This position is located and primarily performed in the Erie VA Medical Center Community Living Centers however, re-assignment may be required based on patient care needs. The incumbent provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services. Performance is determined by the manager, Community Living Center (CLC) Alpha based on competency, department efficiency.
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: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music): (1) 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 (1) Required Certification (a) Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. (2) Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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: Recreation Therapist, GS-7 (a) Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Recreation Therapist, GS-9 (a) 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. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. ii. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. iii. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. iv. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. Recreation Therapist, GS-11 (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: i. 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. ii. 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. iii. 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. iv. 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. v. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. vi. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits. Preferred Experience: Driver License Required: Incumbent will be required to transport Veterans. 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-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: See VA Handbook 5019.
Major Duties Include: Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatments 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. Plan and implements a general range of Recreation Therapy treatment for inpatient groups of Residents and Veterans (e.g. geriatric, physical disabilities, hospice, psychiatric or injuries) whose conditions can be treated with diverse procedures and approaches with guidance from higher level or supervisory staff. Provides routine documentation of patient participation, progress, response and continuous monitoring of treatment plan and ongoing involvement of/and consultation with the patient. Reviews recreation therapy consults and conducts comprehensive evaluations. Draws upon advanced education, clinical training and experience to prepare a treatment plan of each patient that is based upon information in the provider's referral, clinical record, assessment and evaluation of the patient's condition, treatment goals and the selection of interventions that are suitable to achieve treatment objectives. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Participating in the overall patient treatment program. The therapeutic process for a goal-intended program will be used with the following: a) comprehensive assessment including physical, social, cognitive and affective strengths and deficits; b) goal/objective development to meet needs for treatment; c) appropriate interventions strategies; d) programs implementation; and e) evaluation of treatment interventions and goals. f) discharge planning/aftercare and community reintegration. Determines the effectives of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identify potential risk needs for participate in co-treatment opportunities, including but not limited to; Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy rehabilitation, and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness. Discharge analysis and planning are conducted for community needs. Work Schedule: Days/Evenings and weekends. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized.