Recreation Therapist (Extended Care & Rehab)
The duties of the Recreational Therapist include, but are not limited to:
General Description of Assigned Duties. The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Community Living Center at the Grand Island VA Medical Center. The Recreation Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services. The incumbent must meet all criteria included in the qualification standards. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to a recreation therapist at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties. Clinical:
Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. The Recreation Therapist is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed. In consultation with patients, their families, and caregivers, Recreation Therapist shall educate as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Demonstrates ability and competency in treating patients that range in age from young adult to geriatric who may experience complex medical or mental health issues. Administration:
Adheres with Medical Center policies. UtilizesAutomated Data Processing (ADP) system in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to Medical Center ADP Security policy. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area. Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners. Education:
Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assists in teaching and providing learning experiences for Recreation Therapy clinical interns as required. Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-service activities. Deliver treatment in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accrediting agencies and VHA directives. Supervisory Controls related to the position. The Recreation Therapist will report to the Nurse Manager of the Community Living Center Customer Service Requirements. Recreation Therapist meets the needs of customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, volunteers, co-workers, facility staff and the general public) supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and interacts with customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner; while providing consistent information in accordance with established policies and procedures. Recreation Therapist will address conflict and concerns constructively and appropriately. Willingly accepts additional and special assignments that are necessary to meet program goals and/or customer needs. Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients Requirement. The Recreation Therapist must possess an understanding, sensitivity, and the ability to consistently provide treatment that meets the unique needs of all patients with respect to age, developmental requirements and culture. Computer Security Requirement. 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 policies, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alterations, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Uses work processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers, inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information as well as CPRS. Work Schedule:
Monday - Sunday, various shifts (includes evening and weekend hours) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/20/2019. 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):
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); 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-9 Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master's 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:
Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. 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 patient's 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. References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60 Available in your local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements:
In some assignments, the work involves regular and occurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, moderately heavy lighting or moving equipment, positioning severely disabled patients and assisting patient in ambulating. The work requires specific common physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. Ability to meet requirements for class B license with a passenger provisional. Drivers must hold a current valid driver's license and provide a copy to their supervisor when it is renewed. The State driver's licenses and diving records must be reviewed for all new drivers. Driving records exhibiting an at-fault accident or moving violation must prompt a review of driver suitability for the transport of veterans. All drivers must meet the minimum VA and MHA medical requirements for the operation of vehicles. Medical evaluations of motor vehicle operations and incidental operators must be conducted in accordance with VA Handbook 5019. Part IV, Appendix B.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
General Description of Assigned Duties. The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Community Living Center at the Grand Island VA Medical Center. The Recreation Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services. The incumbent must meet all criteria included in the qualification standards. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to a recreation therapist at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties. Clinical:
Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. The Recreation Therapist is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed. In consultation with patients, their families, and caregivers, Recreation Therapist shall educate as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Demonstrates ability and competency in treating patients that range in age from young adult to geriatric who may experience complex medical or mental health issues. Administration:
Adheres with Medical Center policies. UtilizesAutomated Data Processing (ADP) system in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to Medical Center ADP Security policy. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area. Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners. Education:
Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assists in teaching and providing learning experiences for Recreation Therapy clinical interns as required. Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-service activities. Deliver treatment in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accrediting agencies and VHA directives. Supervisory Controls related to the position. The Recreation Therapist will report to the Nurse Manager of the Community Living Center Customer Service Requirements. Recreation Therapist meets the needs of customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, volunteers, co-workers, facility staff and the general public) supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and interacts with customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner; while providing consistent information in accordance with established policies and procedures. Recreation Therapist will address conflict and concerns constructively and appropriately. Willingly accepts additional and special assignments that are necessary to meet program goals and/or customer needs. Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients Requirement. The Recreation Therapist must possess an understanding, sensitivity, and the ability to consistently provide treatment that meets the unique needs of all patients with respect to age, developmental requirements and culture. Computer Security Requirement. 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 policies, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alterations, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Uses work processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers, inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information as well as CPRS. Work Schedule:
Monday - Sunday, various shifts (includes evening and weekend hours) Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/20/2019. 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):
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); 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-9 Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master's 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:
Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. 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 patient's 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. References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60 Available in your local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements:
In some assignments, the work involves regular and occurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, moderately heavy lighting or moving equipment, positioning severely disabled patients and assisting patient in ambulating. The work requires specific common physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. Ability to meet requirements for class B license with a passenger provisional. Drivers must hold a current valid driver's license and provide a copy to their supervisor when it is renewed. The State driver's licenses and diving records must be reviewed for all new drivers. Driving records exhibiting an at-fault accident or moving violation must prompt a review of driver suitability for the transport of veterans. All drivers must meet the minimum VA and MHA medical requirements for the operation of vehicles. Medical evaluations of motor vehicle operations and incidental operators must be conducted in accordance with VA Handbook 5019. Part IV, Appendix B.
- Department:
0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist - Salary Range:
$24.65 to $32.04 per hour
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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