Recreation Therapist

Summary Recreation Therapists provide treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment - planning - implementation - and evaluation of patient treatment services. Qualifications To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English - as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education (transcripts with confer date required with application package): The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist: Recreation Therapist: (a) 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). (b) 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 (Proof of certification required with application package): Recreation Therapist – Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 4b(1)(b) certification cannot be waived. Exception: Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements 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/certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception applies only 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. All recreation and creative arts therapists must actively pursue meeting registration and/or certification requirements starting from the date of appointment. The supervisor will provide written requirements and deadlines. Failure to become registered and/or certified within two years will result in removal from the occupation and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credential: A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation and may be terminated. 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). Grade Determinations: GS‑7 Recreation Therapist (Entry Level) Experience/Education – None beyond the basic requirements. GS‑9 Recreation Therapist (Developmental Level) Experience/Education – At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master’s degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience. Demonstrated Knowledge‑Skills‑and‑Abilities – In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs regarding assessment tools, health and safety regulations, communication, evidence-based techniques, and therapeutic reasoning. GS‑11 Recreation Therapist (Full Performance Level) Experience – At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level and must be certified at this level. Preferred Experience: Demonstrated experience delivering evidence‑based therapeutic recreation services to older adults; clinical experience with patients having neurological and physical conditions such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, stroke, MS, and amputations; background in inpatient hospitals, long‑term care, transitional care, or hospice; proven ability to plan and facilitate both group and individual therapeutic recreation programs for inpatient populations; skilled in conducting assessments and developing individualized treatment plans; valid driver’s license; knowledge of age‑appropriate therapeutic techniques and application. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15‑44 lbs); pushing (2 hrs); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking and standing (2 hrs); crawling and kneeling (1 hr); repeated bending (1 hr); operation of a motor vehicle; near and far vision correctable; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; mental and emotional stability; exposure to outside and inside environments; working closely with others; working alone. Duties Duties will vary by grade. At the GS‑11 full performance level, the incumbent serves as a member of a multi‑disciplinary treatment team recommending treatment objectives and goals. Responsible for providing assessment and treatment interventions. Employs therapeutic objectives which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities regularly encountered. Interprets and administers physicians' recreation therapy consults/orders; schedules patient for treatment and integrates recreation/creative arts interventions with other treatments to achieve the goals established for the patient. Develops treatment plans and administers therapeutic recreation interventions directed to goals such as sensory integration, ambulation, diminishing emotional stress, community re‑entry, reality orientation, muscular dysfunction and reorientation, treatment of psychosocial dysfunction, providing a sense of achievement, and channeling energies into acceptable forms of behavior. Teaches independent living skills, social interaction skills, adjustment and coping skills, pre‑vocational or work adjustment skills, power wheelchair, manual wheelchair and other mobility device community training, aquatic therapy techniques, adaptive sports and community transportation planning and safety. Interviews Veterans with severe and/or multiple diagnoses and devises effective methods and procedures. Assesses the need for and the patient's ability to use adaptive equipment including ADL aides, power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, assistive technology, etc., in the community setting. Administers, scores or interprets a variety of creative‑leisure and motor skills assessments. Evaluates the assigned patient's mental, emotional, social and physical capabilities to determine needs in recreation therapy. Develops therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities including psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic conditions, amputation, paralysis, spinal cord injury, head injury, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, visual impairment and patients with multiple diagnoses. Administers mental and physical assessments for patients with severe and/or multiple diagnoses. As an expert in recreation therapy, oversees the administration and interpretation of assessments. Guides recreation therapy assistants in proper methods of administering and interpreting assessment results. Functions as a core team member of a clinical multi‑disciplinary team for fully integrated healthcare delivery and continuity of care. Coordinates a wide range of interventions with other services to develop appropriate patient treatment programs. Documents patient care using the electronic medical record and updates per medical documentation policy. Prepares and submits initial, progress and discharge notes in accordance with service policy. Performs regular assessments and leisure diagnostic evaluations in conjunction with the interdisciplinary treatment team/physician. Discusses progress with treatment team and suggests adjustments to interventions based on sound professional arguments. Frequently selects, adapts, and/or adjusts recreation modalities in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Independently modifies techniques and develops new approaches as necessary to ensure realization of patient treatment goals. Responsible for one or more programs such as Physical Fitness Reactivation, Community Reintegration, Leisure Education and Skill Development, Student Education Programs, Sports Athletic Program, Whole Health/Wellness, and Quality Management. Participates in ward rounds with ward physicians and other members of the treatment team. Explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of recreation therapy treatment and/or therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center. Work Schedule: Tuesday‑Friday 7:30 am–5:00 pm; every other Saturday (Wk 1 of PP) 8 am–4:30 pm. Compressed/Flexible: see above. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs