Therapy Assistant-Recreation Therapy

Veterans Health Administration•Battle Creek, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Therapy Assistant collaborates in the development, planning, and coordination of clinical therapeutic recreation programming for Veterans receiving services at the Battle Creek VAMC. The position carries out a full range of Therapeutic Recreation Services, including recreation treatment modalities and general recreational activities, for patients with varied illnesses, diseases, disabilities, and levels of impairment. The assistant works as an integral member of the Therapeutic Recreation Section of Social Work Service and provides patient care using practical knowledge of therapeutic recreation modalities. The role assists in developing activities and routines to maintain or improve patients’ physical and mental health, and independently supervises on- and off-station general activity programs for patients with diverse conditions. It supports patients’ self-help and independence, provides feedback to the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Program Manager, designee, and other team members, and works with Recreation Therapists to select or adapt modalities to treatment goals. In non-complex cases, the assistant may modify techniques and develop approaches to help meet treatment goals. The assistant transports or escorts patients during community reintegration programs, instructs them on expectations, observes for unpredictable behavior, and physically assists patients getting into and out of vehicles. The position also helps maintain leisure activity areas, offices, and outdoor activity spaces; completes clinical program documentation; evaluates activity effectiveness; and coordinates volunteer involvement in specialized treatment programs. The work schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One shift per week may be an evening shift, based on service needs. The position requires a current, valid U.S. driver's license and a current driving record. A pre-placement physical examination is required. Regular physical exertion, physical fitness, and swimming skills are required.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level, including relevant therapeutic recreation knowledge and skills; or at least 9 semester hours of directly related graduate education.
Current, valid U.S. driver's license and a copy of a current driving record.
Successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination.
Physical fitness and swimming skills.
Ability to perform regular physical exertion, including prolonged walking or standing, bending, moderately heavy lifting or moving equipment, pushing wheelchairs, positioning severely disabled patients, transferring patients from bed to wheelchair, and assisting with ambulation.
U.S. citizenship.
Current Federal employees and certain former Federal employees applying for a GS-06 position must meet the 52-week GS-05 time-in-grade requirement.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Nice To Haves

Practical knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation Services procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology, the human body, and psychology.
Knowledge of proper use of adapted equipment, such as wheelchair buses, walkers, wheelchairs, and adaptive sports or activity equipment.
Skill in encouraging patients with geriatric, psychiatric, PTSD, substance abuse, stroke, AIDS, cardiac, and other special needs to participate in social and recreational activities.
Knowledge of lifeguard duties and lifeguard certification.
Knowledge of gym equipment functions and safety requirements.
Graduate education in occupational, physical, manual arts, corrective, or educational therapy may qualify as a substitute for experience when at least 9 semester hours are completed.

Responsibilities

Carry out a full range of Therapeutic Recreation Services, including recreation treatment modalities and general recreational activities.
Assist in developing specific activities and routines to maintain or improve patients’ physical and mental health.
Independently supervise on- and off-station general activity programs for patients with diverse disabilities and diagnoses.
Support patients in lessening mental and physical deterioration and maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence possible within their limitations.
Provide feedback to the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Program Manager, designee, and other team members as appropriate.
Work with Recreation Therapists to select, adapt, or adjust recreation therapy modalities in accordance with treatment goals.
Modify techniques and develop innovative approaches as necessary to meet treatment goals in non-complex cases.
Transport or escort patients for community reintegration programs, explain expectations, observe for unpredictable behavior, and assist patients into and out of vehicles.
Inspect leisure activity areas, offices, and outdoor activity areas and report problems.
Complete medical record documentation for clinical programming in accordance with applicable VHA, accreditation, and recreation therapy guidelines.
Continuously evaluate recreational activities based on participant response, available resources, unforeseen developments, and program objectives.
Solicit volunteer support and involvement in specialized treatment programs and follow up on activity details, including supplies and confirmation.
Perform other duties as assigned.