Recreation Therapist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Recreation Therapist to provide care for Veterans with a broad range of disabilities, including amputation, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, and behavioral health conditions.

This role emphasizes planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs within a multidisciplinary team. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or CTRS certification, and be eligible for VA credentials.

Qualifications

• Experience planning, facilitating, and developing RT programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a clinical setting.
• Experience collaborating with a treatment team and providing 1:1 interventions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate recreation therapy programs for Veterans.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to address complex needs.
• Assess patient goals and tailor interventions to improve function and quality of life.
• Ensure safety, documentation, and compliance with clinical standards.

Skills

Effective communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Independent work

Assessment & evaluation

Education

Bachelor's in recreation therapy

CTRS certification

Job description

The Recreation Therapist provides care to Veterans with a variety of disabilities, such as but not limited to: amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, blind rehabilitation, and Veterans with multiple diagnoses.

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:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
• Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist:

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

Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph (b) above, certification cannot be waived.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

Experience planning, facilitating, and developing RT programs; Prefer MH and Pain management related experience; Demonstrated ability to work independently; Experience working with a treatment team and doing 1:1 interventions

Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist

GS-7 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-9. 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

1. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
2. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.
3. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
4. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.

GS-11. Experience.

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

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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.

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).

Preferred Experience:

3 plus years of recreational therapy experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

VA Handbook 5019/1, Part II, Pre-Placement Physical Examination and Evaluation.