Supervisory Recreation Therapist

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed. Education. Candidates must possess 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, 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. Certification. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a recreation therapist, on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. GS-13 Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and use data to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers, to include conflict management. Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools. Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service. Knowledge related to administrative functions, such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60 Physical Requirements. In some assignments the work involves regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, moderately heavy lifting or moving of equipment, positioning severely disabled patients, assisting patients in ambulation, and work may consistent of a variety weather including heat, cold, wet, slick, etc.
This position is the Supervisory Recreation Therapist located in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) Department within the Montana VA Health Care System (MTVAHCS). The incumbent directly reports to the Assistant Chief of PM&RS. The Supervisory Recreation Therapist is responsible for the professional and administrative management of the Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy Section within PM&RS.