Supervisory Recreation Therapist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Recreation Therapy Supervisor to oversee clinical and administrative aspects of recreation therapy services at the MEDVAMC Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line.

The role ensures safety, effectiveness, and quality in patient care under supervision. The position requires a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy and CTRS certification by NCTRC, with leadership experience in supervision and program management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field approved by the NCTRC.
• Certification: CTRS by NCTRC (required; certification cannot be waived if hired under 3b(1)(b)).

Responsibilities

• Supervise recreation therapy staff and ensure safety and effectiveness of services.
• Balance administrative and clinical duties to support patient care in Rehabilitation and Extended Care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based practices and apply them to guide staff.

Skills

CTRS certification

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Job description

The Recreation Therapy Supervisor is a working supervisor with both administrative and clinical responsibilities. This position is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the Recreation Therapy services delivered to the patients under his/her supervision and care. This position is located in the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line at the MEDVAMC, a complexity level 1a facility.

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 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 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived

Grade Determinations

GS-12

(a) Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence.
• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
• Ability to use evidence-based practices, clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the staff in applying these tools.
• Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.
• Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.

Preferred Experience

Experience supervising recreation therapists or interdisciplinary rehabilitation staff, including performance management, staff development, scheduling, and quality improvement initiatives. Experience working in the VA healthcare system or a comparable inpatient, outpatient, or rehabilitation setting with knowledge of VA policies, interdisciplinary care, and evidence-based therapeutic recreation practices. Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs; managing budgets and resources; and ensuring compliance with Joint Commission, CARF, VA, or other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Reference

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 12.

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office/clinic/hospital setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.