Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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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 informed by assessment data, medical records, and provider orders; implement therapeutic interventions targeting goals such as: sensory integration, ambulation and mobility, emotional regulation and stress reduction, community reintegration, reality orientation, muscular and cognitive functioning, psychological stabilization, enhancement of self-esteem and achievement; monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes, modifying plans as needed based on patient response and progress; serve as a key member of interdisciplinary treatment teams, contributing recreation therapy expertise to holistic care planning; provide both primary and adjunctive therapy services, adapting modalities to meet individual and group needs with Veterans in the hospital and in a community based setting; and maintain documentation in accordance with VA standards and participate in program development and evaluation.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Recreation Therapists may also facilitate meaningful recreational activities that complement formal therapy services. These activities support therapeutic goals and enhance quality of life. Certification in Recreation Therapy is a qualifying requirement, ensuring the therapist possesses the necessary professional competencies.

Patient-Centered Care
The Recreation Therapist demonstrates respect for all Veterans, caregivers, and families by exhibiting sensitivity to individual needs, values, backgrounds, and tolerances. The therapist maintains professional boundaries, communicates confidence in the patient's abilities, and fosters therapeutic engagement and progress through empathy, objectivity, and insight.

Assessment and Treatment Planning
As a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the therapist conducts comprehensive assessments using interviews, standardized instruments, and clinical observations. These assessments identify Veterans' interests, aptitudes, barriers, and therapeutic needs. Based on findings and clinical data, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable goals aimed at restoring function, promoting independence, and reducing the impact of illness or disability. Recreation therapy is integrated into the total care plan in coordination with the treatment team, the Veteran, and their family or caregiver.

Clinical Interventions
The therapist designs and delivers effective clinical interventions consistent with professional scope of practice, standards of care, and ethical guidelines. This includes providing adapted equipment, materials, and instruction to support therapeutic engagement. The therapist applies sound judgment in selecting appropriate modalities and treatment intervals, and may employ creative or nontraditional approaches for complex cases. Education on leisure lifestyle, coping skills, and community resources is also provided.

Evaluation and Documentation
Treatment outcomes are documented in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). The therapist regularly reviews patient progress and adjusts treatment plans and strategies accordingly. Patient encounters and event capture data are entered routinely and used to evaluate service effectiveness.

Professional Development
Therapists are expected to pursue ongoing professional growth through in-service training, teleconferences, academic coursework, and participation in professional organizations.

Departmental and Facility Programming
The therapist participates in hospital-wide and departmental programming, including evening and weekend activities. Responsibilities include maintaining equipment and resources, procuring supplies, and supporting both unit-specific and department-wide needs. All purchasing activities are conducted in accordance with applicable education, training, and regulatory requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60626F.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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 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 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 master's 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 of the following KSAs: Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient, knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance, ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process, and knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.

Recreation Therapist, GS-11
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 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.

Preferred Experience: None.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients.

See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred based on Veterans' Preference.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.