Recreation Therapist

The primary purpose is to perform Recreation Therapy functions in the provision of Recreational Therapy (RT) services to patients in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS), G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center. The occupation requires the application of professional medical rehabilitative, therapeutic and palliative principles based on a medical prescription, medical referral and or the integration of recreational therapy within the total health care plan for the patient.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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• Education. Recreation Therapist:
  1. 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,
  2. 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.
• Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. The private organization must deem such education at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
• Certification. Required Certification:
  1. Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired with a bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university, approved by the NCTRC and the applicant is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), certification cannot be waived.

Grade Determination, 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, in their resumes, all of the following KSAs:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.
Preferred Experience:
1. Minimal of 1 year experience in a long term/healthcare setting.
2. Proficient in electronic documentation systems.
References: VA Handbook 5005/111 June 7, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G60
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.Education: IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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/.Employment Type: FULL_TIME