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Therapeutic Recreation Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Roadrunner Health Services

EMT- Valencia County

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Perform and assist patients with feeding, basic hygiene care, and other activities of daily living ... Conduct social and recreational activities for individual patients or small group under direction ...

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Therapeutic Recreation Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$30

$63

How much do therapeutic recreation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic recreation assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $30.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $58.80 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 is a therapeutic recreation assistant?

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.

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 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.

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.

More about Therapeutic Recreation Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapeutic Recreation jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Therapeutic Recreation jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
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What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Therapeutic Recreation Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Therapeutic Recreation Assistant job openings:
Therapeutic Recreation Assistant jobs near you

Supervisory Recreation Therapist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Albuquerque, NM

$90K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Supervisor of the Recreational Therapy Department is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) in Albuquerque, NM, which is a Complexity Level 1b facility. The incumbent is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the Recreational Therapy Department in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service that consists of 5 or more recreational therapists and recreational therapist assistants.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Education. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements possessing a degree in an approved degree program by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC):
  • A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure, with an option and/or emphasis in therapeutic recreation; The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
  • OR,
  • A bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university and must be a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). The degree must be approved by the NCTRC. If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived.
Certification. Applicants must be certified in Recreation Therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Experience: at least one year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence.
  • Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
  • Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service.
  • Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
  • Ability to use evidence-based practices, clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the staff in applying these tools.
  • Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.
  • Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Duties are physical in nature, requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium weight objects, and pushing wheelchairs. Requires the ability to carry light to medium weight items such as papers, books, or other supplies, as well as heavier items such as durable medical equipment. The incumbent needs to be able to handle the therapy equipment, modalities, and items needed for well- being group activities and uses the computer and other standard office equipment to complete administrative tasks.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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