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Recreational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Recreational Therapy Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$34

$70

How much do recreational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapy assistant in Riverside, CA is $34.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $65.19 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.

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.

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?

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 the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Recreational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,808 per year, or $34 per hour.

Recreation Therapist

California State Jobs

Patton, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Rehabilitation Therapist – Recreation

Patton State Hospital, Human Resources Department is accepting applications for at least (1) one Permanent, Full-time appointment to the Rehabilitation Therapist – Recreation classification. The Recreation Therapist works under the administrative supervision of the Program Assistant and under the general lead and clinical direction of the Chief, Rehabilitation Therapy Service.

The successful candidate must attend and participate in clinical meetings, shift changes, and treatment planning conferences to review patient cases and clinical issues. Collaborate with the Treatment Team to develop and implement treatment services for hospitalized patients. Provide consultation to Program Management and Supervising Rehabilitation Therapists regarding patient assessments, treatment needs, and staff development. Develop treatment programs based on patient strengths, interests, clinical input, discharge criteria, and individualized goals. Create and update lesson plans for treatment programs. Evaluate treatment program effectiveness and adjust as needed. Assess assigned patients through interviews, observations, chart reviews, and clinical meetings. Complete required Rehabilitation Therapy Assessments. Develop measurable therapy treatment objectives addressing cognitive, biological, cultural, psychological, and social skills to aid discharge planning. Incorporate therapy treatment objectives into individualized treatment plans and update them according to the policy. Document patient progress, including recommendations for new treatment objectives or interventions. Ensure all therapy documentation is current, accurate, signed, dated, and in the medical record. Provide required treatment sessions to assigned patients, integrating their strengths, interests, and therapeutic goals. Adhere to all facility policies for group and individual therapy sessions. Participate in Ward Government and Therapeutic Community activities to support a therapeutic environment. Provide individual or group orientation for new patients regarding therapy programs. Plan and coordinate special unit events, such as recognition events, holiday celebrations, and nonviolent parties, to enhance quality of life. Work with patient activity coordinators and unit staff to plan supplemental activities for evenings and weekends. Maintain supplies for scheduled activities. Post a monthly calendar of unit activities, special events, and enhancement services. Inform patients of available hospital events, including concerts, tournaments, religious services, and cultural celebrations. Complete and submit required paperwork for unit and program activities. Maintain a safe and secure environment through professional behavior and interdisciplinary collaboration. Respond appropriately to alarms, physical assaults, escape attempts, and other patient-related incidents. Follow hospital policies on safety and contraband. Maintain accurate inventories of supervised or controlled therapy supplies and update quarterly. Follow all safety standards in the Rehabilitation Therapy Safety Plan and Infection Control Policy. Attend program-specific meetings, Rehabilitation Therapy Service meetings, and other assigned sessions. Participate in professional development activities, training, workshops, seminars, and conferences. Provide in-service education to staff and document per procedures. Complete necessary paperwork for purchasing equipment and supplies. Monitor and plan RAP/PBF unit expenditures. Identify and report faulty equipment and facility issues. Maintain cleaning logs for therapy equipment, including popcorn and snow cone machines.

In addition to meeting the above recruitment criteria, Rehabilitation Therapy (Recreation) applicants must also possess and provide proof of current certification or eligibility for certification as a recreation therapist issued by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC) or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. (NCTRC). Applicants must attach proof of certification or eligibility for certification to the employment application in order to be considered for a hiring interview.

The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.