Recreational Therapist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Recreation Therapist to develop and administer Recreation Therapy programs for Veterans in various settings, including General Medical, Surgical, and Psychiatric units in Memphis.

The role involves direct patient care, program development, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. The position supports both inpatient and outpatient services, with a schedule Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:30pm and occasional weekend work as needed.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions.
• Implements and modifies treatment plans to ensure optimum outcomes.
• Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients.
• Educates patients and families about treatment interventions and goals.
• Completes administrative duties such as scheduling, documentation, and billing as required.

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for developing, organizing and administering Recreation Therapy programs to provide therapeutic treatment to patients in various areas. These areas include General Medical and Surgical, Chemical Dependency Center, Acute Psychiatry, Day Treatment Center, and the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. Services are provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Key Responsibilities

Recreation Therapist perform a wide variety of interventions, which contribute to the overall health of Veterans such as but not limited to: 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 outcome. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patient.

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 patient, their families, and caregivers, recreation therapists shall educate as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptation to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Completes other administrative duties as assigned (work orders, information processing, program development.) for the PM&R Service or Medical Center. Professionally represents the Service and/or administration on behalf of the Medical Center during off-station events, committee meetings, contacts with outside agencies. Attends staff meetings as directed.

Maintains timely and appropriate documentation of all consults, initial evaluations, progress notes, discharge notes, patient/family education, workload statistics, QA monitors, patient attendance records and other clinical activities. Follows appropriate billing and coding practices. Inputs scheduling data into computer systems or through approved charting methods and updates daily to reflect status of patients.

This is to be done in concert and accordance with Medical Center policies on scheduling, consult management and electronic wait list entry. Completes all employee/patient incident documentation in a timely manner as required by hospital or Service policy. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Some weekends may be required) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:51421-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & Education

IMPORTANT: 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 $61722 – $97087/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2027-09-30.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-19 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov