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Recreation Therapy Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation Therapy Associate information

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$14

$35

$64

How much do recreation therapy associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy associate in the United States is $35.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectRecreation Therapy AssociateRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires an associate degree or certification in recreation therapy support rolesRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in recreation therapy or a related field, along with certification (e.g., CTRS)
Work EnvironmentAssist in recreational activities in hospitals, rehab centers, or community settingsDesign and implement therapeutic recreation programs in healthcare, mental health, or rehabilitation facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare providers, community centers, and rehab facilities as support staffEmployed as licensed professionals responsible for therapeutic planning and assessment

In summary, Recreation Therapy Associates support recreational activities under supervision, while Recreation Therapists lead and develop therapeutic programs, requiring higher education and certification.

What do recreational therapy assistants do?

Recreational therapy assistants support recreational therapists by helping plan and facilitate activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being for clients. They may set up equipment, supervise activities, and ensure safety during therapy sessions, often working in healthcare or community settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of activity planning are important for this role.

Is there a demand for recreational therapists?

Recreational therapy associates are in demand as healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and senior living communities seek professionals to improve patient quality of life through therapeutic activities. The field is expected to grow steadily due to an aging population and increased focus on holistic health approaches. Certification and relevant skills in activity planning and patient engagement enhance job prospects.
More about Recreation Therapy Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy Associate jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Therapy Associate 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 Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy Associate jobs include:
Director of Recreation | Recreation Therapist

Director of Recreation | Recreation Therapist

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Angwin, CA • On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Crestwood Behavioral Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Are you looking for a meaningful role in behavioral health and have the desire to work with an organization that puts people first? If you have a passion for helping others along their recovery journey, then we invite you to join our Crestwood family!
For more than 50+ years Crestwood has been committed to creating innovative recovery programs and developing compassionate communities that support each client in their journey. Our model of care focuses on a personal and self-directed process that empowers the people we serve and helps them to develop the skills to thrive!
Title: Director of Recreation | Recreation Therapist
Job Duties: The Director of Recreation/Activities plans, coordinates, and implements a therapeutic recreation/activities program on a regular basis to meet the individual client's needs and interests.
Schedule: Full Time
Qualifications:
  • Must be registered or eligible for registration as an occupational therapist, music therapist, dance therapist, art therapist, or recreation therapist.
    • Art therapist: Art therapist means a person who is registered or eligible for registration as an art therapist with the American Art Therapy Association
    • Dance Therapist: A dance therapist is a person who is registered or eligible for registration as a dance therapist by the American Dance Therapy Association
    • Music Therapist: A music therapist is a person who has a bachelor's degree in music therapy and who is registered or eligible for registration as a music therapist by the National Association for Music Therapy
    • Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist is a person who is registered or who is eligible for registration as an occupational therapist by the American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Must have two (2) years experience in a social or recreational program within the past five (5) years, one year of which was full-time in a client activities program in a health care setting orBachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation who is registered or eligible for registration as a recreation therapist by the California Board of Parks and Recreation Certification or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
  • California driver's license.
  • Current CPR certification.

Crestwood Offers Comprehensive Benefits Packages to Full-Time Employees, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Sick Leave Buy Back
  • 401(k) Retirement
  • Scholarship Program
  • Qualifying Supervision for BBS Associates
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Jury Duty Pay

About the Campus: Crestwood Center is a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center located in Angwin, amidst the beautiful hills of the Napa Valley. The facility provides a versatile array of classes for clients to participate in during their recovery program and encourages active participation in treatment planning from the moment of admission.
The salary range listed below represents the minimum and maximum base pay per hour at the time of posting. Final salary offered to the candidate selected for the position will be based on factors including but not limited to candidate's skills, experience, licensure, and program acuity.
Pay Range:
$40-$45 USD
It's About Growth! Our employees are our most valuable assets.
Did you know that at Crestwood you can gain experience at one of California's leading behavioral health service providers? We deliver industry leading education and training that allows our team members to succeed and continue to grow their careers with Crestwood.
Check out our Career Page to learn more about being a part the Crestwood Family and the benefits available. https://workatcrestwood.com/
Crestwood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion, equity and diversity. We embrace all differences and are fully committed to fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. We also take affirmative action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to ability during the application or recruiting process, please talk with your hiring contact/recruiter or send a request to HR@CBHI.net.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.
Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please review this link to provide information on how we collect and use your data.
Crestwood is required to participate in the E-Verify program. To learn more, please see: E-Verify Participation, Right to Work notices, or visit www.e-verify.gov.

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About Crestwood Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., based in Sacramento, CA, US, is a recognized leader in the field of Behavioral Health. The company’s main offering includes a broad spectrum of services for adults with mental health needs, including campus-based services, day treatment programs, and community integration services. Established more than 50 years ago, Crestwood has a rich history grounded in a relentless pursuit of optimism, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to creating recovery-focused programs that uphold the rights and dignity of individuals living with mental health issues. Their mission is to provide a continuum of services that empower individuals living with mental health issues to realize recovery.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1968

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