This position is in Grand Junction, Colorado and has a full performance level of Adaptive Sports and Equipment Coordinator GS-0638 -11.This Clinic is one of six programs that falls under National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. The NDVWSC is an adaptive ski clinic that serves approximately 400 veterans and active duty service men and women each year who have spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, visual impairments and other neurological conditions

Duties

The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert for the Winter Sports Clinic equipment, which includes but is not limited to adaptive ski equipment (approximately 160 mono/bi-skis, 180 pairs of outriggers, 20 sliders / ski legs), 250 skis, 250 helmets, sled hockey (40 hockey sleds), curling, and rock-climbing equipment. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the sports equipment inventory, assessing equipment needs, and performing full inspections. The position is hands-on and requires the ability to work with tools to make adjustments and / or repairs. Full Inspections include: Checks for cracks in seats, footrests, welds, and frames. Checks each unit to ensure they have evacuation straps and making sure the straps are secure by manufacturer recommendation. Lift mechanisms work properly. The following equipment have lift mechanisms: Yetti, Twin, Mountain Man, Bi-unique, Dymanique, Tessier Dual, HOC Glide, Scarver, Bullet, Paschberger, and Nissan. Checks all seating straps to make sure they are free from cracks and function properly. All boot / mounting brackets are in safe condition and free of cracks and burs. All the bolts, nuts, and screws in seat buckets are covered to prevent skin breakdown. Checks entire unit for sharp areas that may need to be filed/ground down to prevent cuts or catches to clothing. Each unit has a smooth release carabiner. Checks each ski to ensure it is not delaminated, is free of cracks and burs, and the edging is not bent. Bindings are working properly and free from cracks and broken pieces. Full inspections for stand-up skis (sliders, ski legs, rider bars, and snow wings) include the following: Checks each ski to make sure bicycle clamps, screws, etc. are tight but making sure not to overtighten bicycle clamps as it will create cracks in the welds. Checks for cracks in welds and on frames. Checks for broken or bent pieces. Inspect each sled to make sure they are not broken or bent and free from cracks in seats and frames. Tighten all screws, bolts, and nuts. Evaluate moving parts and ensure they are tight. Sharpen skates and ensure the covers are secure. Remove any rust from equipment. -Submits an After-Action Report and Equipment and Supply Request annually to ensure that necessary equipment and supplies are available for the program to operate. -Maintains inventory spreadsheet, which includes inventory EE/MX number, year purchased, and identifying number. -Makes sure all equipment is tagged with Winter Sports Clinic sticker and identifying number. -Responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and organization of the equipment trailer and box truck. -Assists and travels to disabled events such as clinics, camps, etc. to provide equipment support to disabled athletes. -Will serve as the back-up purchase card holder for the Winter Sports Clinic and will be required to comply by all the rules and regulations to maintain an active purchase card. Program Responsibility: -Creates, implements, and supports new and ongoing disabled sports programs that are compatible with both the VA and community's interests, facilities, and resources. Works with community partners, and programs. -Provides adaptive sports clinics and training sessions for those who have consults for adaptive sports. -Evaluation of patient who presents with complex seating needs with assessment and intervention with appropriate adaptive sports equipment. -Adjustment of personal adaptive sports equipment to support appropriate positioning, skin protection, and joint preservation to support skill acquisition and safe, independent participation. -Travels with patients to recreational programs, camps, and competitions that are designed for those individuals who have disabilities. Plans Effective Treatment: -Develops sports and recreational programs for individuals with various disabilities such as psychiatric diagnoses, post-traumatic stress disorder, aging and dementia, orthopedic conditions, amputation, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, etc. -Through the use of activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, the therapist designs treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner. Administers Treatment -Treatment is administered considering the patient's cognitive and physical conditions, medications, and energy output at the time of therapy. -Evaluates and Adjusts Treatment Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7AM-3:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 56615-O, 56616-O, 56617-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music): (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); OR (b) 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 CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. 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. Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified. Grandfather Provision: 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). All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts therapist, on the effective date 06/07/2019 of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist, GS-7 Experience/Education None other then basic requirements. Recreation Therapist, GS-9 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. AND 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. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. Recreation Therapist, GS-11 Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level GS-9. AND 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. Preferred Experience: Requires knowledge on adaptive sports equipment and how to properly inspect the equipment. Also requires the knowledge and skills to assemble and make minor repairs / adjustments. Must be able to demonstrate how each piece of equipment is used. Requires knowledge on how to work with those who have cognitive, emotional, social, and physical impairments. Knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, recreation activities and techniques, and adaptive sports. Maintains a valid CDL Class B license with passenger endorsement to operate a motor vehicle for the purpose of community outings and adaptive sports participation. Requires the ability to tolerate and work in extreme weather conditions, including snow and heat for prolonged periods of time. This may include walking and moving equipment in snow and mud. Also, requires the ability to work at high altitudes for extended periods of time. References: VA Handbook 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60 The full performance level of this vacancy is 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: Requires the ability to tolerate and work in extreme weather conditions, including snow and heat for prolonged periods of time. This may include walking and moving equipment in snow and mud. Also, requires the ability to work at high altitudes for extended periods of time. Regular and/or recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, lifting, or moving of equipment. This could include lifting a minimum 50 pounds and ascending/descending stairs carrying a minimum 30 pounds. Work demands require specific, common physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. This physical exertion can also occur while actively involved in physical activity with the patient. This position requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, traveling, shifting, kneeling, stooping, extending, grasping, bending, pushing, pulling, pivoting, twisting, squatting, turning, balancing, stretching, reaching, carrying, and dragging. Additional physical demands include participation in recreational and competitive sports activities, which are physical in nature such as, but not limited to, bowling, cycling, snow skiing, swimming, kayaking, and rock climbing.

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 Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 US
• Name: Maria Romero
• Phone: 970-263-5098
• Email: [email protected]