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Recreational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

California State Jobs

STUDENT ASSISTANT

Chino, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

The Student Assistant - Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) is supervised by a NCTRC certified Recreation Therapist and works under the administrative supervision of the ...

Sevita Health

Certified Nursing Assistant

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21 - $24.50/hr

... therapy programs, day treatments, and specialized services for infants, children, adolescents ... recreational activities, as well as documenting care and taking vital signs. The successful ...

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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 Sep 6, 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 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 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:

Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,808 per year, or $34 per hour.

STUDENT ASSISTANT

California Correctional Health Care Services

Chino, CA • On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

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California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

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Job description

Student Assistant Cim-California Institution For Men

California Institution for Men is accepting applications for Temporary (15 weeks), Intermittent appointments to the Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) classification. The Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF) is supervised by a NCTRC certified Recreation Therapist and works under the administrative supervision of the Program Assistant and is under the general lead and clinical direction of the Recreation Therapy Intern Coordinators and the Chief of Rehabilitation Therapy Services. Under the general direction of the Recreation Therapist, Correctional Facility (CF), the Student Assistant – Recreation Therapy (RT) Intern, Correctional Facility (CF), develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs for patients within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation institutions. The Student Assistant – RT Intern, CF, completes recreation therapy assessments, progress notes, monitors group attendance; facilitates and motivates patients in recreation therapy groups, incorporates therapeutic recreational activities into treatment plans; monitors the effectiveness of therapeutic recreational group programs, audits recreation therapy supplies, participates in the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, and collaborates with mental health care staff.

The successful candidate must be academically eligible for a Recreation Therapy internship based upon their university and National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification standards.

Candidates should possess and demonstrate the basic knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of Recreation Therapy services, basic knowledge of the process of restoration, maintenance and development of capabilities, basic knowledge of the principles of mental health education, the scope and activities of private and public health and welfare agencies, characteristics of mental, emotional, physical, and developmental disorders, current trends in mental health, public health and public welfare, federal and state programs in these fields. Have ability to utilize and effectively apply required knowledge, establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the workplace, ability to secure accurate clinical data and record such data systematically, compose clear, accurate and concise reports, interpret statistical data, analyze situations accurately and take effective action, ability to communicate effectively.

Additional Information: The classification is a temporary appointment (TAU), and the Student Assistant may not work more than 1500 hours in a 12 consecutive month period. No health, dental, or vision benefits are provided for persons in this classification.

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications (MQs) listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, a victim of human trafficking, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code (GC) Section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating "preference under GC Section 18220." Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility. Verification of application or enrollment in a college or university is required prior to appointment.

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