Recreation Therapist
Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Establishing goals based on evaluation findings, and developing treatment interventions. Implementing and modifying as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. Designing, developing, or adapting unique recreation therapy methods as needed. Performing documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Educating as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations of activities, sports and equipment to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Independently solving complex problems related to recreation therapy, adapting and modifying treatment plans, activities, and procedures as a result of changing medical conditions, addictive behavior or because of a variety of severe physical and mental disabilities in order to meet the needs of patients with complex disabilities. Participating in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery. Monitoring equipment effectiveness and evaluating new equipment to ensure state-of-art recreation therapy treatment is provided. Planning and directing the recreation therapy program for the assigned units, which could include Residential Recovery Treatment Program (RRTP), Inpatient psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Community Living Center, or Medical-Surgical inpatient wards. Work Schedule:
The work schedule varies some. Tues-Fri 1200-2030, Sat 0930-1700. Hours will vary with seasonal, holiday and local activities. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
(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 must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under (b) above in Education, certification cannot be waived. Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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). Grade Determinations:
Recreation Therapist, GS-7 (a) Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Recreation Therapist, GS-9 (a) 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:
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. Recreation Therapist, GS-11 (a) 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. References:
VA handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G60 The 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-07 to 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.
Establishing goals based on evaluation findings, and developing treatment interventions. Implementing and modifying as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. Designing, developing, or adapting unique recreation therapy methods as needed. Performing documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Educating as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations of activities, sports and equipment to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Independently solving complex problems related to recreation therapy, adapting and modifying treatment plans, activities, and procedures as a result of changing medical conditions, addictive behavior or because of a variety of severe physical and mental disabilities in order to meet the needs of patients with complex disabilities. Participating in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery. Monitoring equipment effectiveness and evaluating new equipment to ensure state-of-art recreation therapy treatment is provided. Planning and directing the recreation therapy program for the assigned units, which could include Residential Recovery Treatment Program (RRTP), Inpatient psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Community Living Center, or Medical-Surgical inpatient wards. Work Schedule:
The work schedule varies some. Tues-Fri 1200-2030, Sat 0930-1700. Hours will vary with seasonal, holiday and local activities. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
(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 must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under (b) above in Education, certification cannot be waived. Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. English Language Proficiency:
Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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). Grade Determinations:
Recreation Therapist, GS-7 (a) Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Recreation Therapist, GS-9 (a) 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:
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. Recreation Therapist, GS-11 (a) 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. References:
VA handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G60 The 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-07 to 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:
$43,251 to $83,210 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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