Recreation Therapist

Summary

This Recreation Therapist position is in the Sensory & Physical Rehabilitation Service at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare Systems – located at the Leeds, MA location. This position is full‑time at 40 hours per week.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• 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 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 the second education option the certification cannot be waived.
• Exception:
  Non‑registered and/or non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full‑time appointment may be terminated.
• Failure to obtain registration/certification within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS‑0638 recreation and creative arts therapist occupation and may result in termination of employment.
• Grandfathering provision:
  All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts 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/certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
• Grade determinations: GS‑7 – no experience beyond the basic requirements. GS‑9 – at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level or a master’s degree in recreation therapy may be substituted. GS‑11 – at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level and advanced KSAs as listed.
• Physical requirements:
  
  The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing, walking, frequent bending, reaching, stooping, stretching, lifting and repositioning veterans, pushing or pulling heavy objects, and may require driving government vehicles. Good dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures.

• The Recreation Therapist for Central Western Massachusetts VAMC is aligned under the Sensory & Physical Rehabilitation Service (SPRS) team, whose purpose is to provide care and rehabilitation to veterans with a variety of disabilities such as amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, substance abuse, homelessness, and veterans with multiple diagnoses.
• Duties include but are not limited to: conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure).
• Incorporate the four‑step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered. The RT constructs appropriate and evidence‑based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical and/or mental health issues such as polytrauma (TBI), post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder/addictions, serious mental illness, and hospice/palliative care.
• Provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher‑level or supervisory staff…