Recreation Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Martinez, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service at the VA Northern California Health Care System. The role requires skills in program development and administrative aspects of patient treatment, along with the ability to provide a range of recreation therapy services, including in community living centers, post-deployment assessment and treatment, and comprehensive integrated inpatient rehabilitation programs.

The therapist provides direct patient care, generally independently, seeking guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff only for the most complex patients. They assess patients across cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure domains; develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans; and deliver interventions for complex medical and mental health conditions. Treatment may address conditions including amputation, paralysis, neurological and orthopedic conditions, behavioral health and psychiatric diagnoses, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, and blindness rehabilitation.

The position provides interventions at or near the assigned location and includes off-station community integration. The work schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is not eligible for telework and is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a major in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure and an option or emphasis in therapeutic recreation, with the degree approved by the NCTRC; or a bachelor's degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university and CTRS certification, with the degree approved by the NCTRC. Certification cannot be waived under the latter education pathway.
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the NCTRC, subject to the stated grandfathering provision for qualifying current VHA employees.
• At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level for GS-11.
• Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions to complex diagnoses or disabilities, use clinical reasoning to identify when further specific functional assessment is needed, and apply unconventional methods and techniques as appropriate.
• Ability to independently interpret provider referrals and consults and apply health and safety regulations to mitigate risks.
• Ability to communicate and educate clearly and concisely with patients, families, caregivers, and health care professionals.
• Skill in independently using screening and evaluation techniques for direct patient care, including recommending recreation therapy assistive devices and assessing fit and function.
• Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best-practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
• Knowledge of recreation therapy assessment principles and techniques and treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including prolonged standing or walking; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, lifting up to 40 pounds, and stretching; lifting and repositioning patients; pushing or pulling heavy objects, including Veterans in wheelchairs or gurneys; and leading or directing physical activities or exercise.
• May be subject to background and security investigation; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessments across cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure functional domains.
• Use assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to create and deliver appropriate, evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for patients with complex medical or mental health issues.
• Review recreation therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives, including treatment scope and duration.
• Recommend adaptations, modifications, and assistive technology to address assessed recreation therapy needs and preferences.
• Use activity and task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; restore basic motor and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies for community re-entry.
• Use therapeutic techniques and strategies such as behavior development, relaxation and stress reduction, lifestyle alteration, social skills training, self-esteem development, support for positive relationships, motor learning and training, anger and pain management, risk identification, recovery support, lifestyle adjustment, conflict and problem resolution, and adjustment to disability, grief, and loss.
• Provide interventions in or around the assigned location and support community integration efforts off station.
• Apply health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks in patient care and the care environment.
• Communicate with and educate patients, families, caregivers, and health care professionals to facilitate interdisciplinary treatment.
• Select and use screening and evaluation techniques to provide direct care, including recommendations for recreation therapy assistive devices and their fit and function.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Selected applicants may qualify for prior-service credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior