Recreation Therapist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Durham VA Health Care System, is seeking a Recreation Therapist (CTRS) to serve residents of the Community Living Center and assist in outpatient services. The role requires CTRS certification or a therapeutic recreation degree approved by NCTRC, with strong assessment and communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Candidates must meet basic requirements: US citizenship, English proficiency, and appropriate education.

Qualifications

• Must be a CTRS certified by the NCTRC; or have a bachelor's in therapeutic recreation approved by NCTRC.
• Education requirements include CTRS certification as a condition of employment.
• Ability to interpret referrals and apply health and safety regulations to patient care.
• Adapt assessment tools and interventions to complex diagnoses and functional deficits.
• Communicate clearly with patients, families, caregivers and other health professionals.

Responsibilities

• Serve residents of the Community Living Center and assist in outpatient services.
• Adapt and apply recreation therapy assessments and interventions.
• Drive patients as needed; driving license and health clearance required.
• Collaborate with the PM&R team to coordinate patient care.

Skills

Clinical assessment adaptation

Interdisciplinary communication

Therapy assessment skills

Evidence-based therapy techniques

Biopsychosocial understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation (NCTRC approved)

Bachelor's degree in any field + CTRS (NCTRC approved)

Job description

This position is located in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS), Recreation Therapy (RT) section at the Durham VA Health Care System. The position will serve the residents of the Community Living Center and assist in outpatient services.

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist:
  • 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
  • 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 paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived.

Grade Determination

GS-11: Experience. Must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.

Will be required to drive patients around (Driving License and Employee Occupational Health Physical will be required)

Preferred Experience: At least 1 yr experience working in Geriatrics and Extended Care. 1yr of experience with completing needs assessments and evaluations for patients. Experience with treatment plans. Preferred completed BLS Training.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.