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Recreation Therapy Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA

Shepherd Center

Driver /Tech- Recreational Therapy

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$36K - $44K/yr

The Driver/Recreation Therapy Tech is responsible for providing safe driving services and patient ... Clean and assist with basic upkeep of designated Shepherd Center vehicles, including vans, buses ...

Seven Healthcare

Physical Therapist Assistant

Conyers, GA · On-site

$24.50 - $32.50/hr

  • Medical

Valid Physical Therapy Assistant certification * Previous outpatient experience preferred ... With easy access to recreational activities and surrounding natural beauty, Conyers provides a ...

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All JobsRecreation Therapy JobsRecreation Therapy Assistant JobsRecreation Therapy Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA

Recreation Therapy Assistant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

$31

$65

How much do recreation therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy assistant in Decatur, GA is $31.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $61.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation therapy assistant?

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 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 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 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.

How to become a recreation therapy assistant?

To become a recreation therapy assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in recreation therapy or a related field. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the state or facility, and strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of therapeutic activities are important for success in this role.

What skills do you need to be a recreation therapy assistant?

A recreation therapy assistant needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients. Knowledge of therapeutic activities, patience, and the ability to follow treatment plans are essential, along with basic certifications such as CPR and first aid. Organizational skills and the ability to work as part of a healthcare team are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings:

Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,265 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Driver /Tech- Recreational Therapy

Shepherd Center

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$36K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Shepherd Center rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 1,060 rated hospitals

Job description

About Shepherd Center
With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.
Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.
GA Drivers license with insurable driving history required.
The Driver/Recreation Therapy Tech is responsible for providing safe driving services and patient care during community outings as well as other in-house assistance to Recreation Therapy staff. The Driver/Patient Care Tech helps patients carry-over their therapy and personal goals in-center and in the community to prepare them for discharge home. This role is integral in helping patients reacclimate to the community post injury.
  • Lead safe patient loading/unloading, safety restraint/wheelchair securement, and transportation of patients in Shepherd Center vehicles.

  • Assist clinical staff with patient care in the community to include but not limited to assistance with patient bladder care, feeding, transfers, personal hygiene, mobility, and self-advocacy.

  • Assist clinical staff with patient goal carry-over incenter by independently implementing leisure skill sessions with patients as directed by referring clinician.

  • Provide assistance and carry out assigned duties throughout the planning and implementation process of special events and programming to include but not limited to mailings, purchasing supplies, assembling resource packets, making phone calls, and working the day of events.

  • Maintain contacts with community-based resources and communicate with staff regarding knowledge of accessibility for community reintegration outings (community-based relationships, equipment resources, and vehicle maintenance resources).

  • Clean and assist with basic upkeep of designated Shepherd Center vehicles, including vans, buses, watercraft, and trailers.

  • Assist clinical staff as needed with administrative duties such as resource/equipment/supply gathering, etc. in preparation for patient sessions/groups.

  • Other duties as assigned to help support the program.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:
  • High School Diploma

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:
  • BLS within ninety (90) days of start date.

  • Valid Georgia Driver's License with clean driving record

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience driving large vehicles preferred

  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.

  • Experience in a hospital setting.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS:
  • Knowledge of vehicle maintenance

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

  • Must be able to work without direct supervision.

  • Strong organizational, customer service, and teamwork skills

  • Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.

  • Ability to lift within workload up to 50 lbs.

  • Ability to transfer patients with various types of lifts inhouse and within the community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.

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