Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current permanent Department of Veteran's Affairs employees and current permanent Federal Employees of other agencies.

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Duties are substantially adapted and applied for patients who are acutely ill and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following under direct supervision:

• Conduct patient evaluations
• Analyze and interpret leisure, cognitive and motor skill assessment, data to develop individualized goals, objectives and treatment plan of care.
• Develop and select interventions to achieve patient goals.
• Review patient progress; adapt or adjust the treatment plan and intervention strategies.
• Implement therapeutic interventions that support measurable functional outcomes.
• Evaluate patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services.
• Document patient's behavioral observations, progress, functioning, and intervention outcomes; and develop and provide collaborative services with other team members.
• Therapists are responsible for understanding the necessity for interdisciplinary treatment, the need to accept and appropriately respond to supervision, analyzing, revising clinical practice, and incorporating the four-step process of: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered.
• The therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues throughout the entire facility including but not limited to: Polytrauma (TBI); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Substance Use Disorder/Addictions; Serious Mental Illness; and Hospice/Palliative Care.

Work Schedule: Schedule A. is for Vacancy 1, and Schedule B. is for Vacancy 2.

• Schedule A: Full-time, Sat 07:00 am - 3:30 pm flex, Tues & Thurs 08:30 am - 6:00 pm, Wed 07:30 am - 5:00 pm, Fri 08:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Schedule B: Full time: Sun 07:00 am - 3:30 pm flex, Mon, Tues, & Thurs 07:30 am - 5:00 pm, Wed 08:30 am - 6:00 pm

Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• 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).

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
• Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist:

(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.

Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the 5 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. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified.

Certification. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph (b) above, certification cannot be waived.

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 and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

Grade Determinations: GS-7/9/11
GS-7 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-9. Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience.
KSA's. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
2. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.
3. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
4. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.

GS-11. Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.
KSA's: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

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

Assignment. Employees serving at the full performance level function with independent judgment to administer and interpret recreation therapy assessments and utilize clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessment and interview approaches to effectively elicit information. They conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered, the therapist constructs evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues, such as polytrauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spinal cord injury (SCI), substance use disorder/addictions, serious mental illness (SMI), and hospice/palliative care requirements. They provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision. They review recreation therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations. Based upon the assessment data, and in collaboration with other stakeholders, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration, and treatment. They recommend adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy. Through the use of activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, the therapist designs individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner. Sophisticated techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include, but are not limited to: developing positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; developing or improving (enhancing) self-esteem; developing and maintaining positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management; identify risks; recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability; and including coping with grief and loss. Resourcefulness is exercised in providing individualized, unique, effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to: assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy; fitness and wellness; community accessibility/reintegration/transition; and adapted sports and leisure development.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications: Experience planning, facilitating, and developing RT programs; Prefer MH and Pain management related experience; Demonstrated ability to work independently; Experience working with a treatment team and doing 1:1 interventions

References: VA Handbook 5005/111, Part II, Appendix G60- Creative Arts and Recreation Therapist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level (FPL) for this qualification standard is at the GS-11 grade level.

Physical Requirements: Requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects. May require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures.

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 in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

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.