Recreation Therapist

The position involves professional work requiring the application of a knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of recreation therapy, and the use of recreational modalities to treat the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of individual patients, groups of patients, and families; maintain or rehabilitate patients' physical and/or mental health. The incumbent should be knowledgeable about the residential level of care.

Duties at the GS-11 (full-performance) grade level include but are not limited to: Receives, consults, conducts, analyzes, interprets, and reports assessment data based on functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Incorporates the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered, the therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical, mental health, and substance abuse issues. Employs knowledge and understanding of physical illness, mental health, substance abuse, and other appropriate physical, social, and biological sciences, and skills in recreation therapy. Plans and carries out treatment programs that are directed to such goals that include but are not limited to (1) sensory integration (2) ambulation (3) diminishing emotional stress (4) community reentry (5) reality orientation (6) muscular dysfunction reorientation (7) treatment of psychosocial dysfunction (8) providing a sense of achievement and progress (9) channeling energies into acceptable forms of behavior Conducts ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modifies, redirects, adjusts, and augments treatment plans as indicated by each veteran's response and progress in the light of each patient's emotional, mental health, and social needs; skills, aptitudes, abilities, and interests. Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized and group interventions that will be unique and effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions, including but not limited to assistive technology, cognitive behavioral skills, fitness and wellness, adapted sports and leisure development, and community accessibility/reintegration/transition. Evaluates the patient's needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitor the effectiveness of intervention plans, and make modifications, as needed. Determines the effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifies potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions with cases to facilitate improved bio-psychosocial well-being. Participates in the treatment team in all programs within the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program. Work Schedule: Will be discussed during interview Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Available - Ad-hoc only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 dentification 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. A valid state issued driver's license with an unrestricted history in accordance with VA policy to drive a government vehicle. Ability to operate and drive a government vehicle as determined by Occupational Health driving examination. 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.