Supervisory Recreation Therapist

Full Job Description

The Supervisory Recreation Therapist has responsibility for the overall supervision and program management for the well-being program and the recreation and creative arts therapy program in Whole Health & Integrative Health Services (WH&IHS) in all patient care areas of Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) that offer recreation therapy, music therapy, creative arts, and other therapy to the inpatient and outpatient population.

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. English Language Proficiency.

Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Education: (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: Recreation Therapist.

Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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: GS-13 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 independently provide treatment in complex cases.

Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.

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, productivity within the service.

Skill in interpersonal relationships and conflict management.

Ability to use evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools.

Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.

Knowledge related to administrative functions, such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.

Preferred Experience: Licensure or certification in field 5+ years of supervisory experience 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-13.

Physical Requirements: The position requires intermittent walking or standing for up to 25% of the tour and driving between Austin, Temple, and Waco sites.

As needed, the employee may be exposed to the elements outside where activities are held. The employee must be able to verbally communicate, read, write, and use computers without impairment.

Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds.

Light carrying, under 20 pounds Both hands required Walking or standing, 1-2 hours One eye required, corrective lenses okay Hearing, hearing aid okay Working closely with others Major Duties:

Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: Must be able to perform all duties of subordinate therapists.

Functions as a professional and technical advisor to the therapists, assistants, other allied health care professionals, program directors and managers throughout the medical center/facility.

Ensures treatment plans developed by all CAT/RT therapist promote the goals of the program in which each Veteran is participating.

Assists in the development and implementation of recreation therapy programs.

Keeps abreast of current scientific, technological, theoretical and treatment modality changes, as well as management theory relating to the provision of recreation therapy Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation therapy programs using principles of evidenced-based practice to establish and/or improve recreation therapy.

Provides direct supervision of assigned staff within the Wellbeing section of Whole Health to include but not limited to: Recreation Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, Therapy Assistants, Recreation Assistants and Program Assistants.

Assists in the recruitment of potential candidates, interviews applicants and coordinates in the selection process with Human Resources.

Orienting new employees, creating employee performance standards, completing semi-annual/annual performance appraisals, recommending performance awards/promotions, and training.

Responsible for conducting an evaluation of the competency of each staff member to assure he/she possesses the necessary skills to successfully complete assigned duties.

Analyzes current use and projects needs for formulation of the annual service budget estimating operating requirements including staffing, equipment, supplies, and services.

Analyzes 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.

Develops and implements a performance improvement program to continually monitor therapy functions of WH&IHS staff for quality and appropriateness of CAT/recreation therapy.

Coordinates learning activities and rotations for any fee basis appointees, clinical interns, work-study students, stay-in-school students and incentive therapy workers assigned to Wellbeing/RT.

Provides input and recommendations to the GS13 Supervisory Recreation Therapist and Whole Health Program Manager regarding medical center and healthcare system long and short-range planning and assists in the development and implementation of policy which reflects the goals of the agency and VISN.

Implements and monitors OSHA goals for Life Safety Management, health and the environment procedures. Reports safety hazards, accidents and injuries.

Implements, monitors and reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management, fire protection.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized