Recreation Therapist

Summary The Recreation Therapist is assigned the Whole Health and Integrated Health Service's Wellbeing section at the Central Texas Health Care System. The Recreation Therapist provides recreation therapy treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment. Supports facility mission and coordinates recreation therapy activities with other services, units, clinics and local community. Learn more about this agency Duties Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Provides recreation/education to explore interests and attitudes with respect to leisure, recreation, and social relationships to enable the patient to identify, locate and utilize recreation resources in the community. Evaluates patient progress, effectiveness and outcomes of therapeutic interventions through regular contact with the patient, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Documents patient care and response to care in the medical records based on identified, measurable outcomes and reviews the plan as appropriate. This including assessments, interventions, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, discharge planning and other reports as needed. Collaborate in co-treatment of complex clinical cases and demonstrate an ability to design, develop, or modify therapy methods as needed. Develop therapeutic relationships with professional boundaries and establish a safe environment for the patient. Provide education as required to the patient and family regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Keeps abreast of developments in the therapeutic recreation field and incorporates new techniques into patient treatment. Adapts standard recreation activities to meet the individual, physical or psychological disability of the patient(s) to restore or maintain the physical or psychological health of the individual. Plans and schedules a variety of program activities considering the diverse interests of the patients assigned, often devising and improvising recreation activities to meet the special needs of the patients. Provides recreation service for pre-discharge planning and aftercare recreation therapy guidance which should stimulate the development of a positive attitude toward one's self and constructive use of leisure. Reports either orally or by progress note, information regarding treatment response, problems, adaptation to activities, behavioral changes and/or unusual developments to members of the patient treatment team units. Extensive contact with the patients requires a high degree of communication skills with persons who are physically ill, handicapped, or psychologically withdrawn. Frequent contacts with the treatment team serves to evaluate the patient's response to recreation therapy modalities. Maintains productivity standards and practices effective time management. Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing. Manages resources (time, materials, staff) in a cost-effective manner. Assists in developing and revising patient education materials, clinical forms, and protocols. Assists in achieving compliance regulatory agency standards, established by OSHA, VHA, JC, CARF and other reviewing agencies. Participates in the orientation and training of new therapists, students, and volunteers. May serve as a mentor or preceptor for any recreation therapy student. Instructs, supervises, and evaluates the student/intern. Completes special projects as assigned. Prepares and conducts in-service education. Competent in Microsoft Office Suite to include Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher and PowerPoint. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000/Recreation Therapist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music): 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. Required Certification Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(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 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Recreation Therapist, 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 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. 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). Preferred Experience: 2 years' experience as a Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist working in a Domiciliary. NCTRC CTRS Specialization in Behavioral Health. Additional trainings such as: coaching training, Health & Wellness coaching (programs focused on National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching, (NBHWC) or International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards), Motivational Interviewing, TEACH for Success, Whole Health for Mental Health. Master of Science in Recreation Therapy, Master of Arts in Recreation/Hospital Administration or other allied health field. Certifications in Tai Chi, Yoga, or any meditation practices, Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports (CARSS). Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005/111, PART II APPENDIX G60, RECREATION AND CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0638. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; operation of a crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; both eyes required; hearing aid may be permitted. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Note: If your school was accredited by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the NCTRC website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Accreditation Information: The bachelor's degree or higher, must be from an accredited college or university 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. Degree must be approved by the NCTRC. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information The Domiciliary Care Program is VA's oldest health care program. Established through legislation passed in the late 1860's, the purpose of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers was to provide a home for soldiers of the Civil War. After the VA was established in 1932, the National Homes were converted to domiciliary care to provide services to economically-disadvantaged Veterans, and they remain committed to serving that group. VA established the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP) bed level of care in 1995. This distinct level of mental health residential care served Veterans with mental illnesses or addictive disorders who required additional structure and support to address multiple and severe psychosocial deficits, including homelessness and unemployment. In 2005, the Domiciliary Care programs became integrated with the PRRTPs under Mental Health Services. In 2010, the Domiciliary Care programs and PRRTPs were merged into a single system of residential care to become Mental Health RRTPs. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.