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Recreation Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thompson Health

Recreation Therapist

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) with recreation experience, or equivalent credentials preferred.

Thompson Health

Recreation Therapist

Canandaigua, NY

$21 - $29/hr

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) with recreation experience, or equivalent credentials preferred.

Thompson Health

Recreation Therapist

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) with recreation experience, or equivalent credentials preferred.

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$22.28 - $32.31/hr

... therapy assistants, mental health assistants, peer counselors, and volunteers. Recreations therapists conduct individual assessments with each patient and customize activities based on that ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY

... therapy assistants, mental health assistants, peer counselors, and volunteers. Recreations therapists conduct individual assessments with each patient and customize activities based on that ...

Veterans Health Administration

Therapy Assistant

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$45.79K - $66.35K/yr

Summary The incumbent will serve as the recreation therapy assistant (RTA) for the assigned patient care area/program (s). The incumbent is responsible for carrying out a full range of Therapeutic ...

City of San Ramon

Recreation Therapy Intern

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Learn firsthand what it means to be a professional in the recreation therapy field ... Enable interns to realize their personal strengths and challenges; Assist interns to develop ...

City of San Ramon, CA

Recreation Therapy Intern

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Enable interns to realize their personal strengths and challenges; * Assist interns to develop ... Recreation Therapy at an accredited college/university? * Yes * No 02 I understand that I must ...

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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 Therapist

Recreation Therapist

Thompson Health

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Thompson Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Schedule:

Full Time, days - 8:30am - 5pm (flexible) rotating weekends, and evening shifts 

Main Function:

The Recreation Therapist plays a key role in enhancing quality of life for residents by planning, coordinating, and delivering engaging therapeutic recreation and activity programs within a skilled nursing environment and Alzheimer’s Memory Unit. This position focuses on supporting residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing through meaningful, personcentered experiences aligned with individualized care plans, facility policies, and state and federal regulations.

The Recreation Therapist also collaborates with the Recreation Therapy Manager and Director of Volunteers to supervise volunteers and residents, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and compliant activity program.

Job Specific Competencies: 

  • Demonstrates strong coordination, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage activities and share information with appropriate audiences.
  • Develops individualized care plans with clearly defined, measurable goals.
  • Completes initial and ongoing recreation and activity assessments for all residents.
  • Plans and facilitates engaging large and small group activities according to the monthly activity calendar.
  • Safely transports residents to and from all activity programs.
  • Participates as an active member of interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
  • Exhibits confidence and enthusiasm when leading group activities.
  • Works independently while remaining flexible and responsive to changing priorities.
  • Effectively prioritizes responsibilities to maximize resident engagement and benefit.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information related to residents, staff, and the health system.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

  • Availability to work rotating weekends and evening shifts.
  • Required: Energetic, creative, and motivated individuals who demonstrate leadership in a fastpaced healthcare environment.
  • Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Preferred: Experience working with the geriatric population, including dementia care.
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) with recreation experience, or equivalent credentials preferred.
  • Valid NYS driver’s license and willingness to drive the resident transport bus.

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related human services field preferred.
  • CNA experience considered a valuable asset.
  • Recent education or training in regulatory compliance and current industry best practices preferred; equivalent education will be considered.
  • Two to three years of experience working with seniors, with dementia care experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with computers and electronic systems.

Pay Range: $21.00 - $29.00

Starting Pay: Based on experience 

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