Recreation Therapist

This position is located in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) - Recreation Therapy (RT) section at the Durham VA Health Care System. The position will serve the residents of the Community Living Center and assist in outpatient services. Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment - planning - implementation - and evaluation of patient treatment services.

This position is located in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) - Recreation Therapy (RT) section at the Durham VA Health Care System. The position will serve the residents of the Community Living Center and assist in outpatient services. Therapist provides treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment - planning - implementation - and evaluation of patient treatment services.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship:
  Must be a US citizen
• English Language Proficiency:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English - as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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:
  Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC
• If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b) - certification cannot be waived
• Grade Determination GS-11:
  Experience
• Must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to 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
• Will be required to drive patients around (Driving License and Employee Occupational Health Physical will be required)
  
  Preferred Experience:
  
  At least 1 yr experience working in Geriatrics and Extended Care
• 1yr of experience with completing needs assessments and evaluations for patients
• Experience with treatment plans
• Preferred completed BLS Training
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

• Receives consults and conducts - analyzes - interprets - and reports assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive - sensory - social - affective - physical - and leisure) Constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues Conducts ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modifies - redirects - adjusts - and augments treatment plans as indicated by each patient's response and progress in the light of each patient's physical - emotional - mental and social needs
• skills - aptitudes - abilities and interests Provides a considerable variety of therapy services as both adjunctive and primary therapeutic services - depending on the need When…