Recreation 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. 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: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music): Recreation Therapist: (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 a proved by the NCTRC. If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived. Required Certification: 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. 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). Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist, GS-11: (a) Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. (b) 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolong d periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, lifting, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment; lifting and repositioning patients; pushing or pulling heavy objects, including Veterans in wheelchairs, leading or directing physical activities/exercise. The employee is required to meet the following physical requirements: heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), moderate lifting (15-45 pounds), light lifting (under 15 pounds), reaching above the shoulder.
The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Chief of Staff, Geriatric and Extended Care Service Line at the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System (VA EKHCS). Recreation Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services.