U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Recreation Therapist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Stockton, California, United States, 95202
Recreation Therapist
Join to apply for the
Recreation Therapist
role at
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range This range is provided by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $62,456.00/yr - $120,157.00/yr
Summary The HUD‑VASH Recreation Therapist for the Northern California Health Care System is aligned under Social Work Service - Homeless Programs - HUD‑VASH. The incumbent will work with Veterans who have a history of or are currently experiencing homelessness. Veterans may present with a variety of disabilities - such as amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, blind rehabilitation - and Veterans with multiple diagnoses.
Qualifications
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 or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Education (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: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). If hired under education option (b), certification cannot be waived.
Exception: Non‑registered and/or non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation 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 appointment may be terminated. The exception applies only to GS‑7 and GS‑9 positions. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified.
Failure to obtain Registration/Certification: In all cases, recreation and creative arts therapists must actively pursue meeting registration and/or certification requirements from the date of appointment. The supervisor will provide a written requirement for certification, the deadline, and consequences for non‑compliance. Failure to become registered and/or certified within two years will result in removal from the GS‑0638 recreation and creative arts therapist occupation and may lead to termination.
Loss of Credential: A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination.
Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
GS‑7 Experience/Education: None beyond the basic requirements above.
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 substitute for required experience.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for GS‑7/GS‑9:
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 patient care and environmental maintenance.
Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate treatment.
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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for GS‑11:
Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions to address complex diagnoses or disabilities and demonstrate clinical reasoning.
Ability to independently interpret provider referrals and consults and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks.
Skill in effectively communicating and educating in a clear and concise manner with patients, families, caregivers, and health care professionals to support interdisciplinary treatment.
Skill in independently utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques for direct patient care, including recommendations for recreation therapy assistive devices.
Skill in independently applying evidence‑based and best‑practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
Knowledge of principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and treatment of functional deficits.
References: VA Handbook 5005/111 – PART II – APPENDIX G60 – Dated June 7 – 2019.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy ranges from GS‑7 to GS‑11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties
Major duties include but are not limited to: Direct patient care, with guidance from higher‑level or supervisory staff for only the most complex patients, requiring general supervision.
Perform direct patient care in community settings, including Veterans' residences, traveling as needed.
Utilize telehealth as appropriate and demonstrate proficiency in telehealth technologies.
Design individualized treatment interventions using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning, reasoning abilities, build confidence, and develop compensatory strategies for community reintegration.
Participate in co‑treatment opportunities including neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs, and palliative care related to terminal illness symptoms.
Conduct discharge analysis for community needs.
Work Schedule: Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Telework: May be Ad‑Hoc eligible.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Recreation Therapist
role at
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range This range is provided by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $62,456.00/yr - $120,157.00/yr
Summary The HUD‑VASH Recreation Therapist for the Northern California Health Care System is aligned under Social Work Service - Homeless Programs - HUD‑VASH. The incumbent will work with Veterans who have a history of or are currently experiencing homelessness. Veterans may present with a variety of disabilities - such as amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, blind rehabilitation - and Veterans with multiple diagnoses.
Qualifications
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 or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Education (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: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). If hired under education option (b), certification cannot be waived.
Exception: Non‑registered and/or non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation 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 appointment may be terminated. The exception applies only to GS‑7 and GS‑9 positions. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified.
Failure to obtain Registration/Certification: In all cases, recreation and creative arts therapists must actively pursue meeting registration and/or certification requirements from the date of appointment. The supervisor will provide a written requirement for certification, the deadline, and consequences for non‑compliance. Failure to become registered and/or certified within two years will result in removal from the GS‑0638 recreation and creative arts therapist occupation and may lead to termination.
Loss of Credential: A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination.
Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
GS‑7 Experience/Education: None beyond the basic requirements above.
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 substitute for required experience.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for GS‑7/GS‑9:
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 patient care and environmental maintenance.
Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate treatment.
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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for GS‑11:
Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions to address complex diagnoses or disabilities and demonstrate clinical reasoning.
Ability to independently interpret provider referrals and consults and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks.
Skill in effectively communicating and educating in a clear and concise manner with patients, families, caregivers, and health care professionals to support interdisciplinary treatment.
Skill in independently utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques for direct patient care, including recommendations for recreation therapy assistive devices.
Skill in independently applying evidence‑based and best‑practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
Knowledge of principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and treatment of functional deficits.
References: VA Handbook 5005/111 – PART II – APPENDIX G60 – Dated June 7 – 2019.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy ranges from GS‑7 to GS‑11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties
Major duties include but are not limited to: Direct patient care, with guidance from higher‑level or supervisory staff for only the most complex patients, requiring general supervision.
Perform direct patient care in community settings, including Veterans' residences, traveling as needed.
Utilize telehealth as appropriate and demonstrate proficiency in telehealth technologies.
Design individualized treatment interventions using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning, reasoning abilities, build confidence, and develop compensatory strategies for community reintegration.
Participate in co‑treatment opportunities including neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs, and palliative care related to terminal illness symptoms.
Conduct discharge analysis for community needs.
Work Schedule: Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Telework: May be Ad‑Hoc eligible.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr