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Recreation Therapy Aide Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation Therapy Aide information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$17

$38

How much do recreation therapy aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy aide in Riverside, CA is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation therapy aide?

Recreation Therapy Aides are supportive healthcare professionals who assist recreational therapists in planning and implementing therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities. They help organize and lead activities such as games, arts and crafts, and outings designed to improve clients' well-being and social skills. Recreation Therapy Aides also help monitor patients' progress, set up equipment, and ensure a safe and engaging environment. Their work is essential in rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and other care settings.

What are some common challenges recreation therapy aides face when supporting diverse patient needs?

Recreation Therapy Aides often work with individuals of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds, which can present challenges in adapting activities to meet each person's unique needs. Balancing group dynamics while ensuring everyone is engaged and included requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, aides must collaborate closely with therapists, nurses, and family members to monitor progress and adjust interventions, making strong communication skills essential. Overcoming these challenges can be highly rewarding, as it directly impacts participants' quality of life and well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation therapy aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Aide, you need a background in therapeutic recreation, basic healthcare knowledge, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with activity planning software, adaptive equipment, and documentation systems is valuable in this role. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and adapt activities to diverse abilities. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, engaging, and effective therapeutic programs that enhance clients’ well-being.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy Aide vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreation Therapy AideRecreation Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in recreational activities under supervision, often in healthcare or senior living settingsDevelops and implements therapy plans, working independently with clients in healthcare, rehab, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, senior living facilitiesHospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, community health organizations

The main difference is that Recreation Therapy Aides assist with activities under supervision, while Recreation Therapists design and lead therapy programs independently. Aides typically require less formal education, whereas Therapists need specialized degrees and certifications. Both roles work in similar environments, but Therapists have a broader scope of practice and responsibility.

What are the career paths for recreation therapy aides?

Recreation therapy aides can advance to roles such as recreation therapists, activity coordinators, or program managers with additional education and certification. Gaining experience and pursuing certifications like Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) can open opportunities for higher-level positions in healthcare, rehabilitation, or community settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Recreation Therapy Aide jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Recreation Therapy Aide job openings:

Recreation Therapy Aide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Aide job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,089 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Lead Rec Therapist, Full-Time, Days Shift (8 hours)

KPC Health

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The posted pay scale represents the range the Company reasonably expects to pay candidates for this position. The actual wage for this position may depend on factors such as experience and education, specific skills and abilities, alignment with similar internal candidates, marketplace factors, an applicable collective bargaining agreement, and Company business practices.
Under the direction of the Director, Behavioral Health, the Lead Recreational Therapist participates as a member of the Multidisciplinary Treatment Team and contributes to the treatment team plan based on the patient's goals and interventions. Plans and implements a program of Psychiatric Recreation Therapy activities to meet goals and interventions for each patient. This includes, but is not limited to, groups and one on one sessions as indicated. Responsible for assisting patients in reducing their anxiety, depression and stress and to gain basic motor functioning and deductive abilities. Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of Activity Therapy supplies, equipment and group rooms and reports concerns if needed. Responsible for Activity Aide staff scheduling and unit assignments.
Qualifications:
12+ years' experience in acute Behavioral Health unit
2. Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Music, Art, Dance or Art or any related field
3. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)- National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
4. Current BCLS upon hire
5. MAB/CPI required within 60 days of hire and annually thereafter
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About KPC Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

KPC Health has an integrated approach to serving the people of Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange County. Our acute care medical centers provide high quality, comprehensive and affordable healthcare for the entire family. For us, healthcare is not just about caring for our patients, but also about investing in the people throughout our communities. We are one team with one mission and that mission is for all our patients, and their families to Enjoy Life in Great Health.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

Year founded

2004

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