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 announcement is open to all Current, Permanent VA employee, Health Professional Trainees or other Federal Employees. If you are a member of the public or another federal employee, please apply on this announcement: CBSU-12844397-26-ALA

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The Recreation Therapist is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) department at the Cheyenne Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in the main facility in all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service, including the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP), and the Community Living Center (CLC). Activities may occur in the local community as well for outpatient recreation therapy programming.

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for evaluation and treatment of patients at multiple functional levels. The RT will provide services in outpatient and inpatient settings, including RRTP, CLC and other specialty clinics as indicated. They work under general supervision to perform work in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline and work with guidance from higher level or supervisory staff to establish treatment procedures that are substantially adapted and applied for patients based on their unique needs.

Principal duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

CLINICAL

• Uses a wide range of knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of recreational therapy to a wide range of populations.
• Performs functions of contemporary recreational therapy practice. Demonstrates working knowledge of and adherence to accepted techniques and procedures for recreational therapy as recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Conducts, analyzes, interprets, and reports 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 appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues such as Polytrauma (TBI); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Substance Use Disorder/Addictions; Serious Mental Illness; and Hospice/Palliative Care.
• Performs evaluations at varying complexity levels, incorporating applicable standardized assessments and interpreting results to guide plan of care.
• Develops comprehensive, individualized plans of care for patients with a wide range of physical and psychosocial needs.
• Evaluates patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitor effectiveness of Intervention plans and makes modifications, as needed. This may include utilization of adaptive and durable medical equipment, with patient and caregiver education as indicated.
• 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 biopsychosocial well-being.
• Demonstrates general knowledge of patient conditions (mental and physical) and medications that could affect his/her ability to perform tasks associated with treatment.
• Completes consults, progress notes, and re-evaluations in a timely manner per facility policy.

EDUCATION

• Assists in the training and supervision of students, trainees, externs, and fellows, providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals.
• Attends and completes mandatory training required by the facility and meets annual educational requirements.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of current theory and best practices through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, and other literature, and in-service programs.
• Provides educational in-services to other services/individuals/groups as requested, or as indicated to assure proper follow through of the patient's plan of care.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Adheres to established standards, policies, and procedures set forth by section, service, and medical center.
• Manages resources (time, materials, staff) in a cost-effective manner.
• Assists program and service line in achieving compliance with regulatory agency standards, including state, federal, and Joint Commission standards.
• Abides by VA and HIP??A patient confidentiality regulations in documentation, consultation, and release of information.

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

• Complies with national and agency standards for OSHA and JCAHO.
• Ensures that work areas are clean and free of safety hazards. Responds per hospital policy to fire drills, codes and emergency preparedness situations.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:May be available with the determination of the direct line supervisor.
Telework: Situational (ad hoc)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 54452-A, 54453-A, 54454-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist.

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);
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.

Required Certification

Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under Education requirement (b) certification cannot be waived.

Exception. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation therapist for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level.

Grandfathering Provision. 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).

English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English

Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Recreation Therapist, GS-7

Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Recreation Therapist, 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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.
• 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: Adaptive Sports/Cycling, Yoga, Qi Gong

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 in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The Recreation Therapist position requires standing, walking, bending, light to moderate lifting and positioning patients. The incumbent may need to assist in the maneuvering of patients in wheelchairs and transferring of patients to/from a chair/bed/floor. This position requires lifting/carrying 15-35 lbs. (1 hour per day) sitting (2 hours per day); standing (1 hour per day); walking (2 hours per day); bending/stooping (1/2 hour per day); simple grasping (4 hours per day); and fine manipulation including keyboarding (1 hour per day). A fair amount of walking is also required to interact with patients and other services throughout the hospital. Applicants must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others.

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. Healthcare Profession Trainees

4. All other Federal Employees.

Note: Veteran's preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal 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.