Recreation Therapist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report 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. The therapist constructs evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical and/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), chronic pain, and hospice/palliative care requirements. Educates patients, their families, and caregivers regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. .Implements and modifies the treatment plan and goals as necessary throughout the course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. Documents assessments, goals, patient/family education, progress, and change in treatment or patient condition in medical records accurately. Compiles daily, weekly, or monthly statistics for ongoing reporting. Assists in patient coverage for absent staff members to ensure continuity and quality of care. Administration Assists with the Performance Improvement efforts for the recreation therapy section, following activities that detect and remedy deficiencies in process and outcomes. Maintains a state authorized driver's license and completes required training to be able to transport patients as needed using the medical center's means for transportation. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies needs and makes recommendations to facilitate service delivery. Prepares in-services to educate pertinent staff and providers on recreation therapy services. Participates in staff orientation. 3. Meets the needs of customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, volunteers, co-workers, facility staff and the public) supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and interacts with customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner, while providing consistent information in accordance with established policies and procedures. Address conflict and concerns constructively and appropriately. Willingly accepts additional and special assignments that are necessary to meet program goals and/or customer needs. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00-4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61499F, 61500F, 61501F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAV08SAJCCOE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest

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/.