Recreation Therapist
This is a full-time, temporary position not to exceed one (1) year. The incumbent serves as a Recreation Therapist at the VA Medical Center in Beckley, WV providing services to the assigned area of Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line, specifically to the Community Living Center (CLC) and Adult Day Health Care (ADHC). The purpose is to rehabilitate veterans to their maximum functional potential and/or maintain current functional status. The Recreation Therapist has a direct impact on the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of Veterans. Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Interviews and observes veterans to assess overall functioning and interests. Uses effective interviewing techniques to obtain subjective and objective information pertaining to abilities and interests. Observes the veteran during trial therapies to confirm initial assessment. Designs, plans, and implements effective therapies in both clinical and community settings utilizing the recreation therapy modality with individuals/groups of veterans who have varying degrees of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being deficits. Evaluates veteran motivation, affect, mood, and other behavioral factors in order to complete evaluation of the veteran and to provide input into the overall veteran assessment and treatment planning. Modifies therapies to achieve veteran-centered care plan goals and introduces new or core therapies to challenge veterans to promote improvement or maintenance in overall function. Adapts techniques and develops new approaches to ensure therapy goals are met. Documents initial and subsequent assessments, treatment plans, and evaluations in the Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS) in a concise and timely manner. Develops and maintains statistical data of the program unit. Provides therapy education to veterans and families. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 08:
00am - 04:
30pm. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
(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 and/or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC);OR,(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 at this grade must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Grade Determinations:
In addition to the Basic Requirements, applicants must also meet the following Grade requirements:
Recreation Therapist, GS-11 Experience. At least one year of creditable experience equivalent at the next lower grade level (GS-9). 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. 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 patient's 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/11, Part II, Appendix G60. Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0638, dated June 7, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching; lifting and repositioning Veterans; and pushing and pulling heavy objects. The work may require specific physical characteristic and abilities such as above average dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures. There is sedentary time required for completion of administration duties. The therapist must be able to drive motor vehicles and operate wheelchair lift or ramp.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Interviews and observes veterans to assess overall functioning and interests. Uses effective interviewing techniques to obtain subjective and objective information pertaining to abilities and interests. Observes the veteran during trial therapies to confirm initial assessment. Designs, plans, and implements effective therapies in both clinical and community settings utilizing the recreation therapy modality with individuals/groups of veterans who have varying degrees of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being deficits. Evaluates veteran motivation, affect, mood, and other behavioral factors in order to complete evaluation of the veteran and to provide input into the overall veteran assessment and treatment planning. Modifies therapies to achieve veteran-centered care plan goals and introduces new or core therapies to challenge veterans to promote improvement or maintenance in overall function. Adapts techniques and develops new approaches to ensure therapy goals are met. Documents initial and subsequent assessments, treatment plans, and evaluations in the Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS) in a concise and timely manner. Develops and maintains statistical data of the program unit. Provides therapy education to veterans and families. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 08:
00am - 04:
30pm. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
(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 and/or emphasis in therapeutic recreation. The degree must be approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC);OR,(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 at this grade must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Grade Determinations:
In addition to the Basic Requirements, applicants must also meet the following Grade requirements:
Recreation Therapist, GS-11 Experience. At least one year of creditable experience equivalent at the next lower grade level (GS-9). 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. 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 patient's 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/11, Part II, Appendix G60. Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0638, dated June 7, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements:
The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching; lifting and repositioning Veterans; and pushing and pulling heavy objects. The work may require specific physical characteristic and abilities such as above average dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures. There is sedentary time required for completion of administration duties. The therapist must be able to drive motor vehicles and operate wheelchair lift or ramp.
- Department:
0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist - Salary Range:
$64,009 to $83,210 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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