Recreation Therapist

Summary The Recreation Therapist is assigned to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service at the VA Northern California Health Care System. The incumbent has skills in program development and administrative aspects of patient treatment and has knowledge and ability in diversified recreation therapy treatment services including however not limited to community living centers, post deployment assessment and treatment, and comprehensive integrated inpatient rehabilitation program. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Individuals must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education: 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). Alternative Education: 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 and the certification cannot be waived if hired under this education. Certification: Recreation Therapists must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. Grandfathering Provision: 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). All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts therapist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held. Employee Provisions: Employees who do not meet all basic requirements may be reassigned, promoted up to the full performance (journeyman) level, or placed in supervisory or managerial positions but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/registration/certification that meet all basic requirements must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment. Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist - GS-11 Experience requires at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities include adaptation of assessment tools, independent interpretation of provider referrals, application of health and safety regulations, effective communication, utilization of screening and evaluation techniques, evidence‑based therapeutic interventions, and knowledge of recreation therapy principles. Physical Requirements: Regular physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods, frequent bending, reaching, stooping, lifting up to 40 pounds, and moving patients and equipment. This may require above‑average agility and dexterity and the ability to perform intricate therapy procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit Duties Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Apply the four‑step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to construct evidence based recreation therapy interventions for patients with complex medical or mental health issues. Provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher‑level or supervisory staff for only the most complex patients, requiring only general supervision. Review recreation therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations. Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives, including scope, duration, and treatment, based upon assessment data and collaboration with stakeholders. Recommend adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet the assessed needs and preferences. Design individualized treatment interventions using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures to reduce stress, anxiety, maladaptive behaviors, and to recover motor functioning, reasoning abilities, confidence, and life‑skills. Utilize sophisticated techniques such as positive behavior patterns, relaxation, stress reduction, lifestyle alteration, social skills training, self‑esteem building, relationship reinforcement, motor learning strategies, anger and pain management, risk identification, recovery support, lifestyle adjustment, conflict/problem resolution, and disability adjustment. Provide interventions in or around assigned location, including community integration efforts off‑station. Work Schedule: Full‑time, Sunday to Thursday 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00127‑F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr