Incumbent serves as a Recreation Therapist, GS-0638-7/9/11, Whole Health at the Tennessee Valley VA Healthcare System (TVHS); a dual campus- Murfreesboro/Nashville. The incumbent is charged with responsibility for a range of clinical functions in the areas of clinical recreation therapy delivery, information, education, screening/disposition of routine clinical operational matters for evaluation and treatment in direct patient care.

Duties

Work will be performed in a diverse facility serving CLC inpatient, acute care, mental health, rehab and long-term care. Incumbent may be required to travel in a government vehicle.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). Education: (1) 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 (2) 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. Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. The private organization must deem such education at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Recreation Therapist: Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 Recreation Therapist: Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-7), or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. iv. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. GS-11 Recreation Therapist: Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9). 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G60, Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standards, Dated June 7, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking; Standing; Climbing (use of legs and arms); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Clear Speech; Emotional and mental stability.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville 1310 24th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 US
• Name: Shanika Glover
• Phone: 314-358-0100
• Email: [email protected]