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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 ...

UHS

RECREATION THERAPIST (BA)

Spokane, WA · On-site

$28 - $42/hr

Contribute to treatment plan with specific goals and interventions to be achieved in progressive therapy/recreational therapy. * Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

... therapy assistants, mental health assistants, peer counselors, and volunteers. Recreations ... An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or ...

Ellis Medicine

Recreation Therapist

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$22.28 - $32.31/hr

... therapy assistants, mental health assistants, peer counselors, and volunteers. Recreations ... An associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or ...

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Recreational Therapy Assistant information

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How much do recreational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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).
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Recreational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% 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 $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

A Beautiful Mind Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$24 - $37/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

At A Beautiful Mind, Inc., our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism, and a responsibility to better the public good. We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth and development. We are currently seeking a Recreational Therapist passionate about delivering high-quality services in a secure institutional setting. Join a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the people and communities we serve, and be part of our inspiring mission to better the public good.

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Recreational Therapist provides skilled work as an aspect of active treatment that involves individualized assessment, treatment planning, treatment implementation and evaluation to restore, remediate or rehabilitate specific elements of physical, cognitive, emotional or social functioning to assist clients who have medical, psychiatric, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, sensory impairments or other disabling conditions to improve functioning and independence in life activities. The Recreational Therapist must be passionate about delivering excellent client care, exercise good judgment and initiative, work independently, and demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills. This position offers the opportunity to exercise sound judgment and initiative, work independently, and grow professionally. Professional demeanor and appearance are required.

Roles and responsibilities will include the following, but not limited to:
  • Select appropriate instruments and uses systematic assessment procedures, including structured interview, direct observation, performance testing, information from others, and/or record review to generate age, diagnostic, and culturally appropriate baseline data that identifies the client's strengths and limitations in physical, cognitive, social, emotional functioning, as well as behavioral functioning and interests in leisure/play.
  • Involve client, family, and/or significant others as appropriate and conduct the assessment promptly, in accordance with standards of regulatory agencies and/or treatment protocols and policies.
  • Report and document a summary of the assessment results, including information on the client's strengths and limitations and an overview of functional status. Based on assessment data, the recreational therapist formulates clinical impressions and recommendations for treatment, referral to other services, or no service at all.
  • Interpret assessment findings, collaborate/consult with the client family, significant others, referring physician, and team members as needed, and develop the individualized recreational therapy treatment plan that includes client preferences, short-term, long-term, and/or discharge-related functional outcome goals and the treatment interventions to be used to achieve treatment goals and outcomes.
  • Develop a recreational therapy discharge plan, in collaboration with the client, family, significant others, supervising physician, and team members, when maximum improvement in recreational therapy treatment interventions is reached, additional treatment or aftercare is needed.
  • Report and document discharge summaries promptly, in accordance with policy and procedure. 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 or aftercare, and in reintegrating into community life after discharge.
  • Participate in safety, risk management, and quality improvement activities and conduct program evaluation and applied research to assure safe and effective recreational therapy services.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Recreational Therapy or related field.
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential or State licensure as a Licensed Recreational Therapist (LRT).
  • CPR certification.
  • Experience working with diverse populations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • At least 2 years of experience providing therapy services.
Job Location:

On-site (Monday through Friday)

Job Status: Full-time