Summary
The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI, a Level 1b medical complexity facility. The primary function of the Recreation Therapist in this position is direct patient care to a medically complex and diverse population in the outpatient, inpatient, and CLC settings, based on staffing assignment and workload demand.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to all current United States Citizens.
Duties
Scope of Assignment:
- Recreation Therapists at the GS-11 level function at the full performance level with independence in the provision of direct patient care requiring minimal guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members for only the most complex cases. Recreation Therapists incorporate the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered and construct evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issue and hospice/palliative care requirements.
- Incumbents to this position conduct comprehensive evaluations, and in collaboration with other stakeholders, develop individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration, and treatment.
- They recommend adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy.
- Using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, the therapist designs individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner.
- Sophisticated techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include, but are not limited to: developing positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; developing or improving (enhancing) self-esteem; developing and maintaining positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management;
- identifying risks; recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability; and coping with grief and loss. Resourcefulness is exercised in providing individualized, unique, effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to, assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy; fitness and wellness; community accessibility/reintegration/transition; and adapted sports and leisure making modifications, as needed.
- Recreation therapists determine the effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identify potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved biopsychosocial well-being. They participate in co-treatment opportunities including neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs, and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness. Discharge analysis and planning is conducted for community needs.
- The incumbent coaches Veterans interested in National VA Adaptive Sports and Arts event participation which includes assisting Veterans throughout the application, training, and participation in the event.
- This may require interview, assessment, planning, and implementation of a goal-directed plan of care.
- The incumbent is expected to utilize a variety of media (face to face coaching and interventions, virtual care, and telephone care) to guide the Veteran throughout their national event journey and participation.
Clinical Functions:
CONDUCTS VETERAN INTERVIEWS/ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION:
a. The incumbent compiles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, conducts psycho-social and physical assessments of Veterans through direct observation, MDS review, contacting Veteran's family members or representatives, and individual Recreation Therapy interviews. The incumbent collects a systematic, comprehensive, and accurate baseline data on cognitive, leisure, physical, emotional, psychological behavior, and spiritual functioning. This data is used to ascertain functional abilities to assist in development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.
b. The incumbent is proficient at conducting interviews with Veterans who may have multiple or severe conditions that may require unconventional interview approaches and adaptations to devise effective treatment interventions. The incumbent interviews Veterans by exhibiting sensitivity to needs, demonstrating tolerance, alleviating fears, and anxieties.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
c. The incumbent establishes rapport and good transference relationships, thus guiding the Veteran to utilize recreation interventions appropriate to his/her ability and preference.
d. The incumbent documents assessments and progress in the electronic medical record and MDS following PM&R policy. The incumbent also responds in a timely and appropriate manner to received Recreation Therapy consults and assesses, creates, and implements therapeutic interventions.
e. The incumbent will adhere to the professional code of ethics, standards of practice and facilitate interventions pertaining to current Recreation Therapy trends and issues.
DEVELOPS TREATMENT PLANS / IMPLEMENTS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT
a. The incumbent develops specific therapeutic interventions and routines for several types of ability levels and skills based upon assessments and provider recommendations to maintain or improve Veteran's general state of physical and/or psycho-social health and overall well-being. The incumbent coordinates the overall treatment plan with the interdisciplinary treatment team, Veteran, and Veteran's family/caregiver to provide a plan that focuses on treatment goals and objectives.
b. The incumbent functions as a core member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and works closely with other team members to develop overall treatment plans to maximize independent functioning and meet the overall health and wellbeing needs of the Veteran. The incumbent frequently collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team members if the Veteran's health condition changes, which may affect the treatment plan goals and objectives.
c. The incumbent plans and develops an individualized treatment plan that identifies specific, measurable, action-orientated, realistic, goals and a time frame to achieve agreed upon intermediate, long-term, and/or discharge goals while demonstrating knowledge to apply evidence-based treatment intervention and best practice therapeutic techniques.
d. The incumbent develops discharge plans in collaboration with the Veteran, family, significant others, and interdisciplinary team members.
e. The incumbent provides direct patient care, maintaining clinical competency, productivity, and ensuring adequate patient coverage.
Qualifications
f. The incumbent leads activities and engages Veterans individually and/or in groups to achieve treatment goals and objectives. The incumbent conducts treatment sessions based on the patient's age, identified deficits, and stated goals. Periodic modifications to the plan of care are implemented based on the patient response to treatment and changes in medical status. The incumbent may delegate unskilled leisure activities to volunteers/recreation aides.
g. The incumbent enters workload data in a timely manner according to national directives, local medical center policies for all Recreation Therapy and related services provided to Veterans. Encounter documentation is captured in a standardized manner for Recreation Therapy interventions. Encounter information includes, but is not limited to target diagnosis, length of time, treatment modality, Veteran response to treatment, action plan/follow up, type of intervention (utilization of accurate Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code).
h. The incumbent maintains strict confidentiality of patient information.
- Work Schedule: Mon, Wed & Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm, Tour days flexible
Telework: Not eligible for Telework
Qualifications
- 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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
- Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.).
- EDUCATION: (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); OR, (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.
- LICENSURE: 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.
- PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The position requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time, frequent bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus, lifting and repositioning Veterans, pushing, and pulling heavy objects. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities to be applied to repetitive lifting, carrying and manipulating various adaptive equipment needed for treatment. Items may exceed 50 pounds.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the education requirements above, you must have at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, GS-09, and must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Benefits
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.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this
checklist to 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)
- License
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- 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.
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 11/05/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12570525.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account,
https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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.