The Recreation Assistant independently supervises all general (diversionary) activity programs for various types of disabilities which include psychiatric diagnoses, Domiciliary residential rehabilitation treatment patients, and Community Living Center (CLC) extended care patients. The Organizational Location of the Position is: This position is located in Recreation Therapy service, within VANTHCS.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: The incumbent not only develops, plans, and conducts a variety of diversionary activity programming and functions, to include but not limited to social activities, physical activities, table games outdoor activities, spectator events, one to one activities, hobbies/crafts and community activities, but also assists activity staff in developing/planning/conducting a variety of programming. Supports and assists volunteers in specialized programs, follows up on activities involving these individuals or groups for conformation, supplies needed and other details pertinent to the activity. Supervises volunteers who support activities and provides general supervision to the activity specialists. The incumbent independently develops and implements new diversionary programs and trains and assists activity specialists in developing/planning/scheduling diversionary activities. The incumbent functions as the primary resource person for the activity specialists. The Activity Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and carrying out a full range of general (diversionary) activities. These activities address the diversionary activity needs of the patients, utilizing appropriate motivational and leadership approaches.. The incumbent independently provides general oversight coordination for all diversionary activity specialists and activity programs on site for various types of disabilities which include psychiatric diagnoses, residential rehabilitation treatment patients with substance abuse and extended care residents with multiple medical diagnose and varying levels of dementia. Incumbent strives to maintain the highest degree of self-help and independence within limitations of a patient's disability. The incumbent assists in maintaining the Diversionary activity areas, offices, outdoor activity areas by performing periodic oh-site inspections and reporting any problems. Incumbent is responsible for planning and managing all expendable supplies to stay within fiscal limits (budget) available for the Diversionary Activities program. Incumbent manages all supplies and equipment used in assigned area(s)/program(s) by inventory, storage, issue, service and repair. Greets patients, orients them to Recreation Diversionary Activities programs and involves them in activities. Answers the telephone, takes/records messages and communicates pertinent information to the supervisor. Monitors equipment readiness, removing broken equipment from patient use and communicates equipment problems. Assists in the development, preparation, coordination, planning of special programs involving the Diversionary Activities program. Incumbent exercise courtesy, good judgment, and diplomacy in communication wit patients, visitors, family members, volunteers and other Medical Center staff . Knowledge of basic theories, principles, concepts, procedures, and techniques of recreational therapy. Basic knowledge of human anatomy/physiology and psychology in order to assist with the development of a therapeutic recreation treatment plan for patients. Knowledge of medical terminology and ability to interpret physician prescriptions and to assist in formulating a therapeutic recreation treatment plan which will meet prescribed activity/goal. Knowledge and skill to design and/or adapt recreation modalities to facilitate attainment of treatment objectives. Ability to communicate effectively orally, and in writing, to Include ability to use a computer terminal to Input and retrieve data. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm; evenings, weekends, holidays. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Recreation Assistant/PD007550 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/16/2024. Individual Occupational Requirements: Specialized Experience: - Group leader, counselor, or similar work in public and private recreation programs for adults or children such as summer camps, local playgrounds, YWCA and YMCA clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, urban community centers, or resort recreational activities. - Teacher's aid in elementary school recreation or physical education program, with emphasis on development of general recreational skills and abilities. - Aid or assistant assignments in recreation while on active military service. - Aid or assistant in the organization and administration of recreation activities, such as preparing activities calendars, maintaining attendance records, and providing information concerning schedules and activities. - Summer aid in a State or national park, with duties related to the recreational activities of visitors to campsites, trails, picnic areas, nature and raft centers, and boating and fishing areas (e.g., demonstrating camping techniques and park safety, conducting nature tours, and overseeing farm animal areas provided for children). - Sales or stock clerk in a recreation supplies and equipment shop. - Aid or assistant in the issuance of authorized property, and in the maintenance of inventory control and accountability for such property in a recreation facility. OR Education and Training: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in courses related to recreation or physical education. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Independently develops and implements new programs; Serves as the primary resource person for the activity specialists; Provides general oversight coordination for all diversionary activity specialists and activity programs on site for various types of disabilities which include psychiatric diagnoses, residential rehabilitation treatment patients with substance abuse and extended care residents with multiple medical diagnose and varying levels of dementia; Maintains the Diversionary activity areas, offices, outdoor activity areas by performing periodic on-site inspections and reporting any problems; Manages all supplies and equipment used in assigned area(s)/program(s) by inventory, storage, issue, service and repair; Plans and manages all expendable supplies to stay within budget available for the Diversionary Activities program. . OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in courses related to recreation or physical education. . OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 4 years above high school with courses taken related to the knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the position. Preferred Experience: The incumbent is is able to obtain a CDL Drivers License within 180 days. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Activity Programming Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; use of both fingers; walking 8 hours; standing 8 hours; repeated bending 4 hours; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); emotional and mental stability. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

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/.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by the Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Department of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]