This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

This is a direct patient care position in which the Recreation Therapist is responsible for performing the work of recreation/creative art therapist which encompasses a variety of different duties and responsibilities. They demonstrate competency which qualifies them to perform patient evaluations and treatment procedures with indirect supervision on patients with a verity of complex diagnosis and disabilities. They have skills in program development and administrative aspects of patient treatment and has knowledge and ability in diverse recreation/creative arts therapy treatment services. They are responsible for developing, organizing, and administering recreation/creative arts therapy programs to provide therapeutic interventions to patients on different programs with diverse diagnoses. Additional duties include but not limited to: Evaluates, establishes goals based on evaluation findings, and develops treatment interventions. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcomes. Expected to perform documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports on a timely basis as needed. Uses Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Acts as a subject matter resource to staff and other healthcare professionals. Serves as Recreation Therapy representative on interdisciplinary teams as assigned or needed. Consultation with patients, their families, and caregivers, Recreation Therapist shell educate as required regarding treatment interventions and goals, in addition to any consideration involving adaptations to better ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Demonstrates ability and competency in treating patients that range in age from young to adult to geriatric who may experience complex medical or mental health issues. Adheres with Medical Center policies. Complies with accrediting body standards and fully complies with VA regulations. Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies and makes recommendations which affect their service delivery. Fosters and maintains a safe treatment area. Promotes effective communication with all patients, caregivers, treatment team members, Medical Center staff and community partners and stakeholder. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Tuesday - Saturday, Sunday - Thursday, Shifts will be determined based on unit needs. Telework: Available - Per Agency policy and Service Approval on an Ad-hoc Basis. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61499F | 61500F | 61501F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact Adam Blas-Rodriguez, [email protected] the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English and Spanish to be appointed. Education. Recreation Therapist-Transcripts Submitted: (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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must 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. Certification Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under Education Requiremen (b), certification cannot be waived. 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. Grandfathering 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-7 Recreation Therapist Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 Recreation Therapist candidates must meet above requirement as well have the following: 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. While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. 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. GS-11 Recreation Therapist candidates must meet the above requirement as well have the following: Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9). While we no longer require essay-style responses to our Knowledge's Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the (below) competencies which are necessary to perform the work of the position. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. 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. Full performance level is GS-11 Preferred: Experience in therapeutic recreation in clinical settings. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G60, Recreation and Creative Arts Therapist Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: This position requires moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.), light carrying (under 15 pounds), reaching above the shoulder, use of both hands and fingers, walking & standing (up to 3 hours/day), repeated bending (up to 2 hours), use of both legs, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, and emotional stability.

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 San Juan VA Medical Center 10 Calle Casia San Juan, PR 00921 US
• Name: Manuel Colon
• Phone: 407-631-8496
• Email: [email protected]