Recreation Therapy Coordinator
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Assess participant interests, strengths, and support needs
- Create individual and group activity plans that match care goals
- Lead therapeutic recreation sessions and adapt activities as needed
- Coordinate calendars, staffing coverage, and activity logistics
- Maintain participant documentation and progress notes
- Support risk management through safety checks and incident reporting
- Partner with clinicians, case managers, and families to align goals
- Source supplies, manage activity spaces, and track basic budgets
- Train and support activity staff, volunteers, and interns
- Measure program outcomes and suggest improvements
Top Skills for Success
Activity Planning
Group Facilitation
Participant Assessment
Adaptive Programming
Behavior Support
De-escalation
Documentation
Care Coordination
Communication
Empathy
Time Management
Program Evaluation
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Recreation Therapist
Senior Recreation Therapist
Recreation Therapy Coordinator
Rehabilitation Program Coordinator
Clinical Program Manager
Transition Opportunities
Activities Director
Rehabilitation Services Manager
Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
Community Engagement Manager
Patient Experience Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Outcome MeasurementBudget ManagementCare Plan AlignmentClinical Documentation QualityProgram AccessibilityVolunteer Management
Development SuggestionsBuild simple outcome tracking using consistent goals and progress notes, ask to own a small supply budget, practice writing clear documentation aligned to care goals, and seek mentorship from rehabilitation or nursing leadership on care coordination and safety standards.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 42,000 to 52,000
Mid LevelUSD 52,000 to 68,000
Senior LevelUSD 68,000 to 85,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by aging populations, expanded behavioral health services, and increased focus on quality of life in long term care and rehabilitation settings.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
HCA HealthcareEncompass HealthSelect MedicalCommonSpirit HealthKaiser PermanenteMayo ClinicCleveland ClinicGenesis HealthCareBrookdale Senior LivingLife Care Centers of America
Industry Sectors
HospitalsInpatient RehabilitationSkilled Nursing FacilitiesSenior LivingBehavioral HealthVeterans ServicesCommunity Health ProgramsNonprofit Disability ServicesParks and Recreation DepartmentsSchool Based Support Services
Recommended Next Steps
1
Review common settings and choose a focus area such as rehab, behavioral health, or senior living2
Create a portfolio with two to four sample program plans and a basic outcome summary3
Strengthen documentation skills by learning the facility note format and quality expectations4
Earn or renew relevant credentials and safety training required by employers in your region5
Network with rehabilitation teams and activity leaders to learn hiring needs and workflows6
Target job postings that mention care coordination, assessment, and program evaluation