The Recreation Therapist is aligned under Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM(VAGLAHCS), a level 1a facility, whose purpose is to provide care and rehabilitation to those Veterans with a variety of disabilities.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Evaluates, develops a treatment program, and establishes goals based on evaluation findings. Implements and modifies treatment plan and goals as necessary to assure optimum outcomes. The Recreation Therapist must perform documentation of patient care, including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and, and other reports as needed. Provides expertise regarding their specialty area in planning for delivery of recreation therapy to patients. Acts as a subject matter expert to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Acts as the representative of Recreation Therapy on interdisciplinary teams of their specialty, when 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. Reviews, and makes recommendations on supply and equipment and supplies acquisitions. Provides input to the Supervisor on equipment and personnel needs in recreation therapy. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area. Maintains professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assists in teaching and proving learning experiences for Recreation Therapy students as required. Participates in staff orientation, successfully completes Medical Center assigned mandatory trainings, and in-services activities. Travel will be require within the local community or for cross coverage of other Recreation Therapy staff. Applicant must possess and be able to maintain a current State Class C license by the closing date of this announcement. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required 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 (b) from above, 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). All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts therapist, on June 7, 2019 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. Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade lever (GS-09). AND Applicant must meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: 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: VA Handbook 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The 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; pushing or pulling heavy objects; leading or directing physical exercise. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average agility and dexterity to perform intricate therapy procedures, as well as skill and ability in the therapist's assigned discipline.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Hugo Lopez
• Phone: (858) 552-8585 X7748
• Email: [email protected]