Recreation Therapist

The Recreation Therapist (RT) is assigned to Geriatrics and Extended Care under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service to provide recreation therapy for residents in High Intensity Psychiatric Unit Mental Health for CAHVCS, Tuskegee, Alabama. 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:Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music): Recreation Therapist - 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. Required Certification Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full‑time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Recreation Therapist, GS‑7 (a) Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as a recreation therapist. They work under the direct supervision of a recreation or creative arts therapist, at or above the full‑performance level, or a designated supervisor in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline, and work with guidance from higher‑level or supervisory staff. Established treatment procedures are substantially adapted and applied for acutely ill patients. Employees at this level would not be assigned work at a community‑based outpatient clinic (CBOC), unless supervision is on site. GS9 Recreation Therapist Assigned Duties - Employees at this level serve in a developmental position as a recreation therapist. They work under general supervision to perform work in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline and work with guidance from higher level or supervisory staff to establish treatment procedures that are substantially adapted and applied for patients who are acutely ill. The recreation therapist may: conduct patient evaluations; analyze and interpret leisure, cognitive, and motor skill assessment data to develop individualized goals, objectives, and treatment plan of care; develop and select interventions to achieve patient goals; review patient progress; adapt or adjust the treatment plan and intervention strategies; implement therapeutic interventions that support measurable functional outcomes (interventions include, but are not limited to leisure education, reality orientation, memory, and gross motor activities); evaluate patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services; document patient's behavioral observations, progress, functioning, and intervention outcomes; and develop and provide collaborative services with other team members. Therapists at this level may be given general assignments in a program area. GS11 Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Recreation … i. Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment intervent #J-18808-Ljbffr Veterans Health Administration