1

Recreation Therapy Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recreation Therapy Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$31

$64

How much do recreation therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy assistant in Indiana is $31.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $59.47 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,584 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Recreational Therapist- Columbus, IN

Assisted Independence, LLC

Bargersville, IN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The nature of the job as a Recreational Therapist is to provide 1:1 care to

individuals with developmental disabilities in home and community-based

settings by providing a systematic process that utilizes

recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed

needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to

psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Further, "Recreational Therapy means a treatment service designed to restore,

remediate and rehabilitate a persons level of functioning and independence

in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or

eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life

situations caused by an illness or disabling condition. Recreational Therapy supports are supports provided under the Indiana

Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Supports (DDRS) consisting of a

medically approved recreational program to restore, remediate, or

rehabilitate an individual in order to improve the individuals functioning and independence, or reduce or eliminate the effects of an individuals disability.

All Recreational Therapists must assist individuals supported with one or more of the following: self-care, self-direction, expressive or receptive language, ambulation or mobility, learning, ADLs, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, physical activity, or community participation. All Recreational Therapists will be able to manage their own daily and weekly scheduled sessions by communicating with the individual, their family, or other members of the Individualized Support Team. All Recreational Therapists will follow the APIE process with the individuals they support. Standardized Assessment tools are provided to the therapist by Assisted Independence. Templates for treatment plans and program plans are provided to the therapist by Assisted Independence. Implementing these treatment plans include organizing and directing home and/or community-based activities for the individual supported. These activities may include adaptive sports, dramatics, arts and crafts, social activities, volunteer opportunities, and other recreational supports designed to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate. All Recreational Therapists will document each session with a narrative note and goal tracking prompts accompanied by the date and time of the session. Individuals supported will be re-assessed and evaluated on an annual basis to make any changes to the treatment plan. All Recreational Therapists will attend Individualized Support Team meetings for the individuals they support. All Recreational Therapists will be trained in and complete Incident Reporting accurately as needed.

Compensation details: 40-50 Hourly Wage

PI2a81d8181775-26289-40610409