Recreation Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Tampa, FL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a direct patient care position responsible for performing the duties of a Recreation Therapist within the Adaptive Sports Program. The incumbent will evaluate patients, establish goals, develop and implement treatment interventions, and modify plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes. Responsibilities include documentation of patient care, direct service delivery, acting as a subject matter expert, and serving on interdisciplinary teams. The role also involves educating patients, families, and caregivers, treating patients across a wide age range with complex medical or mental health issues, and adhering to Medical Center policies. The incumbent will utilize the ADP system, participate in equipment and supply evaluation, foster a safe treatment area, promote effective communication, and maintain professional competence through education and training. Additionally, the position involves assisting with teaching clinical interns, participating in staff orientation and mandatory training, and delivering treatment in compliance with VHA directives. Collaboration with the Section Chief is required for identifying needs, priorities, and outcomes related to consultations, community partnerships, and adapted sports events.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• 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.
• Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC.
• For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience providing adaptive sports opportunities/equipment to Veterans/active duty with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, ALS, MS, stroke, amputation and others.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions.
• Implements and modifies treatment plans and goals as needed throughout the course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes.
• Performs documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed.
• Uses expertise for direct service delivery to patients.
• Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals.
• Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed.
• Educates patients, their families, and caregivers regarding treatment interventions and goals, and adaptations for optimal treatment outcomes.
• Demonstrates ability and competency in treating patients that range in age from young adult to geriatric who may experience complex medical or mental health issues.
• Adheres with Medical Center policies.
• Utilizes Automated Data Processing (ADP) system in accordance with established procedures.
• Adheres to Medical Center ADP Security policy.
• Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies that affect their service delivery.
• Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area.
• Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners.
• Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities.
• Assists in teaching and providing learning experiences for Recreation Therapy clinical interns as required.
• Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-service activities.
• Delivers treatment in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accrediting agencies and VHA directives.
• Works in collaboration with the Section Chief to identify needs, priorities, and outcomes for consultations, community partnerships, adapted sports clinics and events and community partnerships.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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