Recreation Therapist

The therapist integrates recreation therapy into the overall health care plan based on medical prescriptions referrals and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Core Responsibilities are to conduct comprehensive assessments of HUD-VASH Veterans using interviews inventories standardized tests and clinical observations to evaluate interests aptitudes functional abilities and therapeutic needs; develop individualized treatment plans informed by assessment data medical records and provider orders; implement therapeutic interventions targeting goals such as: sensory integration ambulation and mobility emotional regulation and stress reduction community reintegration reality orientation muscular and cognitive functioning psychological stabilization enhancement of self-esteem and achievement; monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes modifying plans as needed based on patient response and progress; serve as a key member of interdisciplinary treatment teams contributing recreation therapy expertise to holistic care planning; provide both primary and adjunctive therapy services adapting modalities to meet individual and group needs with Veterans in the hospital and in a community based setting; and maintain documentation in accordance with VA standards and participate in program development and evaluation.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Recreation Therapists may also facilitate meaningful recreational activities that complement formal therapy services. These activities support therapeutic goals and enhance quality of life. Certification in Recreation Therapy is a qualifying requirement ensuring the therapist possesses the necessary professional competencies.

Patient-Centered Care
The Recreation Therapist demonstrates respect for all Veterans caregivers and families by exhibiting sensitivity to individual needs values backgrounds and tolerances. The therapist maintains professional boundaries communicates confidence in the patients abilities and fosters therapeutic engagement and progress through empathy objectivity and insight.

Assessment and Treatment Planning
As a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team the therapist conducts comprehensive assessments using interviews standardized instruments and clinical observations. These assessments identify Veterans interests aptitudes barriers and therapeutic needs. Based on findings and clinical data the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable goals aimed at restoring function promoting independence and reducing the impact of illness or disability. Recreation therapy is integrated into the total care plan in coordination with the treatment team the Veteran and their family or caregiver.

Clinical Interventions
The therapist designs and delivers effective clinical interventions consistent with professional scope of practice standards of care and ethical guidelines. This includes providing adapted equipment materials and instruction to support therapeutic engagement. The therapist applies sound judgment in selecting appropriate modalities and treatment intervals and may employ creative or nontraditional approaches for complex cases. Education on leisure lifestyle coping skills and community resources is also provided.

Evaluation and Documentation
Treatment outcomes are documented in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). The therapist regularly reviews patient progress and adjusts treatment plans and strategies accordingly. Patient encounters and event capture data are entered routinely and used to evaluate service effectiveness.

Professional Development
Therapists are expected to pursue ongoing professional growth through in-service training teleconferences academic coursework and participation in professional organizations.

Departmental and Facility Programming
The therapist participates in hospital-wide and departmental programming including evening and weekend activities. Responsibilities include maintaining equipment and resources procuring supplies and supporting both unit-specific and department-wide needs. All purchasing activities are conducted in accordance with applicable education training and regulatory requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60626F.
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.
• 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.
• 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

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: Applicants 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 creative arts therapist (art) creative arts therapist (dance/movement) creative arts therapist (drama) and creative arts therapist (music):
  • 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.
• Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

• 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.