Duties
- Independently completes complex evaluations and interprets a wide variety of patients' physical and psychosocial level, provides, and progresses Whole health interventions/recreational therapy treatments as appropriate.
- Treats patients that range in age from young adult to geriatric who may experience complex medical or mental health issues.
- Utilizes various methods to evaluate and interpret specific physical and psychosocial problems and implements the appropriate therapy/interventions as necessary to teach new or compensating skills to restore patients' recreational pursuits.
- Independently solves complex problems related to recreation therapy/whole health interventions, adapts, and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures as a result of changing medical conditions or because of a variety of severe physical and mental disabilities in order to meet the needs of Veterans with complex disabilities.
- Consults with patients, their families, and caregivers, and educates regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
- Provides appropriate Recreation Therapy interventions in both individual and group-based sessions in outpatient, inpatient, and community living center settings.
- Documents patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, and plans, and other reports in a thorough and timely manner according to facility policy.
- Serves as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals and serves as the Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed.
- Develops and coordinates an outdoor therapeutic recreation program. Modalities may include kayaking, bicycling, hiking, fishing, nature activities, seasonal sports, animal interventions, and challenge course/team building activities.
- Provides leisure resources and opportunities to Veterans and their families.
- Establishes relationships with community organizations to build community partnerships that will give Veterans additional recreation/whole health opportunities after discharge from therapeutic programs.
Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday (Final/permanent schedule can be negotiated upon selection).
Compressed/Flexible: Available.
Telework: Available on an ad hoc basis.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54542-O / 54543-O / 54544-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
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
*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT & will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be July 10, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. ***
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred & tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Education.
- A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure, with an option &/or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC);
OR
- A bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university & 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.
Certification.
- Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
- Exception. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 & GS-9 level.
- Failure to Obtain Certification. Must actively pursue meeting the certification requirement, starting from the date of appointment. Failure to become certified within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0638 occupation, & may result in termination.
- Loss of Credential. Recreation therapists who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination.
Grandfathering Provision. Persons employed in VHA as a recreation therapist, on the effective date of this qualification standard (6/7/2019), are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, & grade held, including positive education, & certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
Grade Determinations:
Recreation Therapist, GS-7
- Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Recreation Therapist, GS-9
- 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.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of assessment tools & treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
- Knowledge to interpret & apply all health & safety regulations, to minimize & mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, & environmental maintenance.
- Ability to effectively communicate & educate patients, families, caregivers, & other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
- Knowledge to apply evidence-based & best practice therapeutic techniques & interventions.
- Assignment. Employees at this level serve in a developmental position. Working under general supervision to perform work in a clinical environment. The recreation therapist may: conduct patient evaluations; analyze & interpret leisure, cognitive, & motor skill assessment data to develop individualized goals, objectives, & treatment plan of care; develop & select interventions to achieve patient goals; review patient progress; adapt/adjust the treatment plan; implement therapeutic interventions that support measurable functional outcomes; evaluate patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services; document patient's behavioral observations, progress, functioning, & intervention outcomes; & develop & provide collaborative services with other team members.
Recreation Therapist, GS-11
- Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9).
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to adapt assessment tools & treatment interventions to address the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities & demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function & utilization of unconventional methods & techniques.
- Knowledge to independently interpret provider referrals & consults; & apply all health & safety regulations to minimize & mitigate risks in the provision of patient care & the environment of care.
- Skill in effectively communicating & educating, in a clear & concise manner, with patients, families, caregivers, & other health care professionals to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process.
- Skill in independently utilizing 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.
- Skill in independently applying evidence-based & best practice therapeutic techniques & interventions.
- Knowledge of the principles & techniques in recreation therapy assessment & the treatment of recreation, leisure, & biopsychosocial functional deficits.
- Assignment. With independent judgment administers & interprets assessments & utilizes clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessments & interview approaches to effectively elicit information. Conducts, analyzes, interprets, & reports assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, & leisure). Constructs evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical/mental health issues & hospice/palliative care requirements. They provide direct patient care & receive guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members.
Preferred Experience:
- Working in a CLC unit.
- Program development.
- Writing SOPs & SOWs.
- Complementary therapies.
- Ability to drive Veterans.
References: VA Handbook 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to tolerate & work in extreme weather conditions, including snow & heat for prolonged periods of time. This may include walking & moving equipment in snow & mud. Also, requires the ability to work at high altitudes for extended periods of time.
- Regular &/or recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, lifting, or moving of equipment. This could include lifting a minimum 50 pounds & ascending/descending stairs carrying a minimum 30 pounds. Work demands require specific, common physical characteristics & abilities, such as above average agility & dexterity. This physical exertion can also occur while actively involved in physical activity with the patient.
- Requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, traveling, shifting, kneeling, stooping, extending grasping, bending, pushing, pulling, pivoting, twisting, squatting, turning, balancing, stretching, reaching, carrying, & dragging.
- Participation in recreational & competitive sports activities, which are physical in nature such as, but not limited to, bowling, cycling, snow skiing, challenge courses, kayaking, & rock climbing.
- Must possess & maintain a current valid state drivers license.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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
- License
- Other (1)
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12457200.
- 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.