The Recreation Therapist PAWS Program Coordinator works in Recreation Therapy Service and is aligned with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS). The PAWS Program Coordinator's primary responsibilities are to provide administrative support and leadership for the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (Paws) Act.

Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Works with the National PAWS Program Manager to develop, execute, monitor, and report on the PAWS Pilot Program for the facility. Ensures compliance and collaboration with the VA Central Office PAWS Pilot Project initiative. Oversees facility needs to assist in the development of action plans related to fulfilling the requirements of the PAWS pilot program and assist in developing and implementing information systems to track Service activities including visits, referrals, and Veteran participation. Assists with clinical service dog training program implemented with Veterans who are diagnosed with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center regarding the PAWS Pilot and helps to create educational tools, develop programs, and implement training related to PAWS. Provides education and in-service training to VAPAHCS employees, Veterans, and families about the PAWS ACT. Provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding PAWS and distributes educational materials provided by VA PAWS Program Leadership. Serves as a consultant and advocate for helping staff understand the PAWS Act. Serves as a liaison between the VA and the Service Dog Organization. Participates on facility committees pertaining to service animal training program. Promotes the VA PAWS Pilot Program through collaboration with local VA Public Affairs Office through interviews with local print, voice, and television media. Maintains basic knowledge of local VAPAHCS PTSD programs, and evidence-based services for PTSD. May serve on committees, councils, workgroups, and/or task forces. May serve as liaison to community agencies and networks with agency representatives. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 640-00378-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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. 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. Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): (1) Knowledge of management/administration principles, procedures, and practice, which includes supervision, consultation, negotiation, mediation, and monitoring. (2) Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data and make recommendations to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within services. (3) Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties when authorized, which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; competency assessments; performance evaluations; selection of staff; recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions when appropriate. (4) Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work, evaluate program quality to ensure that methods, deadlines, and standards have been met, and prioritize the workload. (5) Ability to effectively communicate goals, objectives, and focused initiatives to an interdisciplinary team, specialized clinical program, or subsection, as well as guide the team members on work methods, practices, standards, and procedures. (6) Knowledge of regulatory requirements, interdisciplinary structure, and organizational structure to serve as a liaison between specialty care and other programs that would affect coordination of care, healthcare access, program evaluation, assessment, and planning future needs. (7) Skill in employing recognized leadership and managerial methods and strategies, including interpersonal relations and conflict resolution in the management of employees, team leaders, and managers. Preferred Experience This position will work with the National PAWS Program Manager to develop, execute, monitor, and report on the PAWS Pilot Program for the facility. The Recreation Therapist PAWS Program Coordinator ensures compliance and collaboration with the VA Central Office PAWS Pilot Project Initiative. This position will provide care and rehabilitation to those Veterans whose primary diagnose is PTSD and other secondary mental health conditions. The PAWS Program Coordinator's primary responsibilities are to provide administrative support and leadership for the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (Paws) Act. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/111, PART II, APPENDIX G60. RECREATION AND CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0638, Veterans Health Administration dated June 7, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.

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 Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Email: [email protected]