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Recreational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Summit BHC

Recreational Therapist (PRN)

Garner, NC · On-site

Recreational Therapist (PRN) | Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health | Garner, North Carolina About the ... therapy services as a component of the patient's treatment plan designed to assist the patient with ...

Summit BHC

Recreational Therapist (PRN)

Garner, NC · On-site

Recreational Therapist (PRN) | Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health | Garner, North Carolina About the ... therapy services as a component of the patient's treatment plan designed to assist the patient with ...

Summit BHC

Recreational Therapist (PRN)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Recreational Therapist (PRN) | Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health | Garner, North Carolina About the ... therapy services as a component of the patient's treatment plan designed to assist the patient with ...

Town of Cary

PROGRAM ASSISTANT II- ACCESS- TEMP

Cary, NC · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

Program Assistant II Cary's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department is seeking an ... Recreation/Recreational Therapy, Education (General, Special, or Physical) or a related field.

PruittHealth

Activity Assistant - CNA

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Activity Assistant - Must be a CNA JOB PURPOSE: Responsible for the creation and maintenance of on ... recreational therapy opportunities provided. This position will collaborate on campus-wide activity ...

UNC HEALTH

Acute Care Therapy Services Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$41.45 - $59.58/hr

... and or Recreational Therapy and Child Life Therapist. The manager is responsible for staff ... Assists the Assistant Director in ensuring the collecting, analyzing, evaluating, measuring, and ...

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Recreational Therapy Assistant information

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$9

$31

$65

How much do recreational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapy assistant in Raleigh, NC is $31.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $60.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational therapy assistant?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreational therapy assistant?

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapy jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Recreational Therapy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,977 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Recreational Therapist (PRN)

Garner, NC • On-site

Summit BHC
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Summit BHCexternal

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Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Recreational Therapist (PRN) | Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health | Garner, North Carolina
About the Job:
The Activity Therapist plans, organizes, and conducts comprehensive recreational therapy services as a component of the patient's treatment plan designed to assist the patient with learning healthy coping skills, strengths, hobbies, and assist with the development of social skills/relationships. Ensures all programming is consistent with accepted standards of practice and established policies and procedures.
Roles and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Performs patient assessments through patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient's needs, skills, interests, strengths, and limitations for the development and implementation of individualized treatment plan.
  • Plans and implements an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness to provide quality activities programs that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals. Coordinates patient activities while providing a safe environment.
  • Orients patients to the activities program, explaining the benefits of the activities to the patients.
  • Engages patients in therapeutic activities such as exercise, games sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs. Monitors and evaluates patient's progress, interest levels, attitude, and behaviors.
  • Engages patients in individual and/or group recreation programming. Individual and group programming will fall under the five activity domains: physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual. Modifies activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
  • Provides patients with activity resources, supplies and equipment, as needed. Requests needed supplies and equipment in a timely manner, as needed.
  • Helps patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
  • Performs all documentation such as assessments and progress notes in a timely manner.
  • Helps to develop and maintain departmental resources, sharing the responsibility to monitor equipment and supplies.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Specific Discipline in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field is required. Master's degree preferred.
  • One or more years' experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility is required.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.

WORK LOCATION:
This position is on-site at the facility and is not a remote position.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
None.
Why Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health?Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health is an EOE.
Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.
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About Summit BHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Summit BHC, based in Franklin, TN, USA, is a recognized leader in the field of addiction treatment and behavioral health care services. The company operates a nationwide network of treatment centers aimed at caring for individuals battling substance abuse and mental health disorders. Summit BHC was established with the mission to provide high-quality, addiction treatment and behavioral health services to those in need throughout the United States. With compassion, dignity, and respect as their core values, they endeavor to instill hope during the journey to recovery and beyond.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2013

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