What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Therapist position at Veterans Health Administration?
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. Required 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). Specialized experience is further defined as : planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive, routine treatment programs for individual patients or groups of patients to rehabilitate and remediate the effects of disease, disability, or illness and to help restore functioning at the highest level. RTs perform appropriate assessments, evaluations, and treatments to help prevent physical disability; promote physical, mental, and psycho-social health and well-being following the onset of an injury, illness, or disabling condition; aid in the treatment of chronic pain resulting from acute or chronic medical conditions; and foster community leisure participation at the highest functional 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 / 11, Part II, Appendix G60. Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0638. A copy can be obtained at the local HR office. Physical Requirements : This position involves walking, standing, sitting, bending, lifting, climbing and carrying light to heavy equipment / supplies to all areas of the medical center.
