Recreation Therapist

Summary The Staff Recreational Therapist may have knowledge in one to several areas of Recreational Therapy including: Whole Health, Inpatient Mental Health, CLC, HBPC, PRRC, MFH, Adaptive Sports, Creative Arts, HUD-VASH, Inpatient Mental Health, Outpatient, and DOM care. Responsibilities The incumbent's time is spent in clinical duties/direct patient care evaluating/treating Veterans as well as indirect patient care (Triaging Recreation Therapy consults, answering patient emails, coordinating with physicians regarding clinical services and handling patient care issues.) They may be authorized for ad-hoc telework depending on guidance from the Supervisor for Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy Section. The duties of the Recreation Therapist include, but are not limited to the following: The Recreation Therapist plans, develops, and implements comprehensive, routine treatment programs for individual and groups of patients to rehabilitate and remediate the effects of disease, disability, or illness and to help restore functioning at the highest level. Performs appropriate assessments, evaluations, and treatments to help prevent physical disability; promote physical, mental, and psycho-social health and well-being following the onset of an injury, illness, or disabling condition. Devises specific activities and routines to maintain or improve patient's general state of physical or mental health. Develops therapeutic programs for various type of disabilities which include psychiatric diagnoses, substance abuse disorders, PTSD, dementia, neuro-muscular disorders, orthopedic conditions, AIDS, amputation, paralysis, spinal cord injury, head injury respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, and patients with multiple diagnoses. Aids in the treatment of chronic pain resulting from acute or chronic medical conditions; and foster community leisure participation at the highest functional level. Strives to prevent mental and physical deterioration and/or decline, maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence within limitations of a patient's disability. Interprets tests and measurements to assess normal parameters of physiological, psycho-social, and cognitive function, leisure function, and leisure-ability as well as to ascertain human systems deficits to determine the diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures necessary as they pertain to helping veterans attain optimal health, well-being, and functional independence. Works closely with an interdisciplinary team in the planning and implementation of the patient's treatment program. Coordinates this plan with the treatment team and patient's family/caregiver to provide a program which focuses on treatment goals. Promotes innovative therapeutic approaches, modalities, and partnerships for more effective and comprehensive treatment approaches. Work with patients to identify any of a variety of possible impediments to functioning at the highest leisure level to include addressing both inter and intra leisure barriers, community access problems, and physical and psycho-social barriers to attaining healthy and active leisure lifestyle. Teaches independent living skills, community re-integration skills, social interaction skills, and adjustment to change, coping skills, pre-vocational or work adjustment skills, mobility exercises, cognitive retraining, and training to patients following psychiatric episodes, substance abuse detoxification, head injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, joint replacement, and stroke. Will suggest adaptive leisure/fitness needs that relate to health, well-being, and adaptive sports needs that will allow the veteran to improve functioning in the home or in the community. Facilitates participation in VA National Events such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Golden Age Games. Facilitates Whole-Health modalities both in live classes and in Telehealth. Utilizes video conferencing technologies when needed to enhance communication between the therapist/patient and patient/family. Develops psycho-social activities for coping with frustration, stress, anger, and hostility; the appropriate use of leisure time; and improving social interaction skills. Uses tact, skill, and knowledge of psychiatric and/or post-traumatic stress disorders for success in mental health rehabilitation programs. Delegates to and provides clinical supervision for the recreational therapy assistant (if applicable) and routinely modifies the caseload and treatment plan. Develops and coordinates educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment. Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, or Tuesday - Saturday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM or 8 AM to 4:30 PM depending on the needs of the section. Work rotation may include evenings and weekends. Telework: Available - as determined by the agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 82352F, 82353F, 82204F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2025-11-01