Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all U.S. Citizens

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The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy staff, including therapists, assistants, and support personnel.
• Assign work, set priorities, and monitor staff performance and clinical quality.
• Interview applicants and recommend hiring, advancement, or disciplinary actions.
• Resolve staff conflicts and ensure a fair, productive work environment.
• Develop performance standards, functional statements, and training needs for staff.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and promote professional growth.
• Provide leadership and direction for department operations and procedures.
• Implement evidence-based, best-practice treatment standards across the department.
• Collaborate with other therapy disciplines (OT, PT, KT and ST) to enhance access, care quality, and coordination.
• Develop and maintain department and facility policies related to Recreation & Creative Arts Therapy.
• Ensure proper equipment, order supplies, inventory and treatment space standards are upheld, including privacy and infection control.
• Oversee volunteer programs and coordinate community partnerships and MOAs.
• Serve as an approving official for Government Purchase Card transactions.
• Perform clinical duties (at least 20%), including evaluations, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions for complex patient populations.
• Ensure compliance with accrediting bodies (Joint Commission, CARF, Ascellon) and VA safety, infection control, and environmental programs.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 56186F
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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.

Qualifications

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: Candidates must be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

• Education (Transcripts with education conferral date may be requested):
  • (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 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 paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

**NOTE: Applicants MUST submit copies of applicable transcript(s) or certification(s) with graduation/conferred date (unofficial copies are acceptable)

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: Supervisory Recreation Therapist, GS-13

Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level which includes the following (KSA's)

GS-12 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSA's):
i. Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence.
ii. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
iii. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service.
iv. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
v. Ability to use evidence-based practices, clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the staff in applying these tools.
vi. Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.
vii. Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.

AND,

Certification: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

GS-13 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
i. Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence.
ii. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
iii. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and use data to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service. iv. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers, to include conflict management.
v. Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools.
vi. Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.
vii. Knowledge related to administrative functions, such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Preferred Experience:
(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);

(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 approved by the NCTRC. If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived. Certification: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.

(c) 5 years experience in supervising and mentoring recreation/creative arts therapists. Designed, implemented and evaluated recreational therapy programs. Experience with regulatory standards, and ethical practices, accreditation and quality improvement processes.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), light lifting (under 15 lbs.), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, kneeling, both legs, operation of motor vehicle, depth perception, hearing (aid my be permitted. Environmental factors include, working outside and inside, excessive humidity, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, outdoor and community work, moderate heat, moderate dampness, moderate cold, and working in/around pools.

How you will be evaluated

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

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.