed to serving older adults with compassion, dignity ...

Camillus is seeking a Recreation Therapy Assistant who is passionate about enriching the lives of older adults. In this rewarding role, you'll help plan and lead engaging therapeutic activities that ...

This includes time when the recreation therapy department is not on the premises, such as evenings, weekends or holidays. Recreation therapists provide oversight to programming and delivery of such ...

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY ยท On-site

$22.28 - $32.31/hr

This includes time when the recreation therapy department is not on the premises, such as evenings, weekends or holidays. Recreation therapists provide oversight to programming and delivery of such ...

Recreation Therapy Aide

Rocky Hill, CT ยท On-site

$17.17 - $24/hr

Recreation Therapy Aide Masonicare at Greenridge Place - Rocky Hill, CT Per Diem Develop and implement a variety of recreation programs and services to residents that are socially, physically and ...

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Recreation Therapy information

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$10

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$23

How much do recreation therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges recreation therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Recreation therapists often work with clients of varying ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, which can present challenges in tailoring activities to meet individual needs and preferences. Adapting therapeutic interventions to accommodate physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations while ensuring everyone feels included requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as nurses, social workers, and family members, are essential for developing comprehensive care plans and achieving positive outcomes.

What are the career paths in recreation therapy?

Recreation therapists can pursue various career paths including working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, mental health facilities, and community programs. They may advance to supervisory roles, specialize in areas like pediatric or geriatric therapy, or obtain certifications to enhance their qualifications. Opportunities also exist in research, program development, and administrative positions within the field.

Where do recreational therapists get paid the most?

Recreational therapists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can also be higher for those with advanced certifications or specialized skills, and in areas with greater demand for therapeutic services.

What qualifications do you need to be a Recreational Therapist?

Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field. Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is often required or preferred, and strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of healthcare environments are important for the role.

What is recreation therapy?

Recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a healthcare profession that uses recreational activities to help individuals with disabilities or illnesses improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Recreation therapists design and implement interventions such as games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and community outings tailored to each client's needs. The goal is to enhance patients' functioning, promote independence, and improve their quality of life. They work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and community agencies.

How much does a Recreational Therapist make?

In Pennsylvania, recreational therapists typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced therapists or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The job often requires certification such as CTRS and involves working in healthcare, rehabilitation, or community settings.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreation TherapyRecreational Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CTRS), relevant degreesCertification (e.g., CTRS), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, rehab centers, community programs
Industry UsageUsed to describe the field and servicesJob title for professionals providing services

Recreation Therapy refers to the field and its practices, while Recreational Therapist is the professional role within that field. Both share similar credentials and work environments, with the term Recreation Therapy describing the discipline and Recreational Therapist being the practitioner delivering the services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreation Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapist, you need a background in therapeutic recreation, a degree in recreation therapy or a related field, and often Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials. Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and documentation systems is essential for planning and evaluating therapy programs. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and adapt activities to varying needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective therapy interventions that enhance client well-being and foster social, emotional, and physical development.
More about Recreation Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Recreation Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 61% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Recreation Therapy Manager

Recreation Therapy Manager

Baywood Court

Castro Valley, CA โ€ข On-site

$78K - $92K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Baywood Court is committed to seniors so they may live in health, happiness and dignity.

We are a very active modern and not for profit senior living community conveniently located in Castro Valley. We are in search of service minded individuals with the desire to make a positive impact on the residents that live within our community.

Baywood Court is seeking a dedicated, energetic and creative Recreation Therapy Manager to lead our Wellness Elevated program for Independent and Assisted Living.

This role oversees a comprehensive recreation therapy and wellness program designed to support residentsโ€™ physical, intellectual, spiritual, social/emotional, and environmental wellbeing.

Using the Five Pillars of Wellness as a guiding framework, the Recreation Therapy Manager develops engaging, residentcentered programming that promotes independence, connection, and vibrant living while introducing new skills, experiences, and enrichment opportunities.

This position collaborates closely with internal departments and Recreation Therapy leadership across all levels of care, manages the campus transportation program, and supervises Recreation Therapy staff, interns, volunteers, Wellness Department staff, and drivers.

*Must complete employment application online to advance to the next step!*

FLSA Status: Exempt, full-time. Salary range: $78,000 - $92,000 annually

We are a 24/7 facility therefore one must be able to work weekends and holidays as required. All applicants are required to complete and pass a drug screening, physical exam with tuberculosis (TB) skin test, and criminal clearance through FBI and Department of Justice. The background search includes minor misdemeanors and DUIs.

What Can Baywood Court Offer You?

  • Opportunity to care and serve seniors in their most vulnerable time of need
  • Accrue up toย 4 weeks of paid time off in the first year, with cash-out option
  • Medical, dental, vision and employer paid life and long term disability insurance plans. ย Eligible first of the month following 30 days of employmentย $1,500 - $4,500 annually toward out-of-pocket medical expenses, including pharmacy if enrolled in a medical plan
  • Retirement Savings Plansย (Pre-Tax and ROTH)ย withย employer match up to 5%ย 
  • Pet insurance and pet care discounts
  • ย Complimentary employee meals
  • Fun, engaging employee events, recognition celebrations, BBQs, food trucks, theme days and more! Visit our LinkedIn page:ย https://www.linkedin.com/company/baywoodcourt/

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Plan, schedule, and lead recreation therapy and wellness programs in Independent and Assisted Living using the Five Pillars of Wellness framework:
    • Physical: movement, exercise, balance, and mobility programs
    • Intellectual: cognitive stimulation, lifelong learning, and brain fitness
    • Spiritual: mindfulness, reflection, and faithbased opportunities
    • Social/Emotional: relationshipbuilding, celebrations, and group engagement
    • Environmental: outdoor experiences, outings, and connection with nature
  • Maintain regular communication with residents to assess interests and evolve meaningful programming.
  • Coordinate special events and holiday celebrations with Food Services and Environmental Services.
  • Manage the transportation system and staff in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations.
  • Lead select classes and oversee therapeutic and wellness interventions.
  • Supervise, train, and support Recreation Therapy staff, interns, volunteers, Wellness staff, and drivers.
  • Support implementation of cognitive wellness programming, including the Dakim Brain Fitness program.
  • Oversee departmental budgeting, payroll, expense tracking, and inventory management.
  • Plan and lead teambuilding activities, departmental meetings, and inservice trainings.
  • Partner with the Resident Services Director and residents to develop health and wellness initiatives.
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Recreation Therapy required
  • RTC or CTRS certification required (RTC required to supervise interns) or obtain within 6 months of hire (in order to supervise the internship program)
  • Management or related experience required; two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred
  • Experience working with older adults
  • Bring an innovative spirit to the Recreation Therapy department by introducing new ideas, programs, and approaches while motivating and inspiring the team to deliver highquality, engaging experiences.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to engage and lead groups in a participatory manner
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and computer skills
  • Creative approach to balanced, inclusive programming
  • Ability to work occasional weekends and holidays

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Prolonged standing and walking; occasional sitting, reaching, grasping, pushing, and pulling; ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Baywood Courtย is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities.ย We celebrate our employeesโ€™ differences and qualified applicants will be considered for employment based on their ability to perform the job.