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
• Education
• The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music): Recreation Therapist - 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
• If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived
• Certification
• Required Certification Recreation Therapist
• Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC
• If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(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
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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 the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Recreation Therapist, GS-11 Experience
• At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level GS-09
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• 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
• 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)
• Preferred Experience: 2 years' experience as a Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist working in a Domiciliary
• NCTRC CTRS Specialization in Behavioral Health
• Additional trainings such as: coaching training, Health & Wellness coaching (programs focused on National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching, (NBHWC) or International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards), Motivational Interviewing, TEACH for Success, Whole Health for Mental Health
• Master of Science in Recreation Therapy, Master of Arts in Recreation/Hospital Administration or other allied health field
• Certifications in Tai Chi, Yoga, or any meditation practices, Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports (CARSS)
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• VA Handbook 5005/111, PART II APPENDIX G60, RECREATION AND CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0638
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds
• moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds
• operation of a crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
• both eyes required
• hearing aid may be permitted.