Recreation Therapist

Veterans Health Administration; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration in Tampa, FL, is seeking a Recreation Therapist to join the Adaptive Sports Program for direct patient care.

The incumbent will evaluate, set goals, develop and modify treatment plans, and document care. Telework is eligible; typical schedule is 7:30am–4:00pm, Monday to Friday, with some nights and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions.
• Implements and modifies treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes.
• Performs documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, care plans, and other reports.
• Acts as Recreation Therapy subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals.
• Educates patients, families, and caregivers regarding treatment interventions and goals, including adaptations for optimal outcomes.
• Maintains professional competence through education, mandatory trainings, and in-service activities.

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This is a direct patient care position in which the incumbent is responsible for performing the work of a Recreation Therapist, which encompasses a variety of different duties and responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent will be assigned to the Adaptive Sports Program. Incumbent may have additional duties throughout recreation therapy & creative arts therapy program/units. Functions: Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes.

Perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Uses expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed.

Educate patients, their families, and caregivers 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. Adheres with Medical Center policies.

Utilizes Automated Data Processing (ADP) system in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to Medical Center ADP Security policy. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area. Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners.

Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assists in teaching and providing learning experiences for Recreation Therapy clinical interns as required. Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-service activities. Deliver treatment in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accrediting agencies and VHA directives.

Works in collaboration with the Section Chief to identify needs, priorities, and outcomes for consultations, community partnerships, adapted sports clinics and events and community partnerships. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm, Monday to Friday, some nights and weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 70658-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements & Education

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: 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 $50460 – $97087/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-13.

Who is eligible to apply?

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