Recreation Therapist

f. The incumbent leads activities and engages Veterans individually and/or in groups to achieve treatment goals and objectives. The incumbent conducts treatment sessions based on the patient’s age, identified deficits, and stated goals. Periodic modifications to the plan of care are implemented based on the patient response to treatment and changes in medical status. The incumbent may delegate unskilled leisure activities to volunteers/recreation aides. g. The incumbent enters workload data in a timely manner according to national directives, local medical center policies for all Recreation Therapy and related services provided to Veterans. Encounter documentation is captured in a standardized manner for Recreation Therapy interventions. Encounter information includes, but is not limited to target diagnosis, length of time, treatment modality, Veteran response to treatment, action plan/follow up, type of intervention (utilization of accurate Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code). h. The incumbent maintains strict confidentiality of patient information. Work Schedule: Mon, Wed & Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm, Tour days flexible Telework: Not eligible for Telework Qualifications You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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. 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. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). EDUCATION: (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. LICENSURE: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The position requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time, frequent bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus, lifting and repositioning Veterans, pushing, and pulling heavy objects. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities to be applied to repetitive lifting, carrying and manipulating various adaptive equipment needed for treatment. Items may exceed 50 pounds. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to the education requirements above, you must have at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, GS-09, and 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.
The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI, a Level 1b medical complexity facility. The primary function of the Recreation Therapist in this position is direct patient care to a medically complex and diverse population in the outpatient, inpatient, and CLC settings, based on staffing assignment and workload demand.