This assignment carries responsibility for providing recreation therapy (RT) evaluation and treatment to veteran patients according to the North Florida / South Georgia VA Health System (NF/SG VAHCS) mission and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) guidelines. The RT will provide services within the PM&R Service for the MH RRTP, as well as provide RT coverage as needed within the NF/SG VAHS catchment area .

Duties

DUTIES: Recreation Therapists evaluate and assess patients, as assigned, to determine the treatment course to be followed. Performs tests and measurements of patient functional and cognitive ability in preparing a treatment plan, modifying treatment, and evaluating results of treatment. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a myriad of treatment approaches and techniques, and works toward goals established. Serves as a subject matter expert to students and staff, as well as, other health care specialists in matters concerning the recreational therapy needs of patients. May provide formal and informal instruction as needed to nursing and other hospital personnel regarding recreational therapy and tele-health. Participates in multidisciplinary ward/clinic rounds, as needed, which includes providing information on patient assessment and progress, and information regarding recreational therapy management of patients. Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of patient physical functional levels and providing progressive treatment. Independently develops and implements a recreational therapy treatment program using judgment to modify treatment for changing medical conditions or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities. Effectively communicates, both orally and In writing. Documents assessments, goals, patient/family education, progress, and change in treatment of patient condition in medical records accurately. Compiles daily, weekly, or monthly statistics for ongoing reporting. Works effectively with treatment team members and other health care providers In coordinating the patient's total care. Supervises the clinical training experiences of technical and professional level recreation therapy Interns to fulfill educational and professional requirements. Assists during emergency situations including initiating and/or assisting with CPR. Other duties as assigned. Research and program development: support research In the therapist specialty to Improve the quality of patient care. Responsible for revising and developing evaluation and treatment methodologies to meet changing needs In the area of recreation therapy. Occasionally, required to make special modifications and adaptations to existing recreation equipment for attainment f patient's functional independence. ADP Security: protects printed and/or electronic files containing sensitive data under the privacy acts and other applicable laws, federal regulation, VA statutes and policy and Veterans Health Administration policy. The employee Is responsible for: Protecting that data from unauthorized release and from loss, alteration or deletion. Follows applicable regulations and Instructions regarding access to computerized files, of access codes, etc, as set out in a computer agreement which the employee signs. Administration and leadership: Reports to the HUD/VASH Supervisor or Chief of Community Care Service or PM&R Service Line Manager on performance, progress and training needs. Submits supply, equipment, and material inventories and requests. Coordinates all involved disciplines when changes and additions are needed regarding patient treatment and programming. Knowledge Required By the Position: Professional knowledge of methods, theories, concepts, interventions, techniques and principles of Recreation Therapy to administer the rehabilitation process for difficult mixed diagnostic categories of patients with every complex medical, physical, and mental deficiencies. Incumbent will carry a current CTRS certification card with the National council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and abide by the established Code of Ethics of the profession. The ability to apply professional knowledge gained through seasoned experience and/or advanced education to evaluate the existing process and programs to made significant refinements and design and implement new programs. Knowledge of medical terminology and ability to Interpret physicians' prescriptions and to formulate a treatment plan which will meet prescribed activity goals. Knowledge of/including anatomy, physiology, sociology, abnormal psychology as they apply to normal and abnormal physical and behavioral functions. Knowledge of and organizes, maintains, and secures work area and equipment to provide a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients, family, staff, visitors and volunteers under the guidelines for infection control. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Recreation Therapist - 573-05679-A 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a). English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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) -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. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b) in the Reference Qualification Standard, certification cannot be waived. For grade levels at or above the full performance level (GS-11), the candidate must be registered and/or certified. Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist, GS-11 Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9). Education may NOT be substituted at the full-performance level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. a) 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. b) 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. c) 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. d) 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. e) Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. f) Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/111, Part II, Appendix G60, Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard - GS-0638 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Recreation Therapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" work. Medium Work entails: exerting 20 -50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. (i.e.: more than exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects).

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 Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1601 Southwest Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 US
• Name: Diana Dieringer
• Phone: 727-967-6873
• Email: [email protected]