The Recreation Therapist is aligned under Geriatric and Extended Careline at the VA Western New York Healthcare System (VA WNYHS) located in Batavia, NY. The location is a level 1B, multisite facility and 7 outpatient clinics, whose purpose is to provide care and rehabilitation to those Veterans with a variety of disabilities, such as amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health, psychiatric diagnoses, etc...

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Clinical: Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure) Incorporate the four-step process of: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered, the therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treatment patients with complex medical or mental health issues. Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. The Recreation Therapist is expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed. In consultation with patients, their families, and caregivers, Recreation Therapist shall educate as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Demonstrates ability and competency in treating patients that range in age from young adult to geriatric who may experience complex medical or mental health issues. Administration: Adheres with Medical Center policies. Utilizes Automated Data Processing (ADP) system in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to Medical Center ADP Security policy. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies, which affect their service delivery. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area. Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners. Education: Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assists in teaching and providing learning experiences for Recreation Therapy clinical interns as required. Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-service activities. Deliver treatment in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accrediting agencies and VHA directives. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21M47-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. Education. (a) 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); ORA 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 Requirements: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1 )(b ), certification cannot be waived. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). GS-11 Grade Determinations: Specialized Experience: At least 1 year of creditable experience at the next lower (GS-9) grade level. Specialized experience may include: conduct patient evaluations; analyze and interpret leisure, cognitive, and motor skill assessment data to develop individualized goals, objectives, and treatment plan of care; develop and select interventions to achieve patient goals; review patient progress; adapt or adjust the treatment plan and intervention strategies; implement therapeutic interventions that support measurable functional outcomes (interventions include, but are not limited to leisure education, reality orientation, memory, and gross motor activities); evaluate patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services; document patient's behavioral observations, progress, functioning, and intervention outcomes; and develop and provide collaborative services with other team members. Therapists at this level may be given general assignments in a program area. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Skill in independently applying evidence based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. 6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits. References: See VA Directive and Handbook 5005/111 Part II Appendix G60The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients, and pushing or pulling heavy objects and patients in wheelchairs/Geri-chairs. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above average dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures. Note: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, series and grades for all federal positions held, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week. (Failure to provide an SF-50 that demonstrates one-year time-in-grade will result in disqualification from being considered) You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

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 VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Shawndolyn Trotter
• Email: [email protected]