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Recreation Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UCP Madison County

Recreation Therapy Specialist

Utica, NY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Pay $21.00 - $23.00 an hour The Recreation Therapy Specialist (Adult Division) is responsible for working with people we support on art projects. This position will track and record all art produced ...

Masonicare Corp

Recreation Therapy Aide

Rocky Hill, CT · On-site

$17.17 - $24/hr

Recreation Therapy Aide Masonicare at Greenridge Place - Rocky Hill, CT Per Diem Develop and implement a variety of recreation programs and services to residents that are socially, physically and ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

This includes time when the recreation therapy department is not on the premises, such as evenings, weekends or holidays. Recreation therapists provide oversight to programming and delivery of such ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$22.28 - $32.31/hr

This includes time when the recreation therapy department is not on the premises, such as evenings, weekends or holidays. Recreation therapists provide oversight to programming and delivery of such ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

This includes time when the recreation therapy department is not on the premises, such as evenings, weekends or holidays. Recreation therapists provide oversight to programming and delivery of such ...

Masonicare

Recreation Therapy Aide

Rocky Hill, CT · On-site

Recreation Therapy Aide Job Location: Rocky Hill, Connecticut Recreation Therapy Aide Masonicare at Greenridge Place - Rocky Hill, CT Day Shift - 40 hours per week Develop and implement a variety of ...

Masonicare Corp

Recreation Therapy Aide

Rocky Hill, CT · On-site

$17.17 - $24/hr

Recreation Therapy Aide Masonicare at Greenridge Place - Rocky Hill, CT Day Shift - 40 hours per week Develop and implement a variety of recreation programs and services to residents that are ...

State of Montana

Recreation Therapy Aide

Helena, MT · On-site

Recreation Therapy Aides (RTA) plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients. Therapeutic activities are facilitated ...

State of Montana

Recreation Therapy Aide

Helena, MT · On-site

Recreation Therapy Aides (RTA) plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients. Therapeutic activities are facilitated ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Recreation Therapy Intern

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Recreational Therapy Intern The San Ramon Parks and Community Services Department is certified through the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, Inc. as a site qualified to accept ...

Hansel Union

Recreation Therapist

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Write Recreation Therapy Summary, Report, and develop Recreation Therapy Plan to include recommendations and goals. * Make and develop recreation/leisure resources to provide person-centered ...

Montana

Recreation Therapy Aide

Helena, MT

Recreation Therapy Aides (RTA) plan, organize, and implement structured therapeutic activities that meet the diverse preferences and interests of the patients. Therapeutic activities are facilitated ...

Hansel Union

Recreation Therapist

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Write Recreation Therapy Summary, Report, and develop Recreation Therapy Plan to include recommendations and goals. * Make and develop recreation/leisure resources to provide person-centered ...

City of San Ramon, CA

Recreation Therapy Intern

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

This internship opportunity is nonpaid. The Intern Program Under supervision of National and State certified Recreation Therapists, the program is designed to provide challenging work experiences in ...

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All JobsRecreation Therapy Jobs

Recreation Therapy information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do recreation therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges recreation therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Recreation therapists often work with clients of varying ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, which can present challenges in tailoring activities to meet individual needs and preferences. Adapting therapeutic interventions to accommodate physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations while ensuring everyone feels included requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as nurses, social workers, and family members, are essential for developing comprehensive care plans and achieving positive outcomes.

How do I become a recreation therapist?

To become a recreation therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field. Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is often required or preferred, and state licensure may be necessary depending on the location. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also help in establishing a career in this field.

Where do recreation therapists make the most money?

Recreation therapists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and specialization in areas like mental health or pediatric therapy.

What are the career paths in recreation therapy?

Recreation therapists can pursue various career paths including working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, mental health facilities, and community programs. They may advance to supervisory roles, specialize in areas like pediatric or geriatric therapy, or obtain certifications to enhance their qualifications. Opportunities often involve developing treatment plans, leading recreational activities, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

What is recreation therapy?

Recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a healthcare profession that uses recreational activities to help individuals with disabilities or illnesses improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Recreation therapists design and implement interventions such as games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and community outings tailored to each client's needs. The goal is to enhance patients' functioning, promote independence, and improve their quality of life. They work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and community agencies.

Are recreation therapists in demand?

Recreation therapists are in growing demand due to an increased focus on holistic healthcare and patient well-being. They work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and senior care facilities, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. Employment prospects are expected to remain favorable as the healthcare industry emphasizes quality of life and recovery programs.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreation TherapyRecreational Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CTRS), relevant degreesCertification (e.g., CTRS), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, rehab centers, community programs
Industry UsageUsed to describe the field and servicesJob title for professionals providing services

Recreation Therapy refers to the field and its practices, while Recreational Therapist is the professional role within that field. Both share similar credentials and work environments, with the term Recreation Therapy describing the discipline and Recreational Therapist being the practitioner delivering the services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapist, you need a background in therapeutic recreation, a degree in recreation therapy or a related field, and often Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials. Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and documentation systems is essential for planning and evaluating therapy programs. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and adapt activities to varying needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective therapy interventions that enhance client well-being and foster social, emotional, and physical development.
More about Recreation Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Therapy 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy jobs include:
Recreation Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Recreation Therapy Specialist

UCP Madison County

Utica, NY • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Pay $21.00 - $23.00 an hour
The Recreation Therapy Specialist (Adult Division) is responsible for working with people we support on art projects. This position will track and record all art produced by our artists and will assist art instructors as needed.
Core Responsibilities
  • Assist artists at Day Program Studio sites to create their art.
  • Assist the pottery instructor with pottery class (as needed).
  • Assist the silk instructor with silk art class (as needed).
  • Be the Curator of the art produced by the artists, track art & price list, record new art.
  • Make stretcher bars and frames in woodshop at Barneveld to stretch and frame paintings.
  • Assist with Exhibit & Gallery installations, art program events and receptions.
  • Prepare requisitions for wood framing, paint supplies and art room supplies.
  • Participate in Art Team meetings, ideas, planning, organizing and connecting with the public for events.
  • Assess individual's capabilities and develop, coordinate, implement, document and evaluate appropriate therapeutic recreation activities.
  • Maintain required documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory entities policies and guidelines.
  • Participate in activities as part of the treatment team that may include trainings and committees.
  • Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards.
  • Establish a work environment that creates positive communication between supervisors and employees and assimilates new employees to the Agency's culture, values and mission.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field or;
  • a minimum of one year of experience in a related field.
  • Travel is required. Must have a valid New York State driver's license.

Benefits
Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.
  • Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
  • Direct Deposit
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Retirement Plan 403(b)
  • Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Service Awards
  • Employee Appreciation Events
  • Employee Discounts

Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. Please visit our careers website to access the full job description located within the job posting. upstatecpjobs.org
Recreation Therapy Specialist
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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