Recreation Therapist
The occupation requires the application of professional medical rehabilitative, therapeutic and palliative principles based on a medical prescription or a medical referral, and the integration of recreation therapy with in the total health care plan for the patient.
Duties:
The incumbent will:
Therapists evaluate the history, interests, aptitudes, and skills of patients by interviews, inventories, tests, and measurements.
Therapists use such findings, along with medical records and the therapy orders of physicians or nurse practitioners, to develop and implement therapeutic interventions for individual patients.
Employing the knowledge and understanding of physical and mental illness, psychology, and other appropriate physical, social, and biological sciences, and skill in recreation therapy, therapists plan and carry out treatment programs which are directed to such goals that include but are not limited to:
(1) sensory integration; (2) ambulation; (3) diminishing emotional stress; (4) community reentry; (5) reality orientation; (6) muscular dysfunction reorientation; (7) treatment of psychosocial dysfunction; (8) providing a sense of achievement and progress; (9) channeling energies into acceptable forms of behavior; or (10) palliative care.
Therapists conduct ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modify, redirect, adjust, and augment treatment plans as indicated by each patient's response and progress in the light of each patient's physical, emotional, mental and social needs; skills, aptitudes, abilities and interests.
Therapists provide a considerable variety of therapy services as both adjunctive and primary therapeutic services, depending on the need.
When serving on multidisciplinary treatment teams, therapists use professional knowledge and skills in the integration of recreation therapy into overall team treatment plans.
It is recognized that the management of medical facilities which have recreation therapists generally requires such staff to provide some diversional recreation activities and services from time to time or on a continuing basis, in addition to their medically prescribed therapy work.
Typically, additional activities and services are only an extension of the more formal treatment-oriented services, and therefore, the paramount requirement is for appropriate professional therapy knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Thus, a qualifying factor for Recreation Therapist is Registration and/or Certification.
Recognizing a journeyman level of knowledge, skills, abilities and experience, therapists work with the highest degree of independence.
They exercise originality in solving problems and make adaptations and modifications of treatment plans and specific treatment activities and procedures with limited supervisory guidance or review.
They independently conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, monitor and evaluate progress and document all clinical data.
Therapists report, respond and interact with the designated treatment team leader or unit manager in all matters related to patient care.
As members of multidisciplinary treatment teams, therapists maintain close, independent working relationships with medical and other health care specialists in order to assess each patient's condition and progress, coordinate treatment, provide exceptional care, and support each patient's rehabilitative or palliative care process.
Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8:
00am-4:
30pm Irregular tour including evening, weekend and holidays Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/18/2020.
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:
Required Certification (a) Recreation Therapist.
Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived.
Grandfathering Provision.
All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts therapist, on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to, and including, the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level, or placed in supervisory or managerial positions Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/registration/certification, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
Recreation and creative arts therapists who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements, in effect at the time of reentry, as a recreation or creative arts therapist.
Preferred
Experience:
Experience in developing Adaptive Sport Programs; Experience in Mental Health; Substance Abuse (Drug/Alcohol) programs; Experience with SCI patients;CDL preferred Grade Determinations:
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 all of the following KSAs:
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
e.
Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
f.
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.
If you need assistance in completing the above KSAs - Click on the link below:
(https:
//www.
vacareers.
va.
gov/application-process/navigating/ksas.
asp) References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/111 JUNE 7, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G60 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.
Physical Requirements:
Should have the ability to perform repetitive physical activities:
typing/keyboarding (up to 4 hours); walking and standing (up to 4 hours); bending/stooping (up to 6 hours); kneeling, reaching, moderate to heavy lifting (35 pounds) and carrying (up to 2 hours); etc.
Sitting is required for meetings, administrative work and occasionally driving motor vehicle most of the day.
Use of fingers and both hands and ability to drive are required.
Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity.
Work is performed in the clinics, wards, exercise areas, office and conference rooms, occasionally in the home.
May be exposed to infectious diseases, medical and psychiatric emergencies.
.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Duties:
The incumbent will:
Therapists evaluate the history, interests, aptitudes, and skills of patients by interviews, inventories, tests, and measurements.
Therapists use such findings, along with medical records and the therapy orders of physicians or nurse practitioners, to develop and implement therapeutic interventions for individual patients.
Employing the knowledge and understanding of physical and mental illness, psychology, and other appropriate physical, social, and biological sciences, and skill in recreation therapy, therapists plan and carry out treatment programs which are directed to such goals that include but are not limited to:
(1) sensory integration; (2) ambulation; (3) diminishing emotional stress; (4) community reentry; (5) reality orientation; (6) muscular dysfunction reorientation; (7) treatment of psychosocial dysfunction; (8) providing a sense of achievement and progress; (9) channeling energies into acceptable forms of behavior; or (10) palliative care.
Therapists conduct ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modify, redirect, adjust, and augment treatment plans as indicated by each patient's response and progress in the light of each patient's physical, emotional, mental and social needs; skills, aptitudes, abilities and interests.
Therapists provide a considerable variety of therapy services as both adjunctive and primary therapeutic services, depending on the need.
When serving on multidisciplinary treatment teams, therapists use professional knowledge and skills in the integration of recreation therapy into overall team treatment plans.
It is recognized that the management of medical facilities which have recreation therapists generally requires such staff to provide some diversional recreation activities and services from time to time or on a continuing basis, in addition to their medically prescribed therapy work.
Typically, additional activities and services are only an extension of the more formal treatment-oriented services, and therefore, the paramount requirement is for appropriate professional therapy knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Thus, a qualifying factor for Recreation Therapist is Registration and/or Certification.
Recognizing a journeyman level of knowledge, skills, abilities and experience, therapists work with the highest degree of independence.
They exercise originality in solving problems and make adaptations and modifications of treatment plans and specific treatment activities and procedures with limited supervisory guidance or review.
They independently conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, monitor and evaluate progress and document all clinical data.
Therapists report, respond and interact with the designated treatment team leader or unit manager in all matters related to patient care.
As members of multidisciplinary treatment teams, therapists maintain close, independent working relationships with medical and other health care specialists in order to assess each patient's condition and progress, coordinate treatment, provide exceptional care, and support each patient's rehabilitative or palliative care process.
Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8:
00am-4:
30pm Irregular tour including evening, weekend and holidays Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/18/2020.
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:
Required Certification (a) Recreation Therapist.
Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived.
Grandfathering Provision.
All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts therapist, on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to, and including, the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level, or placed in supervisory or managerial positions Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/registration/certification, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
Recreation and creative arts therapists who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements, in effect at the time of reentry, as a recreation or creative arts therapist.
Preferred
Experience:
Experience in developing Adaptive Sport Programs; Experience in Mental Health; Substance Abuse (Drug/Alcohol) programs; Experience with SCI patients;CDL preferred Grade Determinations:
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 all of the following KSAs:
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
e.
Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
f.
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.
If you need assistance in completing the above KSAs - Click on the link below:
(https:
//www.
vacareers.
va.
gov/application-process/navigating/ksas.
asp) References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/111 JUNE 7, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G60 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.
Physical Requirements:
Should have the ability to perform repetitive physical activities:
typing/keyboarding (up to 4 hours); walking and standing (up to 4 hours); bending/stooping (up to 6 hours); kneeling, reaching, moderate to heavy lifting (35 pounds) and carrying (up to 2 hours); etc.
Sitting is required for meetings, administrative work and occasionally driving motor vehicle most of the day.
Use of fingers and both hands and ability to drive are required.
Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity.
Work is performed in the clinics, wards, exercise areas, office and conference rooms, occasionally in the home.
May be exposed to infectious diseases, medical and psychiatric emergencies.
.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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