Recreation Therapist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 25-AFRH-12735871-P Department Armed Forces Retirement Home
Salary $77,001.00 to $100,097.00 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/14/2025 Close Date 5/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The position is located in the Resident Services Directorate, Recreation Services Division, Recreation Therapy Section. The primary purpose of this position is to provide therapeutic/clinical recreation services to the residents of the Home to enable them to have a satisfying, independent, leisure lifestyle through three domains of service: Rehabilitation/treatment, leisure education, and recreation.

Duties

As a Recreation Therapist, you will:

  • Develop, organize and administer recreation programs to provide therapeutic treatment to residents, with a variety of illnesses and disabilities to include but not limited to physical impairments, psychiatric, neurological and cognitive impairments. Areas of need include: Long Term Care (LTC), Memory Support (MS) and Assisted Living Plus (ALP).
  • Assemble pre-evaluation data, interpret medical record information, and conduct mental and physical evaluation of resident in order to develop and implement a treatment plan. Devise specific activities and routines to maintain or improve resident's general state of physical or mental health. Develop therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities, which include psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, neuro-muscular disorders, orthopedic conditions, amputation, paralysis, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, and residents with multiple diagnoses. Strive to minimize mental and physical deterioration, maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence within limitations of resident's disability.
  • Employ therapeutic objectives, which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities regularly encountered. The therapist treats residents who have multiple diagnoses and other severe medical complications, which may require unconventional approaches to treatments and resourcefulness in devising effective methods and procedures.
  • Schedule resident for treatment and integrates Recreation Therapy activities with other treatments in order to achieve the goals established for resident. Frequently interpret and report to physicians with resident's reactions to treatment which have medical significance and diagnostic value.
  • Administer therapeutic recreation activity that strengthens debilitated muscles resulting from advanced age, prolonged bed rest, amputation, stroke, fractures, wound care and joint replacement. Teach independent leisure and social interaction skills to those who are adjusting to change, experiencing psychiatric episodes, living with substance abuse, COPD, amputation, joint replacement, stroke, hearing loss, low vision, and severe Alzheimer's.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This opportunity is also open to Status Candidates under Announcement 25-AFRH-12735872. Please refer to that announcement for details on open period, eligibility, and how to apply.

The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.

The AFRH ethics program promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct for all employees. As a federal employee, you will be subject to the Standards of Ethical Conduct, and the U.S. criminal conflict of interest statutes. As an AFRH employee, you will also be subject to the AFRH Supplemental Ethics Regulations which restrict the extent to which a AFRH employee can engage in certain activities and hold certain investments. Depending on your position, you may also be required to file a public or confidential financial disclosure report which must be filed within 30 days of your appointment as an employee of AFRH. Upon your new appointment, you will receive guidance regarding your ethics obligations. You will also be required to attend a mandatory ethics training within 3 months of your appointment. Please contact the Agency Ethics Officer (Joseph Pollard) at (202) 541-7557, or joseph.pollard@afrh.gov if you should have any questions.

Key Requirements:
  1. Please refer to "Conditions of Employment."
  2. Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
  • Bachelors or graduate/higher level degree in therapeutic recreation, art therapy, drama therapy, dance therapy, or music therapy; OR
  • Bachelors or graduate/higher level degree in a related field involving therapeutic emphasis or concentration that included at least 36 semester hours in therapeutic courses as described below:
    • 18 semester hours of therapeutic recreation courses; and
    • 18 semester hours that include a combination of abnormal psychology, physiology, human anatomy and development, disabilities and general recreation.
AND

Specialized Experience for the GS-10: You must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the the GS-09 level in the federal service, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Specialized experience includes:
  • Experience in evaluating the history, interest, aptitude, and skills of patients, and using such findings to develop and implement therapy activities for individual patients; AND
  • Developing therapeutic recreation treatment plans for patients suffering from physical, emotional, and/or social dysfunctions relating to leisure; AND
  • Revising treatment plans based upon changes in the intervention, diagnosis, and patient responses; planning and conducting adaptive recreational activities.
OR you may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
  • 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree; or
  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR you may qualify by a combination of experience and education:
  • To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100% percent. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 36 semester hours (54 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education.

NOTE: Experience in activities or programs that did not require application of a knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of recreation therapy or one of the creative arts therapy specializations covered by this standard, and that did not involve the use of therapeutic approaches to maintain the physical and/or mental health or to achieve the physical and/or mental rehabilitation of persons, (e.g., Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Commercial Recreation Leader, Vocational Counselor, or other diversionary-type recreation specialist positions) is not qualifying for this series.

SPECIAL NOTE: Long-term care experience and/or interacting with geriatric patients is highly desired.


Education

Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:

  • Bachelors or graduate/higher level degree in therapeutic recreation, art therapy, drama therapy, dance therapy, or music therapy; OR
  • Bachelors or graduate/higher level degree in a related field involving therapeutic emphasis or concentration that included at least 36 semester hours in therapeutic courses as described below:
    • 18 semester hours of therapeutic recreation courses; and
    • 18 semester hours that include a combination of abnormal psychology, physiology, human anatomy and development, disabilities and general recreation.

The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

Additional information

  • We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
  • This is a bargaining unit position; LIUNA Laborer's International Union of North American FPS & PTE Local 572
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation.
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment.
  • Selectees will be subject to the AFRH Tuberculosis Surveillance Program.
  • Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position. This may include safety shoes, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, masks, etc.
  • Because the AFRH's mission requires uninterrupted, direct human support and medical care for its Residents, this position is considered essential for continuing AFRH operations. Therefore, the incumbent is expected to arrive for duty on time, as scheduled, and to complete the assigned tour during emergency situations such as hazardous weather.
Our comprehensive benefits are very generous. Our benefits package includes:
  • Challenging work, opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive awards.
  • Eleven paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13 to 26 days of vacation time each year.
  • Access to insurance programs that may be continued after you retire.
  • A wide choice of health insurance plans, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no waiting periods. We pay a substantial amount (up to 75%) of the health insurance premiums.
  • A retirement program which includes employer-matching contributions.

Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

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.

Your application includes your résumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your résumé may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Rating: You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Technical and Communication.

Category rating will be used to rank and select eligible candidates. If qualified, you will be assigned to one of three quality level categories: A (highest quality category), B (middle quality category), or C (minimally qualified category), depending on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, and training related to this position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application. Applicants that are in the top category will then be referred for an additional review by a Subject Matter Expert ("SME").

Veterans' preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Preference-eligibles will be listed at the top of their assigned category and considered before non-preference-eligibles in that category.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview.

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)) you must receive a score in the middle category or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.

Required Documents

A complete application includes 1. A résumé, 2. Vacancy question responses, and 3. Submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

Please ensure all required documents, including any required work samples, narratives, or other materials as stated in this announcement, are attached to your application package.

All applicants are required to submit a résumé either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing. (Cover letters are optional.) To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/date/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your résumé. We suggest that you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your résumé to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please view résumé tips.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans preference, please see applicant guide for required documentation. In order to be considered for veterans preference, you must submit all required documentation as outlined in the applicant guide.

CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (CTAP) OR INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP) DOCUMENTATION: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS: If you are a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or Board Certified Music Therapist, please submit a copy of your certification along with your application package.

How to Apply

AFRH has partnered with the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service to provide certain personnel services to its organization. Fiscal Service's responsibilities include advertising vacancies, accepting and handling applications, and extending job offers.

Please review the entire announcement before applying.

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon ET on the announcement's closing date.

The Bureau provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application:
  • Log into your USAJOBS account (USAJOBS Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen
  • Under "application status," click "Track this application" and you will be taken to the agency website where you can check your application status. For more information regarding the job and applicant status, please refer to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/
If you wish to make changes/updates to your application and the vacancy is still open, you can click on the job announcement and "Update Application" to be taken back to your application. No updates can be made once the announcement has closed.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

For additional information on how to apply, please visit the Partnership for Public Service's Go Government website.

To preview the assessment questionnaire:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12735871

Agency contact information

Applicant Call Center
Address
Resident Services - Washington
Administrative Resource Center
Parkersburg, WV 26101
US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will review your résumé and transcript(s) (if appropriate) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct any required suitability and/or security background investigation.


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


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