Recreation Therapist

Job details at a glance

About this job

This position is a Recreation Therapist with the Rehabilitation Care Services (RCS) of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System located in Seattle, Washington. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Duties

Duties will vary by grade. At the GS-11 full performance level of the grade, the incumbent serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team recommending treatment objectives and goals. Responsible for providing assessment and treatment interventions. Employs therapeutic objectives which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities regularly encountered. Duties will include: Interpret and administer physicians' recreation therapy consults/orders, schedules patient for treatment and integrates recreation/creative arts interventions with other treatments in order to achieve the goals established for the patient. Develop treatment plans and administer therapeutic recreation interventions which are directed to such goals as sensory integration, ambulation, diminishing emotional stress, community re-entry, reality orientation, muscular dysfunction and reorientation, treatment of psychosocial dysfunction, providing a sense of achievement and progress and channeling energies into acceptable forms of behavior. Teach independent living skills, social interaction skills, adjustment and coping skills, pre-vocational or work adjustment skills, power wheelchair, manual wheelchair and other mobility device community training, aquatic therapy techniques, adaptive sports and community transportation planning and safety. Interview Veterans with severe and/or multiple diagnoses that require unconventional interview approaches and treatments to devise effective methods and procedures. Assess the need for and the patient's ability to use adaptive equipment including ADL aides, power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs and other mobility devices, assistive technology, etc. in the community setting. Administer, score, or interpret a variety of creative, leisure and motor skills assessments. Evaluate the assigned patient's mental, emotional, social and physical capabilities to determine the patient's needs in recreation therapy. Develop therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities which include psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic conditions, amputation, paralysis, spinal cord injury, head injury, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, visual impairment and patients with multiple diagnoses. Administer mental and physical assessments for patients with severe and/or multiple diagnoses and oversees the administration and interpretation of assessments. Guide recreation therapy assistants in the correct methods of administering and interpretation of assessment results. Function as a core team member of a clinical multi-disciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient, and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. Coordinate a wide range of interventions with other services in the development of appropriate patient treatment programs. Prepare and submits initial, progress and discharge notes (in accordance with service policy). Perform regular assessments and leisure diagnostic evaluations to determine the appropriate treatment in conjunction with the interdisciplinary treatment team/physician. Discuss progress with treatment team, suggests adjustments to interventions based on sound professional arguments. Select, adapt, and adjust recreation modalities in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Independently modifies techniques and develops new approaches as necessary to ensure realization of patient treatment goals. Responsible for one or more programs such as Physical Fitness Reactivation, Community Reintegration, Leisure Education and Skill Development, Student Education Programs, Sports Athletic Program, Whole Health/Wellness, and Quality Management. Work Schedule: Tuesday-Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm, every other Saturday (Week 1 of PP) 8am-4:30pm Telework: This is not a telework position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within the closing date of this announcement. 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 (Transcripts with confer date required with application package): The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist: Recreation Therapist: (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. 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. Loss of Credential. A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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: GS-07 (Entry Level). Experience/Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-09 (Developmental Level): Experience: Have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). OR. Education (Transcripts required): Have a Masters Degree in Recreation Therapy. AND. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: (i) Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. (ii) Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance. (iii) Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.(iv) Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. GS-11 (Full Performance Level: Experience: Have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09). AND. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs: (i) 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.(ii) 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. (iii) 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. (iv) 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. (v) Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. (vi) Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits. Preferred Experience: Demonstrated experience delivering evidence based therapeutic recreation services to older adults. Clinical experience working with patients with neurological and physical conditions such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, stroke, MS, and amputations. Background providing recreational therapy in inpatient hospitals, long term care, transitional care, or hospice settings. Proven ability to plan and facilitate both group and individual therapeutic recreation programs for inpatient populations. Skilled in conducting assessments and developing individualized treatment plans aligned with patient goals. Knowledge of age appropriate therapeutic techniques and the ability to apply them effectively with older adults. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking and standing (2 hours), crawling and kneeling (1 hour), repeated bending (1 hour), operation of a motor vehicle, near and far vision correctable, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, mental and emotional stability, exposure to outside and inside environments, working closely with others, working alone.

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/.

Requirements

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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 "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Must possess a valid driver's license and have a safe driving record as a condition of continued employment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Evaluations

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Resume Reminder- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format (the 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series), your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/20/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13112546. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Proof of Marriage Status SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Other information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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