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Recreation Therapy Assistant

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

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 ...

Alberta Health Services

$27.44 - $34.39/hr

The Recreation Therapy Assistant, supervised by the Recreation Therapist, provides services in close collaboration with the rest of the Allied Health and Nursing team. This position will assist with ...

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How much do recreation therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy assistant in the United States is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, you need a background in recreation, therapy, or a related field, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with activity planning software, adaptive equipment, and client documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you engage clients and adapt activities to diverse needs. These capabilities are crucial for promoting client well-being, enhancing quality of life, and supporting therapeutic goals.

What are some common challenges Recreation Therapy Assistants face when working with diverse participant groups?

Recreation Therapy Assistants often work with individuals who have a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and needs, which can present challenges in planning and adapting activities to be inclusive and engaging for everyone. Balancing the physical, emotional, and cognitive limitations of participants while maintaining a positive and motivating environment requires strong communication and creative problem-solving skills. Additionally, assistants may need to collaborate closely with therapists, caregivers, and other staff to ensure activities align with therapeutic goals, which can require flexibility and teamwork.

What are Recreation Therapy Assistants?

Recreation Therapy Assistants are professionals who help plan, implement, and oversee recreational activities for individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. They work under the supervision of Recreation Therapists to support patients’ rehabilitation, improve their quality of life, and promote socialization. Their tasks may include organizing games, arts and crafts, outings, and fitness programs tailored to participants’ needs. Recreation Therapy Assistants typically work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and community facilities.

What skills do you need to be a recreation assistant?

Recreation Therapy Assistants need strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients and team members. They should have good organizational abilities, basic knowledge of therapeutic activities, and often require certification or training in CPR and first aid. Physical stamina and patience are also important for supporting clients in various recreational activities.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreation Therapy AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, long-term care facilitiesSimilar settings, with more independent clinical responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, rehab centers, community programsHealthcare facilities, mental health centers, rehabilitation clinics
Job FocusAssist in implementing recreational activities under supervisionDesign and lead therapeutic recreation programs independently

Recreation Therapy Assistants support recreational activities under supervision, focusing on assisting with programs. Recreational Therapists develop and lead therapeutic recreation plans, often requiring higher credentials. Both roles work in healthcare settings, but the Therapist has more independent responsibilities and advanced qualifications.

More about Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Therapy Assistant 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 Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs are:
Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Recreation Therapy Assistant

Recreation Therapy Assistant

Baywood Court

Castro Valley, CA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 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.

Position available for Casual/On-call Recreation Therapy Assistant for Wednesdays and Sundays as needed. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

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

Pay scale: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour

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.

Tenemos ganas de conocerte! Inaasam naming makilala kayo! We look forward to meeting you!

The Recreation Therapy Assistant assists the Recreation Therapy Manager and Recreation Therapy Supervisor with activities and events for residents in Independent and Assisted Living. The Recreation Therapy Assistant works on-call covering for RT staff and drivers and must be available on weekends and holidays.

What Can Baywood Court Offer You?

  • Opportunity to care and serve seniors in their most vulnerable time of need
  • Accrue up to 4 weeks of paid time off in the first year, with cash-out option (full-time only)
  • Medical, dental, vision and employer paid life insurance plan. Eligible first of the month following 30 days of employment $1,500 - $4,500 annually toward out-of-pocket medical expenses, including pharmacy if enrolled in a medical plan (full-time only)
  • Retirement Savings Plans (Pre-Tax and ROTH) with employer match up to 5% 
  • Pet insurance and pet care discounts
  •  Employee meals only $3.00 - $5.00
  • Annual scholarships for students enrolled in college or trade school
  • Fun employee events, recognition celebrations, BBQs, food trucks, theme days and more! Visit our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baywoodcourt/

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Serve in an on-call capacity to support program needs and scheduling coverage
  • Operate a company van safely to transport residents/participants as needed
  • Assist with recreational programs and classes, including setup, participation support, and cleanup
  • Ensure classes are covered in the absence of RT staff.
  • Provide a friendly, engaging, and supportive presence for residents/participants
  • Escort residents to and from activity programs as needed. Escort to dining room
  • Full Job descriptions may be provided upon request

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to read, speak, write, understand and follow instructions in English to effectively communicate with staff and residents.
  • Must possess a Class-C Drivers License to operate company Van
  • Must have a clean driving record and pass the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull
  • Enjoy working with the public and the elderly
  • Advanced computer skills; MS Office; Outlook, Word, Excel
  • Possess excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism; display a courteous, friendly and helpful attitude; must demonstrate understanding, patience, tact and courtesy with residents, families, visitors and/or co-workers.
  • Possess the ability and willingness to work as a team member and collaborate with all staff members.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, stretching, walking and squatting throughout the day. Lift up to 20 pounds to handle supplies. Ability to push residents in wheelchairs as needed. May be exposed to blood and body fluids which may contain HIV and/or HBV. May be subjected to offensive odors and combative behavior.

Baywood Courtis committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities.We celebrate our employees' differences and qualified applicants will be considered for employment based on their ability to perform the job.

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