Recreation Therapist

Full Job Description

The Carl T. Hayden Veterans Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a Recreation Therapist to work for the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service at Phoenix VA Healthcare System.

This incumbent provides Recreational Therapy services to Veterans within a variety of clinical areas - both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

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.

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: possessing a degree in an approved degree program by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC): 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.

OR 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.

English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) 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: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements: GS-07 None beyond basic requirements.

GS-09 Experience/Education: One year of creditable experience comparable at the next lower level GS-07 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 (KSAs).

In addition to the basic requirements, 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. GS-11 Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level GS-09.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the basic requirements, 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.

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-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Duties are physical in nature, requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium-weight objects, and pushing wheelchairs.

Requires the ability to carry light to medium-weight items such as papers, books, or other supplies, as well as heavier items such as durable medical equipment.

The incumbent needs to be able to handle the therapy equipment, modalities, and items needed for well- being group activities and uses the computer and other standard office equipment to complete administrative tasks.

Major Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducts patient evaluations Analyzes and interprets leisure, cognitive, and motor skill assessment data to develop individualized goals, objectives, and treatment plan of care.

Develops and selects interventions to achieve patient goals. Reviews patient progress; adapts or adjusts the treatment plan and intervention strategies.

Implements therapeutic interventions that support measurable functional outcomes. Evaluates patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services.

Documents patient's behavioral observations, progress, functioning, and intervention outcomes; and develops and provides collaborative services with other team members.

Demonstrates understanding of interdisciplinary treatment, accepts and responds appropriately to supervision, analyzes and revises clinical practice, and applies the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered Develops and delivers evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for patients with complex medical and mental health conditions across the facility, including Polytrauma (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use Disorders, Serious Mental Illness, and Hospice/Palliative Care.

Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday, 7:00 am -4:30 pm; Flex Sat 7:00 am - 3:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized