Recreation Therapist – Whole Health

*** 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.
The Recreation Therapist – Whole Health will report to the Organizational Health & Experience Department at the Sheridan VA Medical Center (VAMC). The duties & responsibilities of the position are carried out throughout the Sheridan VAMC catchment area. The Rec Therapist will be an integral member of the treatment team & work with an interdisciplinary team to identify patient needs/goals, develop treatment plans, & serve as a subject matter expert for consultation in the clinical field.