Recreation Therapist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recreation Therapist is assigned to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. The Recreation Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment - planning - implementation - and evaluation of patient treatment services.

Additional duties include clinical training of recreation therapy students, work-study students, and volunteers along with completion of various administrative tasks within the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an approved Therapeutic Recreation program or CTRS eligible.
• Certification as a CTRS by NCTRC is required or must be obtained.
• English language proficiency is required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation therapy treatment plans.
• Document patient care including assessments, progress notes, and care plans.
• Educate patients and families about treatment interventions and goals.

Skills

Assessment adaptation

Clinical reasoning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Health and safety compliance

Communication with patients

Recreation therapy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

CTRS certification

Tools

ADP system

Job description

Summary The Recreation Therapist is assigned to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. The Recreation Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment - planning - implementation - and evaluation of patient treatment services. Additional duties include clinical training of recreation therapy students - work-study students and volunteers and completion of various administrative tasks within the department.

Summary The Recreation Therapist is assigned to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. The Recreation Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment - planning - implementation - and evaluation of patient treatment services. Additional duties include clinical training of recreation therapy students - work-study students and volunteers and completion of various administrative tasks within the department.

Qualifications

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

• United States Citizenship
• Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education
• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements possessing a degree in an approved degree program by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC): 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 English Language Proficiency
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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: 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 basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation - leisure - and biopsychosocial functional deficits
• Preferred Experience: Minimum 2 years - experience working with people with mild to severe memory loss
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time
• frequent bending - reaching - stooping - and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus
• lifting and repositioning patients
• and pushing or pulling heavy objects
• The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures.

Duties

• Duties include but not limited to: Clinical 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
• The Recreation Therapist is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments - progress notes - encounters - consultations - care plans - and other reports as needed
• Uses Recreation Therapy 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
• 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
• Administration 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
• Education 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
• Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday - 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized