Recreation Therapist

Veterans Health Administration

Lebanon (Lebanon County)

On-site

USD 53,000 - 99,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

The Lebanon VA Medical Center in Lebanon, PA, part of the Lebanon VA Healthcare System, is seeking a Recreation Therapist to deliver evidence-based recreation therapy under Patient Services, supporting Veterans with diverse disabilities.

Under supervision, you will assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapies; create individualized treatment plans, document care, and participate in interdisciplinary teams with a Monday–Friday schedule and telework options as needed.

Qualifications

Education requirements recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Experience in Recreation Therapy is implied for federal role.
Ability to work under direct supervision and with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

Conduct and report assessment data across cognitive, sensory, social, and physical domains.
Develop individualized recreation therapy treatment plans with measurable goals.
Document patient care including assessments and care plans.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care.
Evaluate intervention effectiveness and adjust plans as needed.

Skills

Assessment data analysis

Documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Treatment planning

Tools

Assistive technology

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Recreation Therapist for the Lebanon VA Medical Center is aligned under Patient Services at Lebanon VA Healthcare System, a level 1-C facility involving 1 main campus and 5 outpatient clinics, whose purpose is to provide care and rehabilitation to those Veterans with a variety of disabilities and multiple diagnoses.

Key Responsibilities

Under direct supervision the incumbent will 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 Recreation Therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based Recreation Therapy interventions for treating patients in their assigned program area.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, any of the following under direct supervision: 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.

Recommends adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet the assessed needs and preferences in Recreation Therapy.

Through the use of activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures they design individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety and maladaptive behaviors, recover basic motor functioning, reasoning abilities, build confidence, and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner.

Techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include but are not limited to: develop positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; develop self-esteem; reinforce positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management; identify risks; recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability, including coping with grief and loss.

Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized, unique effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including but not limited to: assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy; fitness and wellness; adapted sports and leisure development, community accessibility/reintegration/transition.

Evaluates patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitor effectiveness of intervention plans and makes modifications, as needed. Determines effectiveness of protocols, modalities and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifies potential risks and need for adaptive interventions with cases to facilitate improved bio-psychosocial well being. Conducts discharge analysis for community needs.

The Recreation Therapist, under direct supervision, is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed.

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. 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.

Recreation Therapist, under direct supervision, interprets 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm weekend, holiday, evening coverage as needed Telework: Ad-hoc, at supervisor discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements & 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $53481 – $99053/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-19.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.