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Recreation assistant vs activities/volunteer

The differences between recreation assistants and activities/volunteers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a recreation assistant and an activities/volunteer. Additionally, an activities/volunteer has an average salary of $32,875, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

The top three skills for a recreation assistant include customer service, MDS and recreation programs. The most important skills for an activities/volunteer are community resources, senior care, and financial statements.

Recreation assistant vs activities/volunteer overview

Recreation AssistantActivities/Volunteer
Yearly salary$31,040$32,875
Hourly rate$14.92$15.81
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs4,0884,126
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

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.

What does an activities/volunteer do?

An activity volunteer is responsible for supporting community activities for the benefit of the citizens and social development in general. Activity volunteers assist in fundraising activities, coordinating with other organizations for sponsorship, recruiting target audience, planning the program outline, and releasing promotional materials, press releases, and media marketing. Activity volunteers must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on negotiating with suppliers and vendors for the activity materials with minimal costs. They should also be able to address the participants' inquiries and concerns and resolve any issues that may arise during the activity preparation.

Recreation assistant vs activities/volunteer salary

Recreation assistants and activities/volunteers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Recreation AssistantActivities/Volunteer
Average salary$31,040$32,875
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $46,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityBarnstable Town, MA-
Highest paying stateWest Virginia-
Best paying companyNational Park Foundation-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between recreation assistant and activities/volunteer education

There are a few differences between a recreation assistant and an activities/volunteer in terms of educational background:

Recreation AssistantActivities/Volunteer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityDuke University

Recreation assistant vs activities/volunteer demographics

Here are the differences between recreation assistants' and activities/volunteers' demographics:

Recreation AssistantActivities/Volunteer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 40.9% Female, 59.1%Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between recreation assistant and activities/volunteer duties and responsibilities

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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Activities/volunteer example responsibilities.

  • Address and resolve customer's complaints grievances regarding medical billing and treatments, consisting of Medicare and manage care claims.
  • Develop, coordinate, manage a diverse and balance activity program for general residence and specialize Alzheimer unit.
  • Create the first alumni database used to engage past alumni with the current fraternity members.
  • Provide overall leadership and management of the Alzheimer's neighborhood within an assisted-living community for senior citizens.
  • Train on proper administration of CPR.
  • Submit resident activity records to MDS.
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Recreation assistant vs activities/volunteer skills

Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
Common activities/volunteer skills
  • Community Resources, 20%
  • Senior Care, 18%
  • Financial Statements, 14%
  • Memory Care, 13%
  • Local Schools, 12%
  • Budget Targets, 11%

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