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Recreational Therapist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sevita Health

Recreational Therapist

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy. * Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to ...

Sevita

Recreational Therapist

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy. * Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to ...

A Beautiful Mind Inc.

Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $37/hr

... to assist clients who have medical, psychiatric, developmental disabilities, substance abuse ... The Recreational Therapist must be passionate about delivering excellent client care, exercise good ...

Lifepoint Health

Recreational Therapist

White Hall, AR · On-site

... socialization. * Assist with development of discharge plan in timely and documented standards ... One (1) year experience in Recreational Therapy in a hospital setting is preferred. * Experience in ...

Lifepoint Health

Recreational Therapist

White Hall, AR · On-site

... socialization. * Assist with development of discharge plan in timely and documented standards ... One (1) year experience in Recreational Therapy in a hospital setting is preferred. * Experience in ...

NeuLife

Recreational Therapist

Troy, MI · On-site

Join our team as a Recreational Therapist! Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of ... Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist clients with mobility and care needs. * Ability to travel ...

NeuLife

Recreational Therapist

Troy, MI

Join our team as a Recreational Therapist! Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of ... Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist clients with mobility and care needs. * Ability to travel ...

NEULIFE

Recreational Therapist

Troy, MI · On-site

Join our team as a Recreational Therapist! Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of ... Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist clients with mobility and care needs. * Ability to travel ...

NeuLife

Recreational Therapist

Troy, MI · On-site

Join our team as a Recreational Therapist!Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of adults ... assist clients with mobility and care needs. Ability to travel between multiple locations as ...

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Recreational Therapist Assistant information

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$67

How much do recreational therapist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapist 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 is a recreational therapist assistant?

Recreational Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of certified recreational therapists to help plan, implement, and monitor recreational activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Their goal is to support clients in improving their physical, emotional, and social well-being through activities like arts and crafts, sports, music, and games. They also assist with documenting client progress and ensuring a safe, supportive environment during activities.

What does a recreational therapist assistant do?

As a recreational therapist assistant, you support a primary therapist while providing therapy and care for clients or patients. You may help set up and run a therapeutic activity or treatment, examine the behavior of patients, help implement clinical treatments, or conduct a psychological assessment to gain a better understanding of the unique needs of each patient. Recreational therapist assistants often specialize in specific groups that use recreational therapy, such as children or veterans, and which group you work with may impact your career opportunities and path. Most recreational therapist assistants work regular hours, but employers may occasionally ask you to work overtime to help address particularly complex or difficult cases.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Therapist Assistant, you need knowledge of therapeutic recreation methods, basic health care practices, and typically a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with activity planning software, adaptive equipment, and documentation systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and creativity help you engage clients and support the lead therapist effectively. These skills are crucial for delivering safe, effective, and meaningful therapeutic activities that enhance clients' well-being.

How does a recreational therapist assistant typically collaborate with therapists and other healthcare team members?

As a Recreational Therapist Assistant, you’ll work closely under the supervision of certified recreational therapists, supporting the design and implementation of therapeutic activities for patients. You’ll often communicate with nurses, physical therapists, and social workers to coordinate care, share observations, and adjust activity plans based on patient progress. This collaborative environment helps ensure that recreational interventions are safely integrated into each patient’s overall treatment plan. Regular team meetings and report sharing are common and provide opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapist Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreational Therapist AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists in therapeutic activities under supervision, in healthcare or rehab settingsDevelops and implements therapy plans independently, in hospitals, rehab centers, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare facilities, assisted living, and rehab centersWorks in similar settings, often with more responsibility for planning and decision-making

The main difference between a Recreational Therapist Assistant and a Recreational Therapist lies in their level of responsibility and required education. The assistant supports therapy activities under supervision, while the therapist independently develops and manages treatment plans. Both roles are vital in healthcare settings focused on improving patient well-being through recreational activities.

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Recreational Therapist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapist Assistant job openings in the United States 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 $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

Sevita Health

Merrillville, IN • On-site

$56K/yr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Sevita Health rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 286 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

794th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Mentor Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here we believe every person has the right to live well, and everyone deserves to have a fulfilling career. You'll join a mission-driven team and create relationships that motivate us all every day. Join us today, and experience a career well lived.
Therapeutic Certified Recreational Therapist
Full Time Position
$56,000/per year
Merriville, IN
Do you have experience in Recreational Therapy and are looking for rewarding work in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others? Bring your commitment and clinical skills to a team-based workplace that puts people first.
  • Provide therapeutic recreation-based treatment program opportunities, including individual and group therapy, in a safe, effective manner to all program participants.
  • Complete assessment/evaluation in the areas of Recreational Therapy upon admission for all program participants.
  • Work directly with paraprofessional staff to facilitate training and program participant growth in the areas of Recreational Therapy.
  • Assist in the development of the rehabilitation plan of care to meet the needs of each program participant.
  • Communicate with the program participant, family, and funders as needed regarding participant status and need of services.
  • Remain current and compliant with federal, state, and accrediting body regulations and standards.
  • Adhere to work practices consistent with Mentor mission, policies, and procedures.
  • Adhere to code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
  • Procure and maintain all recreational equipment to assure safe and appropriate use by program participants and staff.
  • Advocate and educate staff, program participants, and families in the areas of recreational therapy and therapeutic recreation.
  • Maintain best practice methods through continued education coursework.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy.
  • Two years of experience in a rehabilitation environment and/or work with persons with neurological and developmental deficits.
  • Certification of CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist).
  • Knowledge of rehabilitative techniques relative to recreation for persons with diverse neurological impairment.
  • Ability to interpret evaluations from various disciplines (Neuropsychology, Occupational/Speech/Physical Therapies) and understand the relevance to your practice.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, professional manner. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
  • Exceptional communication skills with an ability to establish trust and rapport quickly.
  • A good listener with an ability to empathize while still providing guidance.

Why Join Us?
  • Full compensation/benefits package for full-time employees.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid time off and holiday pay.
  • Complex work adding value to the organization's mission alongside a great team of co-workers.
  • Enjoy job security with nationwide career development and advancement opportunities.

We have meaningful work for you - come join our team - Apply Today!
Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face.
We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve all over the U.S.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Sevita

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized support that leads to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. And today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Sevita is a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care, similar companies include Brookedale Senior Living, A New Hope, and North Star.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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