Recreation Therapist

Overview

The Recreation Therapist provides professional therapeutic services using evidence-based recreational modalities to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of Veterans. These services aim to restore, maintain, or improve functioning; support rehabilitation; and alleviate symptoms related to chronic or terminal conditions. This position is for Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center or Clinical Based Outpatient Clinic.

• 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:
  Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C.
• 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): A bachelors 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 bachelors 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 Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (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)
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements for employment, at least one year of creditable experience at the GS-09 grade level, or a masters degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all KSAs: knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability; ability to interpret and apply health and safety regulations; ability to educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals; knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques
• Recreation Therapist - GS-11
  
  Experience:
  
  At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions; knowledge to independently interpret provider referrals and consults; apply health and safety regulations; effective communication with patients, families, caregivers, and health care professionals; independently utilizing screening and evaluation techniques; applying evidence-based and best practice techniques; knowledge of recreation therapy assessment and treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits
• Preferred Experience:
  
  None
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11;
  The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is GS-11
• Physical Requirements:
  
  This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 for requirements

• The therapist integrates recreation therapy into the overall health care plan, based on medical prescriptions, referrals, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• The core responsibilities are to conduct comprehensive assessments of HUD-VASH Veterans using interviews, inventories, standardized tests, and clinical observations to evaluate interests, aptitudes, functional abilities, and therapeutic needs
• Develop individualized treatment plans…