Summary Clinical Recreation Therapist (RT) position functions in the Medical Foster Care (MFH) & Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs, full performance RT functions as an independent clinical practitioner providing comprehensive therapeutic recreation specialty rehabilitation services to Veterans & family members in their homes. Collaborates with MFH & HBPC programs staff, guides & directs patient treatment to assist so Veteran obtains optimal levels of functioning while maintaining independence. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical Providing recreational therapy services to Veterans enrolled in the El Paso VA, specifically the MFH and HBPC programs. Functioning with independent judgment to administer and interpret recreation therapy assessments and utilizing clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessment and interviewing approaches to effectively elicit information. Providing direct 1:1 treatment and services that require the exercise of mature professional judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of clinical skills. Carrying full professional responsibility for cases presenting a wide range of psychosocial and medical issues with no limitations (within his/her scope of clinical privileges) as to the range of service to be performed. Reviewing recreation therapy consults and conducting comprehensive evaluations and assessments, then analyzing, interpreting and reporting assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Recommending adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy. Responsible for planning, organizing, conducting, and supervising a comprehensive and complex therapeutic/ self-directed Recreation Therapy program that addresses the physical limitations, communicative disorders, cognitive deficits, social, emotional and/ or behavior reactions for adult Veterans of all ages. Responsible for administering interventions utilizing program adaptations to enhance the patient's potential and improve/support clinical outcomes, in accordance with the interdisciplinary treatment plans and predetermined treatment goals. Documenting the treatment rendered and the Veteran's progress and response to treatment in the medical record in timely manner per facility policy. Responsible for planning and executing recreational activities that may occur during the evening hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Administrative/Program Participating in the overall activities of the Medical Foster Program. Participating in program planning and the development of working relationships with community agencies and resources. Collecting, compiling, maintaining and/or tracking statistical records and information for the completion of required reports and in support of service operations, as required, within specified deadlines; submits data on patient contacts promptly and accurately to program office for monthly statistic. Completing all statistical and administrative reports according to Recreation Therapy Service and Medical Center Policies. Reviewing, providing, inputting and making recommendations on supply and equipment acquisition and personnel needs in recreation therapy. Teaching/Training May participate in research, education, evaluations and studies. Maintaining personal professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assisting in teaching and providing learning experiences for Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, and Recreation Therapy students. Maintaining valid state driver's license and vehicle insurance. Participating in staff orientation and in-service activities. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:45pm Telework: Ad-hoc available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/29/2025 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: Required Certification - Recreation Therapist. 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 Failure to Obtain Registration/Certification. In all cases, recreation and creative arts therapists must actively pursue meeting registration and/or certification requirements, starting from the date of appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the unregistered and/or uncertified recreation or creative arts therapist with the written requirement to obtain registration/certification, the date by which the registration and/or certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming registered and/or certified by the deadline. Failure to become registered and/or certified within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0638 recreation and creative arts therapist occupation, and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credential. A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision: 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). 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). 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: Minimum of 2 years experience in field of expertise Homecare experience Experience with Geriatric, chronically ill, high risk and/or Veteran population Experience with Recreational Therapy Program development to include creation and implementation of policy and procedure. 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. Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license. 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 Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. 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.
