Recreation Therapist

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Las Vegas
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. -- 7407(a)).
Education.
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. 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. Preferred Experience:
Minimum of 2 years' experience.
Extensive working knowledge of multiple RT modalities.
Knowledge and experience engaging patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games, and community outings.
Knowledge and experience planning and implementing interventions to support the client in meeting his or her goals.
Knowledge and experience with adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy.
Knowledge and experience of developing psycho-social activities for coping with frustration, stress, anger, and hostility; the appropriate use of leisure time; and improving social interaction skills.
Knowledge and experience with documenting and analyzing patient's progress.
Knowledge and experience with monitoring, evaluating and ordering supplies.
Extensive knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office applications.
Desire and ability to work with the other Recreation Therapist collaboratively.
Desire and ability to be an "agent of change" to achieve goals. Grade Determinations:
Recreation Therapist, GS-7. None beyond the basic requirements. Recreation Therapist, GS-9
Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-07), OR a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience. AND
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-11Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level(GS-09). AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix 60, dated June 7, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 7 to 11. Physical Requirements: Applicant may need to push, pull, carry, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Job may include standing, sitting, or kneeling for extended periods of time.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Las Vegas , Recreation Therapist, Healthcare , Las Vegas, Nevada