The Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Recreation Therapist to work for the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service in Albuquerque, NM. The incumbent provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services.
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. OR Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the 5 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements: GS-07 None beyond basic requirements. GS-09 Experience/Education: One year of creditable experience comparable at the next lower level or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. 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. 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: Duties are physical in nature, requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium weight objects, and pushing wheelchairs. Requires the ability to carry light to medium weight items such as papers, books, or other supplies, as well as heavier items such as durable medical equipment. The incumbent needs to be able to handle the therapy equipment, modalities, and items needed for well- being group activities and uses the computer and other standard office equipment to complete administrative tasks.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Evaluating the history, interests, aptitudes and skills of patients. Administering, scoring, or interpreting a wide variety of measurements to determine, develop, and implement therapeutic interventions for individual patients. Conducting ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modifying treatment plans as needed. Providing a considerable variety of therapy services as both adjunctive and primary therapeutic services, depending on the need. Coordinating and assisting in implementing other program elements, as assigned (e.g., Pet Therapy, Creative Writing, Pool Therapy and Arts and Crafts Festival). Supervising the use of the Recreation Hall. Responsible for facility preparation, preventative maintenance, safety and fire inspections, and facility scheduling. Ensuring that adequate and appropriate supplies are on hand. Ensuring that all equipment is in good working order. Supervising work-study students and volunteers assigned to the program. Scheduling and assisting volunteers, both individuals and groups, in providing recreation activities. Assisting in providing in-service training and orientation to volunteers, work-study students and others. Designing, publishing and distributing monthly activity calendars as well as special event flyers. Maintaining appropriate records of program activities, patient and volunteer attendance, supply and equipment purchases and other documentation Providing a variety of bedside activity to patients in all bed sections. Coordinating off-station outings including transportation, admissions, scheduling publicity, and meals if needed. Serving on appropriate Medical Center, Service and Section Committees as assigned. Planning and implementation of Adaptive Sports events. Maintaining oversight of loaner equipment for the Adaptive Sports. Maintaining the community distribution list. Work Schedule: Preferred Tour: Tuesday through Saturday 08:00am - 4:30pm, but flexible on tour time and days. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized