This position is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID. The Boise VA is a Level 2A complexity medical center, where Recreation Therapists serve veterans in the following care areas: critical care, acute care, outpatient Patient Aligned Care Teams and Behavioral Health, Community Living Center, inpatient psychiatry, Home Based Primary Care, residential PTSD, and residential substance abuse programs.

Duties

Interprets Recreation Therapy referrals, assigns the level of clinical urgency, determines expected length of evaluation and treatment, and facilitates scheduling. Employs evidence-based assessment tools and techniques while evaluating patients. Completes comprehensive Recreation Therapy evaluations. Performs measures of physical, neurological, cognitive, social/leisure, occupational, and psychological function. Develops personalized treatment plans. Evaluates patients for Recreation Therapy adaptive and assistive equipment. Serves on integrated care teams such as Polytrauma, Inpatient Psychiatry, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment, PTSD Residential Program, Community Living Center (to include Rehabilitation, Long Term Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Skilled Care). Participates in clinical, department, and program meetings. Acts as a clinical instructor for Recreation Therapy and pre-Recreation Therapy students. Collects and reports functional outcomes as directed. Complies with Standard Precautions and Infection Control principles in daily work. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730 - 1600 Virtual/Remote: This is not a virtual/remote position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English Education/Certification. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist: (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. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. Certification cannot be waived. Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist, GS-7 None beyond the basic requirements. Recreation Therapist, GS-9 Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all 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 5005/111, Part II, Appendix G60, Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard. 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.

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 Boise VA Medical Center 500 West Fort Street Boise, ID 83702 US
• Name: Aleric Dubbels
• Phone: 208-422-1363
• Email: [email protected]