Recreation Therapist Job

Vacancy No. CBTC-12806332-26-MAC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $49,960.00 to $96,116.00 Grade 7 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/7/2025 Close Date 12/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Orlando, FLWinter Park, FL


Summary

The Staff Recreational Therapist may have knowledge in one to several areas of Recreational Therapy including: Whole Health, Inpatient Mental Health, CLC, HBPC, PRRC, MFH, Adaptive Sports, Creative Arts, HUD-VASH, Inpatient Mental Health, Outpatient, and DOM care.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to All U.S. Citizens - First Consideration will be given to Current Permanent Employees of the Orlando VA Healthcare System (Orlando, FL), followed by Veterans Health Administration Employees, current/past/upcoming VHA Health Professions Trainee (HPT) Graduates, Federal Employees, Veterans and all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Duties

The incumbent's time is spent in clinical duties/direct patient care evaluating/treating Veterans as well as indirect patient care (Triaging Recreation Therapy consults, answering patient emails, coordinating with physicians regarding clinical services and handling patient care issues.) They may be authorized for ad-hoc telework depending on guidance from the Supervisor for Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy Section.

The duties of the Recreation Therapist include, but are not limited to the following:

  • The Recreation Therapist plans, develops, and implements comprehensive, routine treatment programs for individual and groups of patients to rehabilitate and remediate the effects of disease, disability, or illness and to help restore functioning at the highest level.
  • Performs appropriate assessments, evaluations, and treatments to help prevent physical disability; promote physical, mental, and psycho-social health and well-being following the onset of an injury, illness, or disabling condition.
  • Devises specific activities and routines to maintain or improve patient's general state of physical or mental health.
  • Develops therapeutic programs for various type of disabilities which include psychiatric diagnoses, substance abuse disorders, PTSD, dementia, neuro-muscular disorders, orthopedic conditions, AIDS, amputation, paralysis, spinal cord injury, head injury respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, and patients with multiple diagnoses.
  • Aids in the treatment of chronic pain resulting from acute or chronic medical conditions; and foster community leisure participation at the highest functional level.
  • Strives to prevent mental and physical deterioration and/or decline, maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence within limitations of a patient's disability.
  • Interprets tests and measurements to assess normal parameters of physiological, psycho-social, and cognitive function, leisure function, and leisure-ability as well as to ascertain human systems deficits to determine the diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures necessary as they pertain to helping veterans attain optimal health, well-being, and functional independence.
  • Works closely with an interdisciplinary team in the planning and implementation of the patient's treatment program. Coordinates this plan with the treatment team and patient's family/caregiver to provide a program which focuses on treatment goals.
  • Promotes innovative therapeutic approaches, modalities, and partnerships for more effective and comprehensive treatment approaches.
  • Work with patients to identify any of a variety of possible impediments to functioning at the highest leisure level to include addressing both inter and intra leisure barriers, community access problems, and physical and psycho-social barriers to attaining healthy and active leisure lifestyle.
  • Teaches independent living skills, community re-integration skills, social interaction skills, and adjustment to change, coping skills, pre-vocational or work adjustment skills, mobility exercises, cognitive retraining, and training to patients following psychiatric episodes, substance abuse detoxification, head injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, joint replacement, and stroke.
  • Will suggest adaptive leisure/fitness needs that relate to health, well-being, and adaptive sports needs that will allow the veteran to improve functioning in the home or in the community.
  • Facilitates participation in VA National Events such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Golden Age Games.
  • Facilitates Whole-Health modalities both in live classes and in Telehealth.
  • Utilizes video conferencing technologies when needed to enhance communication between the therapist/patient and patient/family.
  • Develops psycho-social activities for coping with frustration, stress, anger, and hostility; the appropriate use of leisure time; and improving social interaction skills.
  • Uses tact, skill, and knowledge of psychiatric and/or post-traumatic stress disorders for success in mental health rehabilitation programs.
  • Delegates to and provides clinical supervision for the recreational therapy assistant (if applicable) and routinely modifies the caseload and treatment plan.
  • Develops and coordinates educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment.
Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, or Tuesday - Saturday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM or 8 AM to 4:30 PM depending on the needs of the section. Work rotation may include evenings and weekends.
Telework: Available - as determined by the agency policy.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 82352F, 82353F, 82204F
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.
  • 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.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain active until December 30, 2025. The initial eligibility review cutoff date is October 21, 2025, with subsequent review dates occurring every 15 days thereafter until all positions are filled.

Qualifications

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.

Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English and Spanish to be appointed.

Education. Recreation Therapist-Transcripts Submitted:

(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.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. The private organization must deem such education at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.

Certification Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under Education Requiremen (b), certification cannot be waived.

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

Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

GS-7 Recreation Therapist
  • Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-9 Recreation Therapist candidates must meet above requirement as well have the following:
  • Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7), or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience.
While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, and Abilities, (KSAs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position.
  • Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
  • Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
  • Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
GS-11 Recreation Therapist candidates must meet the above requirement as well have the following:
  • Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9).
While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, and Abilities, (KSAs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position.
  • Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
  • 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.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grades at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7, GS-9 and GS-11.

Preferred: Preferred experience in therapeutic recreation in clinical settings. CTRS is required or must be eligible for CTRS examination.

References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G60, Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements: Recreation Therapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" work. Medium Work entails: exerting 20 - 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. (i.e.: more than exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.)

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

  1. Current permanent VA employees of the Facility.
  2. All other VA employees.
  3. HPTs
  4. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
  5. Veterans Preference Applicants
  6. All other applicants.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume


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 (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Certification - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential awarded by NCTRC
  • Other (2)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • 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.

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 12/30/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12806332.

  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.

Agency contact information

Manuel Colon
Address
Orlando VA Medical Center
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
US

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.