Recreation Therapist
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 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 (1) 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. 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). (1) 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. (2) Employees who were appointed on a temporary basis, prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) 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. (4) 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-07:
Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as a recreation therapist. They work under the direct supervision of a recreation or creative arts therapist, at or above the full-performance level, or a designated supervisor in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline, and work with guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff. Established treatment procedures are substantially adapted and applied for acutely ill patients. Employees at this level would not be assigned work at a community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC), unless supervision is on site. GS-09:
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:
a. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. b. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. c. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. d. 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. 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. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS07 to 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.
(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 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 (1) 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. 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). (1) 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. (2) Employees who were appointed on a temporary basis, prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) 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. (4) 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-07:
Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as a recreation therapist. They work under the direct supervision of a recreation or creative arts therapist, at or above the full-performance level, or a designated supervisor in a clinical environment. Employees have knowledge of their respective discipline, and work with guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff. Established treatment procedures are substantially adapted and applied for acutely ill patients. Employees at this level would not be assigned work at a community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC), unless supervision is on site. GS-09:
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:
a. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. b. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. c. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. d. 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. 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. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS07 to 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.
- Department:
0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist - Salary Range:
$46,619 to $89,691 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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