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Recreational Aide Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Recreational Aide information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$14

$16

How much do recreational aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational aide in Springfield, MO is $14.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $14.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational aide?

Recreational Aides are professionals who assist in planning, organizing, and leading activities for groups in settings such as community centers, parks, nursing homes, or camps. Their main goal is to support recreational programs that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being for participants. Duties often include setting up equipment, supervising activities, ensuring participant safety, and helping with event logistics. Recreational Aides work under the supervision of recreation leaders or directors and are essential for creating enjoyable and engaging experiences for people of all ages.

What are some common challenges recreational aides face when planning and leading group activities?

Recreational Aides often encounter challenges such as accommodating participants with varying abilities, interests, and ages within a single activity. They must be flexible and creative in adapting activities to ensure everyone is engaged and included while maintaining a safe and positive environment. Additionally, managing group dynamics, handling unexpected behavior, and ensuring all safety protocols are followed can be demanding but are important aspects of the role. Effective communication and strong organizational skills help Recreational Aides overcome these challenges and deliver enjoyable experiences for all participants.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Aide, you need a solid understanding of recreational programming, basic first aid skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling software, sports equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for creating engaging, safe, and inclusive recreational experiences for participants.

What is the difference between Recreational Aide vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreational AideRecreation Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require CPR certificationBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssisted living facilities, community centers, hospitalsHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, senior care, community programsHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation
Job FocusAssist with recreational activities, support program implementationDevelop and implement therapeutic recreation plans to improve patient well-being

The main difference between a Recreational Aide and a Recreation Therapist lies in their education, responsibilities, and scope of work. Recreational Aides typically assist with activities under supervision, while Recreation Therapists create specialized treatment plans to aid recovery and improve quality of life.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational jobs in Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Recreational jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What job categories do people searching Recreational Aide jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreational Aide jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Recreational Aide jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Recreational Aide job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreational Aide job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,310 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Saturday Recreation Aide

Arc of the Ozarks

Springfield, MO • On-site

$19/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Arc Of The Ozarks rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Saturday Recreation Assistant
⭐ THIS POSITION WORKS SATURDAYS ONLY, FROM 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. ⭐
About the Position
The Arc of the Ozarks is looking for a Saturday Recreation Assistant to help provide a safe, fun, and engaging recreation experience for a small group of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
This position takes place on Saturdays throughout the school year and includes a variety of activities such as field trips, swimming, cooking, games, singing, arts and crafts, and other recreational activities.
What You'll Do
  • Provide care, support, and supervision to participants with a broad range of disabilities.
  • Assist participants during activities at the recreation center, pool, field trips, and other activities throughout the day.
  • Participate in and assist with activities such as swimming, games, singing, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips.
  • Assist with toileting and diaper changes when needed.
  • Assist participants with lunch and help clean up afterward.
  • Help maintain clean and organized program areas.
  • Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude toward all participants.
  • Keep track of participants' personal belongings, including clothing, diapers, utensils, and other items.
  • Report unusual behaviors, health concerns, accidents, or incidents to the Education and Recreation Supervisor.
  • Complete a daily log summarizing activities for assigned participants.
  • Attend required training sessions before the Saturday Recreation Program begins, including MANDT, CPR, First Aid, and Med Class.
  • Attend the program's annual Open House.
  • Assist with department planning and goal setting.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
  • Is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and helping increase their independence.
  • Is able to work with and respect individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Has good judgment and discretion.
  • Is dependable, punctual, and able to maintain good attendance.
  • Is open to feedback and has a willingness to learn and adapt to the diverse needs of participants.
  • Can accurately document and report observations.
  • Is able to understand and follow directions.
  • Has the ability to work in an active environment that may require lifting, carrying, running, and other physical activity.
Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class E Chauffeur's License and the minimum required liability insurance.
  • Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is not required, but is a plus.
  • Must be ambulatory and able to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting, carrying, and running.
Why Join The Arc of the Ozarks?
If you are passionate about helping individuals with disabilities have fun, build skills, and participate in their community, this is a great opportunity to make a difference while working a consistent Saturday-only schedule.
Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
SATURDAY RECREATION ASSISTANT
Definition
The Saturday Recreation Assistant is a non-professional working in providing safe and enjoyable recreation experiences for a small group of handicapped children and adults on Saturdays throughout the school year.
Recreation activities will include field trips, swimming, and participation in cooking, games, singing, and arts and crafts.
This position requires the employee to be ambulatory.
This position requires lifting, carrying and running.
Essential Job Functions
Mission and Core Values
Serves as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the Ozarks
Use Person-Centered and Employment First principles as the guiding influence in daily interactions.
Care and Support of Individuals
Provide for the welfare and care of a specific group of children/adults with a broad range of disabilities.
Assists and supervises the participants in your assigned group while in the activities center, pool/swimming, field trips, and any other activities done throughout the day.
Assists in toileting and diaper changes (if needed).
Assists participants with daily activities such as singing, games, arts and crafts.
Assists participants with lunches and cleaning up afterwards; also assists in daily clean up of all program areas.
Maintains a positive attitude toward all children and adult participating in the program.
Be on time, which is thirty minutes before and after the programs.
Documentation and Quality Supports
Attends all training sessions prior to the beginning of the Saturday Recreation Program. This will include a review of the following: Mandt, CPR, First Aid, and Med Class. Also includes meeting with some of the participants and parents and reviewing files.
Attends Open House at the beginning of the program each year.
Organizes and keeps track of the personal items of participants such as extra clothing, diapers, utensils, etc.
Reports any unusual occurrences of behavior, health, and accidents/incidents to the Education and Recreation Supervisor.
Completes a daily log summary of the activities for each of the individuals assigned to your group and turns completed report in to the Education and Recreation Supervisor before leaving for the day.
Assist in department goal setting and planning.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
Ability to work varied and flexible hours, to accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.
Ability to possess a Class E Chauffeur's license and the minimum allowed amount of liability insurance.
Ability to work with and respect persons with developmental disabilities.
Ability to apply basic skills required in habilitation programs.
Ability to accurately report and record observations.
Ability to understand directions.
Ability to maintain attendance and punctuality.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications
Be a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent.
Past experience with individuals who are developmentally disabled is not a requirement but would be a positive attribute.
Traits and Characteristics Desired
The Saturday Recreational Assistant will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community. A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial.
The Saturday Recreational Assistant will should be open to feedback, possess a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the diverse needs of participants.

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