Recreation Therapist

Summary

If you are NOT a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you will need to apply under CBST-12337609-24-SA.

This position is located in the Community Living Center. The incumbent will be under the supervision of the Long-Term Care Support Nurse Manager, who is under the supervision of the Associate Nurse Executive of Extended Care Service, under the Associate Director of Patient Care Services.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

03/01/2024 to 03/11/2024

• Salary

$49,025 - $94,317 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• North Little Rock, AR 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -

• Work schedule

Full-time -

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

11

• Job family (Series)

0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

No

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBST-12337608-24-SA

• Control number

779539700

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This job is open to

• Federal employees

• Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees

• Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration - current permanent Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System employees including satellites; 2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees; 4th Area of Consideration - current permanent Federal employees of other Agencies

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Duties

The duties of the Recreation Therapist in the Nursing Service include but are not limited to:

Clinical Responsibilities (90%)

1. Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions.

2. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes.

3. The Recreation Therapist is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed.

4. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals.

5. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. The incumbent is responsible for developing, organizing and administering Recreation programs to provide therapeutic treatment to patients in various areas as assigned, e.g., Mental Health Services, the Community Living Center; Palliative Care, and other patient care areas as needed. The incumbent will develop Recreation Therapy treatment plans to address specific needs identified in the assessment process. The format and content of all treatment plans must conform to JCAHO, NCTRC, A TRA and Professional Standards of Practice. Treatment plans will include but not be limited to; goals, measurable behavioral objectives, therapeutic process (intervention strategies), time frames for achievement and evaluation methodologies. The therapist attends interdisciplinary team meetings and works closely with physicians and other interdisciplinary team members to develop overall care plans which maximize independent functioning and meet the total health care needs of the patients.

9. Planning and Implementation of Treatment Strategies

Administrative Responsibilities (10%)

1. Adheres with Medical Center policies. Utilizes Automated Data Processing (ADP) system in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to Medical Center ADP Security policy.

2. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery.

3. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area.

4. Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners.

5. The therapist schedules and conducts activities including day, evening and weekend programming to support hospital-wide and /or departmental objectives. Maintains accurate workload records and submits requests for supplies, equipment, transportation and other support essential to the provision of quality patient treatment in assigned bed sections/program. Submits funding justification to the immediate supervisor for monthly budget allocations and effectively manages and utilizes approved funds.

6. Participates actively in Therapeutic Recreation Service and Performance Improvement programs, including development of process and outcome-based indicators, reviewing/evaluating data and assisting with indicated action plans to enhance the quality and appropriateness of patient care.

7. Therapist must be able to orientate Recreation assistants, interdisciplinary team members, patients, students and volunteers regarding recreation therapy as a treatment modality and explain theoretical and practical aspects of the profession to various groups and individuals within the medical center and community.

8. Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities.

9. Assists in teaching and providing learning experiences for Recreation Therapy clinical interns as required.

10. Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-service activities.

11. Deliver treatment in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accrediting agencies and VHA directives.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm or 8:00am to 4:30pm, occasional 9:00am to 5:00pm, every other weekend duty

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Title/Functional Statement #:Recreation Therapist/PD00518F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.

• Subject to background/security investigation.

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

• Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation.

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.

• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

• 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.

• 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. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified.

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-07

Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Recreation Therapist, 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 or education above, the candidate must demonstrate 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

Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate 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.

Preferred Experience:

• BLS certification

References: VA Handbook 5005/111, Part II Appendix G60 Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds), light lifting and light carrying (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, both legs required, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, and shades of colors. Environmental factors include outside and inside, dust, solvents, working around machinery with moving parts, and working closely with others. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.