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Life enrichment director vs recreation assistant

The differences between life enrichment directors and recreation assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a life enrichment director and a recreation assistant. Additionally, a life enrichment director has an average salary of $42,073, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

The top three skills for a life enrichment director include customer service, independent living and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.

Life enrichment director vs recreation assistant overview

Life Enrichment DirectorRecreation Assistant
Yearly salary$42,073$31,040
Hourly rate$20.23$14.92
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs16,4484,088
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a life enrichment director do?

The job of a life enrichment director is to develop and coordinate a successful volunteer program. As a life enrichment director, you will be planning and managing the resources to support the needs of an activity program. Typical duties will include developing and coordinating community events, in-house activities, and entertainment programs, developing annual activities budget, and assisting the marketing director in developing and coordinating all community relations and marketing events. You will also need to maintain a caring and professional attitude towards residents.

What does a recreation assistant do?

A recreational assistant is responsible for performing administrative support tasks while under the supervision of a recreational manager. Their duties revolve around planning various activities that align with the company's vision and mission, such as sporting events and other fun games. They also participate in arranging equipment and supplies such as tables and stages, facilitating programs, securing necessary permits and documentation, responding to calls and inquiries, and assisting participants. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all workers and adhere to company policies and regulations.

Life enrichment director vs recreation assistant salary

Life enrichment directors and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Life Enrichment DirectorRecreation Assistant
Average salary$42,073$31,040
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $67,000Between $20,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Barnstable Town, MA
Highest paying state-West Virginia
Best paying company-National Park Foundation
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between life enrichment director and recreation assistant education

There are a few differences between a life enrichment director and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:

Life Enrichment DirectorRecreation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNorthwestern University

Life enrichment director vs recreation assistant demographics

Here are the differences between life enrichment directors' and recreation assistants' demographics:

Life Enrichment DirectorRecreation Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 15.0% Female, 85.0%Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between life enrichment director and recreation assistant duties and responsibilities

Life enrichment director example responsibilities.

  • Manage staff and volunteer recruitment, resident assessments, charting, MDS documentation and program implementation.
  • Manage comprehensive regulatory documentation, including assessments, MDS and progress notes.
  • Manage resident and facility accounts, budgets, social security applications, and Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
  • Provide strong leadership and guidance to staff for general programs, events and facility maintenance.
  • Co-Facilitate Alzheimer's family support group.
  • Establish leadership skills while implementing events and presentations.
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Recreation assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage one-on-one and group social and physical sessions with long-term nursing and short-term rehabilitation residents
  • Assist multiple MWR facilities with the upkeep, accountability and sanitation of workout and rehabilitation equipment.
  • Respond to emergency situation and administering first aid and CPR when need.
  • Assist in the setup and operation of major MWR events, such as Oktoberfest and fund raising concerts.
  • Coordinate large events/gatherings in accordance with MWR procedures, including reserving special locations, food & beverage and entertainment.
  • Conduct therapeutic groups such as ADL skills, team building, self expression and skill building amongst all age groups.
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Life enrichment director vs recreation assistant skills

Common life enrichment director skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Independent Living, 12%
  • Rehabilitation, 11%
  • Community Events, 11%
  • Term Care, 10%
  • Social Work, 4%
Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%

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