Recreational Therapist

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(F) Education: The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: ° (1) 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~ ° (2) 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.

02Certification

Must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. 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).

03Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements, the below qualification requirements must be met at the grade(s) in which you are applying: GS-11 Recreation Therapist (Full Performance Level) Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9).

Examples include, but are not limited to: interpret recreation therapy assessments and utilize clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessment and interview approaches to effectively elicit information; conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure.); review recreation therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations; construct evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues, such as polytrauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spinal cord injury (SCI), substance use disorder/addictions, serious mental illness (SMI), and hospice/palliative care requirements.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

04Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Recreation Therapist perform a wide variety of interventions, which contribute to the overall health of Veterans such as but not limited to: Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcome. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patient.

Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed. In consultation with patient, their families, and caregivers, recreation therapists shall educate as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptation to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Completes other administrative duties as assigned (work orders, information processing, program development.) for the PM&R Service or Medical Center. Professionally represents the Service and/or administration on behalf of the Medical Center during off-station events, committee meetings, contacts with outside agencies. Attends staff meetings as directed.

Maintains timely and appropriate documentation of all consults, initial evaluations, progress notes, discharge notes, patient/family education, workload statistics, QA monitors, patient attendance records and other clinical activities. Follows appropriate billing and coding practices. Inputs scheduling data into computer systems or through approved charting methods and updates daily to reflect status of patients.

This is to be done in concert and accordance with Medical Center policies on scheduling, consult management and electronic wait list entry. Completes all employee/patient incident documentation in a timely manner as required by hospital or Service policy. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Some weekends may be required) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:51421-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized