Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.

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. Education: 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. NOTE If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived. Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) . This cannot be waived if hired under the second education paragraph outlined above. Exception: Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for 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 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. Failure to Obtain Certification: In all cases, recreation therapists must actively pursue meeting certification requirements, starting from the date of appointment. Failure to become certified within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0638 recreation therapist occupation and may result in termination of employment. Grade Determinations: GS-11:In addition to the basic requirements, to meet the GS-11 grade requirements, you must meet the experience, certification, and KSAs listed below. Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. AND Certification: You must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. 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 Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: This position requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, travel kneeling, stooping, extending, grasping and participation in Recreation Therapy activities which may be physical in nature; running, physical fitness activities, bowling, driving motor vehicles such as a sedan or van. etc. The work involves driving an automobile and going in and out of a variety of settings in the community. Assisting patients in and out of vehicles, including public transit. Additional physical demands include: Bending, pushing, pulling, shifting patients, retrieving, standing, pivoting, twisting, squatting, turning, grasping, extending, balancing, casting, throwing, stretching, reaching, dodging, striking, lifting, turning, carrying, swinging, creative movement and dragging.

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 Robert J Dole VA Medical and Regional Office Center 5500 East Kellogg Drive Wichita, KS 67218 US
• Name: Cynthia Hildebrandt
• Phone: 9136822000
• Email: [email protected]