Recreation Therapist

Summary

The purpose of this position is to provide rehabilitation and care to inpatient and outpatient Veterans and Active Duty Service Members with SCI/D who may also present with multiple diagnoses, including traumatic brain injury, amputation, respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, and chronic cardiovascular diseases.

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Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to:

• The SCI/D RT conducts, analyzes, interprets, and reports assessment data across functional domains, including cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure.
• Comprehensive assessments are conducted using the standard four-step RT process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Based upon assessment data and in collaboration with interdisciplinary stakeholders, the therapist develops individualized, evidence-based treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives, including defined scope, duration, and treatment approaches for patients with complex conditions such as spinal cord injury and disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), polytrauma, amputation, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Through activity and task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, the RT designs individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behavior; support recovery of motor function and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies to facilitate community reintegration.
• Techniques and strategies may include, but are not limited to: development of positive behavioral patterns; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; self-esteem development; positive relationship building; motor learning and training; anger and pain management; risk identification; recovery support; adjustment to disability; and coping with grief and loss.
• Resourcefulness is exercised in implementing individualized, effective therapeutic methods including, but not limited to: assistive and adaptive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy; fitness and wellness programming; community accessibility, reintegration, and transition planning; and adapted sports and leisure development.
• The RT reviews recreation therapy consults and conducts comprehensive evaluations. Patient needs are evaluated for additional, alternative, or termination of services, and intervention plans are monitored for effectiveness with modifications made as needed.
• The SCI/D RT is a designated purchase cardholder and complies with Federal and VA Acquisition Regulations, policies, and local procedures.
• Responsibilities include reconciling purchase card charges within established time limits, checking the Excluded Parties Listing System prior to making awards, inputting IFCAP orders within one workday of purchase using the detailed order option, and maintaining procurement and voucher documentation for six years and three months.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (Subject to change based upon the needs of the agency.)

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Resume Requirement : Your resume must be detailed include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week.

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 :

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: possessing a degree in an approved degree program by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC):
  • 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.
  • Applicants must be certified in Recreation Therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
  • OR
  • Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the 5 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)

Grandfathering Provision. 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, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

Grade Determinations : GS-11 E xperience:

At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. The incumbent functions at full performance level, exercising independent judgment to administer and interpret recreation therapy assessments, and utilizes clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessment and interview approaches to effectively elicit functional information from complex patient populations.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions to address the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization or unconventional methods and techniques.

2. Knowledge to independently interpret provider referrals and consults; and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks in the provision of patient care ad the environment of care.

3. Skill in effectively communication and education, in a clear and concise manner, with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process.

4. Skill in independently utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques required to appropriately provide direct patient care in areas such as, but not limited to recommendations for recreation therapy assistive devices, including fit and function.

5. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.

6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits

Preferred Experience: Experience working with people with SCI/D or severe disability

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

Physical Requirements: This works involves standing and walking for about 70-80% of a normal work day. In addition, the recreation therapist must be able to squat, kneel, push and pull, and lift loads from the ground and from above shoulder height. The physical demand level as defined by the Department of Labor is 'Medium' requiring the occasional lifting of 20-50 lbs., the frequent lifting of 10-25 lbs. and the constant lifting of 10 lbs. during the normal workday. Recreation Therapy in this setting requires manual dexterity and coordination to use adaptive recreation therapy equipment (i.e.,. handcycles, mono-ski's, etc.). In addition, recreation therapist must be able to modify such adaptive recreation equipment using tools including screwdrivers and wrenches

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.