Summary
Located at Loma Linda Department of Veterans Affairs, serves as a Recreation Assistant working to implement the objectives of the Integrative Health Coordinating Center and the VHA Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation. The position is responsible for providing Tai Chi and/or Qigong instruction for the purpose of promoting, restoring, and preserving health and well-being of Veterans at the VA Medical Center, and supporting additional recreational activities.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to all U.S Citizens. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred in the following order:
1) Preference eligible Veterans;
2) All other qualified U.S. Citizens.
Duties
The position requires knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of therapeutic recreation. Demonstrates the ability to plan and implement recreational activities and outings. Requires familiarity with the physical and mental capabilities, emotional and psychological considerations, and interests of individuals for whom recreational activities are planned. Demonstrates knowledge of general exercise programs and exercise equipment and safety factors in demonstrating and observing use of exercise equipment. When working one-on-one with Veterans, the Tai Chi and/or Qigong instructor determines their degree of interaction with activities what action may be needed to enhance their participation. Guides do not specifically cover all aspects of the assignments. Identifies difficult recreational assistance problems where conditions must be identified and addressed (such as ability for each Veteran to participate safely in planned events and programs and the physical transportation concerns of the veteran to an event). The work involves performing various duties with different and unrelated processes
and methods.
- Refers patients appropriately when mental or physical issues are out of the 'scope of practice' of the Tai Chi and/or Qigong instructor
- Combines breathing techniques, posture, and movement instruction appropriate for the level of the class. Provides simple accurate instruction in the areas of Tai Chi and/or Qigong such as verbal, kinesthetic or visual cues to correct body alignment during various movements.
- Prepares class format and content appropriate for the type of class and level of participants. Independently monitors class participants to ensure proper postural alignment and use of any equipment.
- Adapts Tai Chi and/or Qigong protocols to match patient ability, physical and mental limitations.
- Records attendance at classes in medical records, noting any precautions or clinically relevant outcomes.
- Serves as a consultant to leadership on issues surrounding Tai Chi and/or Qigong.
- Leads Tai Chi and/or Qigong classes for well-being and maintenance of health.
- Participates in meetings as necessary to report on progress and receive feedback on patients, programs and interventions.
- Conducts sessions to inform healthcare providers and patient groups about the benefits of Tai Chi and/or Qigong when appropriate.
- Participates in creating standards and protocols for Tai Chi and/or Qigong teachers at VAMC.
- Participates in creating new Tai Chi and/or Qigong classes and clinics in VAMC when requested.
- Identifies Tai Chi and/or Qigong resources in local communities.
- Maintains privacy of patients
- Provides written instruction for 'at home' and 'self care' practices suggested in class.
- Discusses with class participants any limitations in the patient's ability to practice Tai Chi and/or
Qigong. In some cases, this may require medical clearance by a healthcare provider.
- Communicates potential contraindications for every pose and practice.
- Asks permission every time to touch/ adjust someone during a class
- Conducts Tai Chi and Qigong well-being classes, either group or individual, for the purpose of promoting, preserving, or restoring health and well-being.
- Provides informal input to the supervisor concerning pertinent topics to meet facility or patient needs.
- Coordinates with other staff members concerning the use of the Tai Chi and/or Qigong facilities for activities and develops and maintains a calendar of programs and activities.
Acts as mentor to Tai Chi and/or Qigong teacher trainees as needed.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- 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.
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:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Certification:
- Required Certification - Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
- 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, which may also result in termination of employment.
- 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).
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.
Additional information
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.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Certification for CTRS by NCTRC
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/13/2027 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12988552.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.