Clarification from the agency

This announcement will close on the closing date OR the point at which the system receives the first 50 applications, whichever comes first. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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• Receives consults and conducts, analyzes, interprets, and reports assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure)
• Constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues
• Conducts ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modifies, redirects, adjusts, and augments treatment plans as indicated by each patient's response and progress in the light of each patient's physical, emotional, mental and social needs; skills, aptitudes, abilities and interests
• Provides a considerable variety of therapy services as both adjunctive and primary therapeutic services, depending on the need
• When serving on multidisciplinary treatment teams, therapists use professional knowledge and skills in the integration of recreation therapy into overall team treatment plans
• Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized, unique effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions
• Evaluates patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitor effectiveness of intervention plans and makes modifications, as needed
• Determines effectiveness of protocols, modalities and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifies potential risks and need for adaptive interventions with cases to facilitate improved bio-psychosocial well-being
• Participates in co-treatment opportunities including but not limited to: neurological rehabilitation; mental health recovery programs; and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness
• Documents clearly and concisely the findings of initial evaluation, treatment interventions, re-evaluations, and discharge notes in accordance with PM&RS procedures and DVA policy
• Enters Return To Clinic Orders in the computerized patient medical record, (CPRS) in order to comply with established scheduling requirements and ensure that veterans are served in a timely manner
• Gives lectures on various treatment techniques and provides on-the-job demonstrations of treatment interventions
• Responsible for establishing the policy and procedures for patient participation in all National Veterans Programs
• Makes the final determination of whether patient will participate in National Programs based on medical status, behavior and compliance in registration and preparation process
• Responsible for all pre-event preparations, including meetings, ensuring patients complete application in a timely manner, and coordinating and maintaining an open line of communication with National Team for National Program
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: 8am - 430pm
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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.

• 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.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.
• English Language Proficiency: 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:
  • 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 paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 yr experience working in Geriatrics and Extended Care. 1yr of experience with completing needs assessments and evaluations for patients. Experience with treatment plans. Preferred completed BLS Training.

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.