Summary Planning, directing & coordinating clinical & administrative activities with Recreation Therapy (RT) Program within Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation/Audiology Department of West TX VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS). Practice RT & serve as subject matter expert for programming in Veteran Healing Center (VHC). Participate in temporary assignments throughout WTVAHCS as needed. Evaluates patients, plans & establishes a full range of comprehensive treatment procedures designed to improve well-being. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure) Incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of services delivered Constructing evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues, such as polytrauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spinal cord injury (SCI), substance use disorder/addictions, serious mental illness (SMI), and hospice/palliative care requirements Providing direct patient care and receiving guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision Reviewing recreation therapy consults and conducting comprehensive evaluations Based upon the assessment data and in collaboration with other stakeholders, developing individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration and treatment Recommending adaptation, modification and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy Through the use of activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, designing individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety and maladaptive behaviors; recovering basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; building confidence and developing compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner Monitoring intervention plans for effectiveness, making modifications, as needed Determining the effectiveness of protocols, modalities and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifying potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved biopsychosocial well-being Participating in co-treatment opportunities, including but not limited to: neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness. Discharge analysis and planning is conducted for community needs Clinically supervising and training recreation assistants, recreation therapy assistants, recreation therapy students and volunteers Demonstrating the ability to teach and mentor staff in Recreation Therapy services Providing in-services and training for Recreation Therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary Work Schedule: Fulltime, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May be required to work some holidays and weekend events. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Bargaining Unit position Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. 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: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. 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 Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements Recreation Therapist, GS-9 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, 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. Recreation Therapist, 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 experience above, 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. Preferred Experience: Experience working with adult population Experience working with mental health population Experience working in a residential rehabilitation setting Driver's License Requirement: A current, valid state-issued driver's license is required for this position. Note: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued license. 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: moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), pushing (2 hours), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (5 hours), kneeling (2 hours), repeated bending (5 hours), climbing, legs only (2 hours) and hearing (aid may be permitted). 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/. Accreditation Information: The bachelor's degree or higher, must be from an accredited college or university 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. Degree must be approved by the NCTRC. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. NOTE: If your school was accredited by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the NCTRC website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.