This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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. 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: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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: 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: Experience working with adult population Experience working with mental health population Experience working in a residential rehabilitation setting 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: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), pushing (2 hours), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (5 hours), kneeling (2 hours), repeated bending (5 hours), climbing, legs only (2 hours) and hearing (aid may be permitted).
A Relocation/Relocation incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified individual. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 09/08/2025. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting 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 Constructing 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 Providing direct patient care and receiving guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision Reviewing recreation therapy consults and conducting comprehensive evaluations Based upon the assessment data and in collaboration with other stakeholders, developing individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration and treatment Recommending 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, designing individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety and maladaptive behaviors; recovering basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; building confidence and developing compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner Monitoring intervention plans for effectiveness, making modifications, as needed Determining the effectiveness of protocols, modalities and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifying potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved biopsychosocial well-being Participating 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. Discharge analysis and planning is conducted for community needs Clinically supervising and training recreation assistants, recreation therapy assistants, recreation therapy students and volunteers Demonstrating the ability to teach and mentor staff in Recreation Therapy services Providing in-services and training for Recreation Therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54432F, 54433-F, & 54434-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more