Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

• The incumbent performs specialized treatment of complex physical or mental illness. Incumbent incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric observations within approved clinical privileges or scope of practice.
• The incumbent conducts, analyzes, interprets, and reports assessment data upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and participatory). Incorporating the four-step process of; assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered, the Art Therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based Art Therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Polytrauma (TBI), Substance Use Disorder/Addictions, Serious Mental Illness, Hospice/Palliative Care.
• The incumbent is able to provide individual, group, and family treatment, which may be done through a clinic classroom, or on the unit setting to treat stress/anxiety and maladaptive behaviors, recover basic motor functioning, reasoning abilities, and build confidence. Sophisticated techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include but are not limited to developing positive patterns of behavior; teaching relaxation and stress reduction techniques; improving lifestyle alteration; teaching social skills training; developing self-esteem; reinforcing positive relationships; fostering motor learning and training strategies; developing anger and pain management skills; identifying personal risks, recovery support, lifestyle adjustment, and conflict/problem resolution; improving adjustment to disability, including coping with grief and loss.
• Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized, unique effective methods and procedures when implementing Art Therapy interventions including but not limited to; assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; health promotion and wellness.
• Develops and implements methods for measuring effectiveness of Art Therapy practice and services in specialty areas, utilizing outcome evaluations to improve treatment services. Incumbent is able to demonstrate the ability to design changes based on empirical findings.
• Offers consultation to colleagues and students on the Art Therapy treatment of patients rendering professional opinions based on experience and expertise. Fosters effective Art Therapy practice skills.
• The incumbent must possess the ability to organize work, set priorities, meet multiple deadlines and evaluate assigned program area(s). The incumbent carries full responsibility for cases, presenting a wide range of social, emotional and environmental problems and will provide services according to the assessment of the veteran's needs, encompassing even the most difficult cases. The incumbent provides case-appropriate professional Art Therapy services for veterans and families/significant others in compliance with VA, VISN, station, and Creative Arts and Recreation Therapy/PMRS Service policies and memorandums.
• Regularly attends continuing education programs on issues pertaining to Art Therapy.
• Participates in multidisciplinary ward/clinic rounds, as needed, which includes providing information on patient assessment and progress, and information regarding Art Therapy management of patients.
• Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of patient functional levels and provides progressive treatment.
• Develops and implements a Art Therapy treatment program using judgment to modify treatment for changing medical conditions or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities.
• Effectively communicates both orally and in writing. Documents assessments, goals, patient/family education, progress, and change in treatment or patient condition in medical records accurately. Compiles daily, weekly, or monthly statistics for ongoing reporting.
• Works effectively with treatment team members and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Prepares in-services to educate pertinent staff and providers on creative arts therapy services.

Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 8:00am-4:30 pm. Some weekends and holidays will be expected for special progress and coverage as necessary.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 4155F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification 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

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:

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a))
Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art)(a) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major in art therapy approved by the American Art Therapy Association on or before 2 June 30, 2016. If the degree is received after June 30, 2016, a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a major in art therapy, must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Art Therapy Education: a committee of the Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Program. OR,
(b) A master's degree in a related field, plus graduate coursework and supervised field experience in art therapy. Acceptable related fields include: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Addictions Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, and Psychiatry, AND must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) approved by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. If hired under this education, the registration cannot be waived.
Registration .Creative Arts Therapy (Art). Must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration with the ATR. If hired under paragraph 4b(2)(b), registration cannot be waived.
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.
English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Recreation Therapist, GS-9: 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:

i. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
ii. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.
iii. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
iv. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.

Recreation Therapist, GS-11 : Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

i. 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 of unconventional methods and techniques.
ii. 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 and the environment of care.
iii. Skill in effectively communicating and educating, in a clear and concise manner, with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process.
iv. 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. v. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
vi. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 9 to 11.

Physical Requirements:

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• To be eligible for appointment in VHA, an applicant must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration with the ATR. Registered Art Therapist
• Resume
• Transcript

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• To be eligible for appointment in VHA, an applicant must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration with the ATR. Registered Art Therapist
• Resume
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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