Recreation Therapist Job in Aurora, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12589189-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $54,505.00 to $104,861.00 Grade 7 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/25/2024 Close Date 11/1/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Aurora, CO


Summary

The Eastern Colorado Health Care System VA Hospital is currently recruiting for one GS 7 target 11 Recreation Therapist.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an EXTERNAL job announcement open to OTHER federal employees, Veterans & the public. Current, permanent Department of VA employees MUST apply to INTERNAL job announcement numberCBSU-12589188-25-JMW.

Duties

The full performance level of the Recreation Therapist duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

Conducts, analyzes, interprets & reports assessment data based upon functional domains: cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical & leisure Incorporates four-step assessment process: planning, implementation & evaluating delivered services
Constructs evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients w/ complex medical/mental health issues: spinal cord injury, SCI, Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, polytrauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Substance Use Disorder/addictions, Serious Mental Illness, SMI & hospice/palliative care requirements
Conducts patient care individually, in group settings & works w/ community partners
Provides patient care throughout the ECHCS catchment area during various times, receives general supervision & guidance for only most complex patients
Strives to delay mental & physical deterioration, restore functional skills & abilities using adaptive rehabilitation techniques/technology, maintaining highest degree of self-help & independence w/in Veteran's disability limitations & is respectful of individual rights & preferences
Evaluates/establishes goals based on evaluation findings
Develops best practice & evidence-based treatment interventions across multiple areas of practice
implements/modifies treatment plans/goals to ensure optimal outcomes
Documents patient care, including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations & care plans
Manages consults in a timely manner & ensures appropriate note & report completion
Interprets provider referrals & consults, receives consults, provides scheduling guidance for Health Administration Service, Medical Support Administrators & applies all health & safety regulations to minimize/mitigate risks for providing patient care
Serves as Subject Matter Expert for staff, students & other healthcare professionals
Serves as SCI/D Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams & as SCI/D Spoke at site locations through RMR SCI/D Center
Consults w/ patients, families/caregivers & other SCI/D staff & educates them on treatment interventions/goals/adaptations to ensure optimal treatment outcomes
Creates specific leisure/recreation orders using appropriate resources for accomplishing agreed upon patient treatment goals to include: Rehabilitation Sports Equipment which includes an interdisciplinary team of SCI/D &/or Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service staff to review order for medical appropriateness
Recommends adaptation, modification &/or assistive technology to meet patient's assessed needs & preferences in recreation therapy
Implements therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to: assistive technology, cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy, fitness & wellness, community accessibility/reintegration/transition; & adapted sports & leisure development
Participates in co treatment opportunities, including but not limited to: neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs & palliative care related to terminal illness symptoms
Performs discharge analysis & planning for community needs
Maintains appropriate professional boundaries
Participates in National Recreation Therapy events, such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Summer Sports Clinic, Winter Sports Clinic & National Creative Arts Festival
Adheres w/ Medical Center policies
Uses Automated Data Processing system according to established procedures
Evaluates equipment & supplies, which affects their service delivery
Effectively instructs patients & family members how to use medical devices correctly
Adjusts communication & tracking methods based on age & developmental considerations
Accurately assesses & documents patient comprehension
Participates educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer customer service and demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Identifies problem areas by practicing evidence-based practices on unit
Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday-8:00am-4:30pm Note: Some treatment interventions do not conform to traditional work time & workspace locations Therefore, incumbent may be required to provide treatment during evenings & weekends, both at established VA clinics (inpatient & outpatient) & w/in the community based on business needs
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD60178-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.

Qualifications

Applicants pending educational or certification/licensure requirements completion may be referred & tentatively selected but can't be hired until all requirements are met

Basic Requirements:
  • US Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when you can't recruit qualified citizens
  • English Language Proficiency. Must be able to speak & write English
  • Education. Following education requirements apply to recreation therapist, creative arts therapist, art, creative arts therapist, dance/movement, creative arts therapist, drama & creative arts/music therapist:
    • a) Bachelor's degree or higher from accredited college or university w/ a major in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure w/ an option &/or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. Degree must be approved by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
    • OR
    • b) Bachelor's degree or higher in any field from accredited college or university & must be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, CTRS. Degree must be approved by NCTRC. If hired under this education, certification cannot be waived
Required Certification. Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by NCTRC. If hired under paragraph b, certification cannot be waived

Exception. Non-registered &/or non-certified applicants who otherwise meet eligibility requirements for registration &/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as graduate recreation or creative arts therapists, under authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed 2 years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration &/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. Exception only applies to positions at GS-7 & GS-9 level. Grade levels at or above full performance levels, candidates must be registered &/or certified

Failure to Obtain Registration/Certification. In all cases, recreation & creative arts therapists must actively pursue meeting registration &/or certification requirements, starting from appointment date. At time of appointment, Supervisors will provide unregistered &/or uncertified recreation or creative arts therapist w/ written requirements to obtain registration/certification, date which registration &/or certification must be acquired & consequences for not becoming registered &/or certified by deadline. Failure to become registered &/or certified w/in 2 years from appointment date will result in removal from GS-0638 recreation & creative arts therapist occupation & may result in employment termination

Loss of Credential. Recreation or creative arts therapists who fail to maintain required registration &/or certification must be removed from occupation, which may also result in employment termination

Grade Determinations: Following criteria must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements for employment

GS-7

Experience/Education. None beyond basic requirements

GS-9

Experience/Education. At least 1 year of creditable experience at next lower grade level, or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for required 1 year of professional recreation therapist experience

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, KSAs. Candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience

1) Knowledge of assessment tools & treatment for patient diagnosis or disability
2) Knowledge to interpret & apply all health & safety regulations, to minimize/mitigate risks in patient care provisions & environmental maintenance
3) Ability to effectively communicate & educate patients, families, caregivers & other health care staff to facilitate treatment process
4) Knowledge to apply evidence-based & best practice therapeutic techniques & interventions

GS-11

Experience. At least 1 year of creditable experience at next lower grade level

Demonstrated KSAs. Candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience

1) Ability to adapt assessment tools & treatment interventions to address diagnosis or disability complexity & demonstrate clinical reasoning necessary to identify need for more in-depth specific function assessment & unconventional method & technique utilization
2) Knowledge to independently interpret provider referrals & consults & apply all health & safety regulations to minimize/mitigate patient care risks in care environment
3) Skill in effectively & concisely communicating & educating patients, families, caregivers & other health care staff to facilitate interdisciplinary treatment process
4) Skill in independently using appropriate screening & 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 & function
5) Skill in independently applying evidence-based & best practice therapeutic techniques & interventions
6) Knowledge of principles & techniques in recreation therapy assessment & treatment of recreation, leisure & biopsychosocial functional deficits

Preferred Experience: 3 or more years experience working w/ SCI or MS patients. Experience working w/ patients in Inpatient & Outpatient settings. Experience w/ Adaptive Sports equipment. CDL driver's license preferred

Reference: Please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for more information on this qualification standard

Vacancy full performance level is a GS-11. Applicants may be selected for a GS-7 to a GS-11 grade for this vacancy

Physical Requirements:

Regular & recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, twisting & moderately heavy lifting or moving of equipment, positioning severely disabled patients & assisting patients in ambulation & w/ wheelchair mobility
Requires specific, common physical characteristics & abilities, such as above average agility & dexterity & skill & ability in recreation & leisure activities, maneuvering wheelchairs & driving wheelchair accessible vehicles
Work is primarily very active in nature w/ some sedentary work involved when performing administrative tasks using computer, mouse & keyboard
May be exposed to infectious diseases & be required to respond to medical emergencies
Must possess & maintain state vehicle driver's license
Must be able to pass & maintain Basic Life Support certification

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, name of degree received.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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.

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.

Review our 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.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, résumé, 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:

  • Copy or screenshot (to include identification information) of current & all past certifications in recreation therapy as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, NCTRC to determine eligibility
  • Resume
  • Transcript


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 (VA)
  • Copy or screenshot (to include identification information) of current & all past certifications in recreation therapy as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, NCTRC to determine eligibility
  • 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.

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 Eastern Standard Time on 11/01/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12589189.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
US
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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