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Recreational Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Beautiful Mind Inc.

Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $37/hr

Communicates with local health and health care agencies and community programs to assist clients in seeking appropriate treatment facilities or programs for continued recreational therapy treatment ...

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Recreational Therapy Assistant information

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$9

$32

$67

How much do recreational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational 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 is the difference between Recreational Therapy Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreational Therapy AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredBachelor's degree in recreational therapy or related field; certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists in recreational activities under supervision, often in healthcare or rehab settingsDevelops and implements therapy plans independently, working directly with clients
Employer & IndustryHospitals, nursing homes, rehab centersHealthcare facilities, community programs, mental health centers

The Recreational Therapy Assistant supports recreational activities under supervision, focusing on assisting clients. The Recreational Therapist designs and manages therapy programs, requiring more advanced education and certification. Both roles work in healthcare settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do PTAS make per year?

Recreational Therapy Assistants (PTAs) typically earn an annual salary ranging from $25,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certification and additional skills can influence earning potential, and they often work in healthcare or rehabilitation environments with standard schedules.

What are Recreational Therapy Assistants?

Recreational Therapy Assistants are healthcare professionals who support recreational therapists in planning, organizing, and leading activities that help improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients. They assist in implementing therapeutic recreation programs such as arts and crafts, games, music, and sports for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Their work helps patients enhance their quality of life, develop social skills, and promote overall recovery. Recreational Therapy Assistants often work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and community centers under the supervision of licensed recreational therapists.

How to become a recreational therapy assistant?

To become a recreational therapy assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue an associate degree or certification in recreational therapy or a related field. Relevant skills include communication, interpersonal abilities, and knowledge of therapeutic activities; some positions may require certification from a recognized organization such as the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

What are some common challenges faced by Recreational Therapy Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Recreational Therapy Assistants often work with diverse populations, including individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. This can make adapting activities to meet each participant’s needs a daily hurdle. Effective communication, patience, and creative problem-solving are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with licensed therapists and other healthcare staff ensures that programs are safe, inclusive, and engaging for all participants. Building strong rapport with clients also helps in understanding their preferences and motivates them to participate actively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreational Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapy Assistant, you need a background in human services or therapeutic recreation, often supported by a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with activity planning software, documentation systems, and adaptive equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you engage clients and support their well-being. These competencies are vital to effectively deliver therapeutic activities that enhance clients’ physical, emotional, and social health.

What does a recreational therapy aide do?

A recreational therapy aide assists recreational therapists in planning and implementing 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. Basic knowledge of activity planning and good communication skills are important for this role.

What do recreation 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 assist with organizing events, supervising activities, and ensuring safety during recreational sessions, often working in healthcare or community settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of activity planning are important for this role.
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Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 18% 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 Therapy Assistant

Generations Behavioral Health-Geneva LLC

Geneva, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Recreational Therapy Assistant organizes and conducts daily therapeutic programs to facilitate rehabilitation of people with psychosocial illnesses; assesses, maintains, and develops programs to enhance social, cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning of patients. This position ensures patient-centered care and safety provided is in alignment with the culture, philosophy, organization and practices of the hospital. Provides specialty services operating in a range of clinical settings, and coordinates with health care team members to plan and implement patient care.

Position Qualifications

  • Two years proven relevant experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent required
  • Certification and/or registration in Recreation Therapy, Art Therapy, or Music Therapy; or Licensed Counselor preferred.
  • Current BLS certification required through the American Heart Association or completion of Generations Behavioral Health's BLS course upon hiring

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for overseeing group programming on all assigned unit(s).
  • Responsible for ensuring that group programming is evidence-based.
  • Responsible to plan, conduct, direct, and coordinate the patients’ needs through therapeutic programming and activities in a group and/or individual setting.
  • Complete appropriate assessments for functional and rehabilitative needs that may include activities of daily living; community living skills; social, leisure, and vocational skills.
  • Promote patient empowerment and self-care activities.
  • Train other team members in the provision of therapeutic programming and activities while maintaining safety procedures. Practice safety and health code standards.
  • Document services in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory requirements.

Job Details for Day Shift

  • Full time
  • 8-hour shifts
  • Shift: 8:30am-5:00pm
  • Rotating weekends required
  • Our Electronic Medical Record system is WellSky
  • Pay is based on proven experience

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. Work occurs in secured units with continuous patient interaction. Environment may be noisy, fast-paced and emotionally intense. Frequent standing, walking and moving throughout the units for extended periods. Ability to lift, push and or pull up to 20 lbs as needed for patient care. Required to assist in physical interventions or crisis response following hospital policy and CPI training. Regular performance of rounds, safety checks and patient observation.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age disability, military service, political affiliation, genetic information, or other non-merit-based factors.

Applicants requiring accommodation(s) during the application and or the hiring process may contact us for assistance. Employment is at-will. Employment is contingent upon background checks, pre-employment substance testing and verification of work authorization.

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance


Work Location: In person