Recreation Therapist
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Job Location:
Columbia, IN - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 49960 - 96116
Posted on:
20 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Summary
The Recreation Therapist (RT) is assigned to Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) under Acute Nursing to provide recreation therapy and diversional activities for the residents of the CLC and medical foster home program for the Columbia VA Healthcare System in Columbia SC. Incumbent is responsible for application of a knowledge and practices of Recreation Therapy and the use of recreation modalities to treat the physical mental emotional biopsychosocial and leisure needs of patients.
Duties include but not limited to:
- The incumbent handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established procedures modifies techniques and develops new approaches to ensure the realization of patient treatment goals and develops criteria to measure therapy quality management service.
- The Recreation Therapist works without direct supervision but is administratively responsible to the Associate Nurse Executive of GEC and the Associate Director for Patient Care/Nursing Services.
- Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
- Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
- Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age developmental requirements and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.
- Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws federal regulations VA statutes and policy and VHA policy.
- Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss alteration or unauthorized deletion.
- Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files release of access codes etc. as set out in the computer access agreement that the incumbent signs.
- Complies with federal state and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution minimizing waste and conserving cultural and natural resources.
- Reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management.
- Follows Emergency Preparedness plan.
- The incumbent must adhere to Joint Commission National Patient Safety.
- Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing universal precautions/isolation procedures including TB requirement/precautions).
- Complete all other duties as assigned.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 544-60147F; 544-60137F; 544-601138F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
- Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist
- Recreation Therapist
- A bachelors 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 bachelors 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.
- Recreation Therapist
- Certification.
- Required Certification
- Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 4b(1)(b) certification cannot be waived.
- Required Certification
Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as a recreation therapist. They work under the direct supervision of a recreation or creative arts therapist at or above the full-performance level or a designated supervisor in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline and work with guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff. Established treatment procedures are substantially adapted and applied for acutely ill patients. Employees at this level would not be assigned work at a community based outpatient clinic (CBOC) unless supervision is on site.
Grade Determinations:GS-9
Experience/Education.
At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level or a masters 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:
i. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
ii. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize
and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care and environmental
maintenance.
iii. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients families caregivers
and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
iv. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques
and interventions.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve in a developmental position as a recreation therapist. They work under general supervision to perform work in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline and work with guidance from higher level or supervisory staff to establish treatment procedures that are substantially adapted and applied for patients who are acutely ill. The recreation therapist may: conduct patient evaluations; analyze and interpret leisure cognitive and motor skill assessment data to develop individualized goals
objectives and treatment plan of care; develop and select interventions to achieve patient goals; review patient progress; adapt or adjust the treatment plan and intervention strategies; implement therapeutic interventions that support measurable functional outcomes (interventions include but are not limited to leisure education reality orientation memory and gross motor activities); evaluate patient needs for additional alternative or termination of services; document patients behavioral observations progress functioning and intervention outcomes; and develop and provide collaborative services with other team members. Therapists at this level may be given general assignments in a program area.
Grade Determinations: 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:
i. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
v. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
vi. 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).
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit 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-7 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Employee Occupational Health Services
Education
Grade Determinations:GS-11
Assignment. Employees serving at the full performance level function with independent judgment to administer and interpret recreation therapy assessments and utilize clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessment and interview approaches to effectively elicit information. They conduct analyze interpret and report 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 the therapist constructs 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. They provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members for only the
most complex patients and require only general supervision. They review recreation therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations. Based upon the assessment data and in collaboration with other stakeholders the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope duration and treatment. They recommend adaptation modification and/or assistive technology to meet a patients assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy. Through the use of activity/task analysis behavioral interventions and therapeutic procedures the therapist designs individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress anxiety and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner. Sophisticated techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include but are not limited to: developing positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; developing or improving (enhancing) self-esteem; developing and maintaining positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management; identify risks;
recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability; and including coping with grief and loss. Resourcefulness is exercised in providing individualized unique effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including but not limited to: assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy; fitness and wellness; community accessibility/reintegration/transition; and adapted sports and leisure development. Patient needs are evaluated for additional alternative or termination of services. Intervention plans are monitored for effectiveness making modifications as needed. Recreation therapists determine the effectiveness of protocols modalities and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identify potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved biopsychosocial well-being. They participate 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.
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: 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:
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or 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 applicants 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.
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.
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.
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.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Experience Working With Students
- Time Management
- Acute Care
- HTTPS
- Speech Therapy
- Assistive Technologies
- Autism Experience
- Pediatrics Experience
- Home Care
- Interpretation
- Patient Service Experience
- Phone Etiquette
