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Therapeutic Recreation Assistant Jobs in Indiana

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Therapeutic Recreation Assistant information

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$8

$31

$64

How much do therapeutic recreation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic recreation assistant in Indiana is $31.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $59.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant Do?

A therapeutic recreation assistant assists a recreational therapist in the treatment of patients. A recreational therapist is a therapist that uses recreation and physical activities to provide therapeutic services to clients. People seek recreational therapy to recover motor function after injury, improve cognitive functions, learn proper socialization, or improve mental health. As a therapeutic recreation assistant, you aid the therapist in achieving the goals of their clients. The therapist typically supervises you as you complete your duties. Your responsibilities are to assist the therapist in performing activities such as cognitive behavioral therapy groups, exercise, and weight, functional, and relaxation training.

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

To thrive as a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant, you need knowledge of recreational therapy principles, experience in activity planning, and typically a certificate or associate's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, activity tracking software, and basic health documentation systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are crucial for engaging diverse participants and supporting therapeutic goals. These skills ensure the effective delivery of therapeutic activities that enhance the well-being and quality of life for clients in various care settings.

How does a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support patient care?

Therapeutic Recreation Assistants work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers, to develop and implement individualized activity plans that support each patient's rehabilitation goals. They attend care meetings to provide input on patient progress and adjust activities based on feedback from the team. This collaborative approach ensures that recreational interventions are aligned with each patient's overall treatment plan, promoting better health outcomes and a supportive environment.

What are Therapeutic Recreation Assistants?

Therapeutic Recreation Assistants are professionals who help plan, implement, and supervise recreational activities designed to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. They typically work under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or community organizations. Their responsibilities may include organizing group outings, facilitating arts and crafts, assisting with games, and providing encouragement and support to participants. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for clients through meaningful and enjoyable activities.

What do recreation assistants do?

Recreation assistants support the planning and implementation of recreational activities for clients, often in healthcare or community settings. They help facilitate programs that promote physical activity, social interaction, and well-being, and may assist with equipment setup and participant engagement. Strong communication skills and basic knowledge of activity planning are important for this role.

What is a therapeutic recreation assistant?

A therapeutic recreation assistant supports recreational activities for individuals with disabilities or health conditions under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. They help plan and facilitate activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being, often working in healthcare or community settings. Certification or training in recreation therapy is typically required for this role.

What is the difference between Therapeutic Recreation Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectTherapeutic Recreation AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may need certification or associate degreeBachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, community programsHospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as support staff assisting recreational therapists in therapeutic activitiesLicensed professionals providing therapy and designing treatment plans

In summary, Therapeutic Recreation Assistants support Recreational Therapists by helping implement treatment plans in healthcare and community settings. While Assistants typically need less formal education, Recreational Therapists are licensed professionals with specialized degrees and certifications, allowing them to develop and oversee therapy programs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Therapeutic Recreation jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Therapeutic Recreation jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Therapeutic Recreation Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Therapeutic Recreation Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Therapeutic Recreation Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Therapeutic Recreation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Recreation Assistant job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,584 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapist

Sycamore Services, Inc.

Danville, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
Description
Sycamore Services, Inc. is seeking a Recreational Therapist to work on-site within our new facility-based program to help develop our individuals with developmental disabilities. As a member of our team, you will provide group and one-on-one recreational therapy sessions for adults and children with developmental disabilities based on the APIE process. You will assist in developing all aspects of the program including, but not limited to, environmental set up design, assessment development and program planning.
Work Schedule:
  • Monday-Friday: 8:00AM- 4:30PM

About You:
You are a good candidate for this position if you:
  • Have a Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in Therapeutic Recreation or a major in recreation or leisure with an option in Therapeutic Recreation; or Bachelor's degree or higher in any major with a minimum of five years full-time paid work experience in Therapeutic Recreation services; or Bachelor's degree or higher in any major with a minimum of one year of full-time paid work experience in Therapeutic Recreation services under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Are Certified as a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist)
  • Have knowledge of and experience with individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Have a desire to truly impact the daily lives of families and individuals with ID/DD.
  • Are professional and possess the education, therapeutic skills and client-focus to promote high quality outcomes for the individuals served.
  • Demonstrated ability to teach others.
  • Knowledgeable in the development of Individual Service Plans. Must demonstrate sound understanding of Community Integration, and the ability to work effectively within human service systems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Work non-standard/flexible schedule.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to drive a small transit bus that holds up to 14 passengers.

Job Duties:
  • Works in collaboration with other members of the IST, designs and implements a recreational intervention plan which is tailored to each individual and his/her daily activities.
  • Utilizing the APIE standards, the Therapist will consider input from other IST members as well as the individual served, conduct a standardized assessment and develop a therapeutic program targeted towards each individual's needs and identified goals.
  • The Therapist will provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals using a variety of techniques in an effort to improve and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients so that they can enjoy greater independence.
  • Techniques can include arts and crafts, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. The Therapist will document the consumer's progress during activities. Therapists will uphold and promote the agency's mission statement.

Education & Personal/Leadership Development
  • Mentoring
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development Support
    • CEU assistance
    • Additional certification opportunities
  • Student Loan forgiveness available

Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (required)

Physical Demands
  • Bending, Standing, Sitting for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds
  • Able to perform minimal office upkeep tasks