This job announcement has closed

This position is located at the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Service at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, in Seattle, WA. The purpose of the Spinal Cord Injury Service is to provide care and rehabilitation to those Veterans who have incurred spinal cord injuries. The SCI recreation therapist provides recreation therapy treatment interventions to accomplish the service purpose. The primary function of this position is direct patient care for SCI.

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Hiring complete

Open & closing dates

06/15/2018 to 07/16/2018
Salary

$66,386 - $86,305 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 11
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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Seattle, WA
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service
Promotion potential

11
Job family (Series)
- 0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist
Supervisory status

No
Announcement number

CBBY-10217125-18-MFW
Control number

502470900

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The incumbent demonstrates an advanced competency, which qualifies him/her to perform patient treatment procedures independently on patients with spinal cord injuries and function as part of an interdisciplinary team. Recreational therapists at this level demonstrate treatment competency in the area of Spinal Cord Injury where the specialized knowledge is required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. The incumbent may serve as the sole RT on a multidisciplinary team or on a specific service.
Duties include but are not limited to:

Evaluates patients as appropriate for their age and diagnosis to determine current levels of functioning in regard to mental and physical evaluation in order to develop and implement a treatment plan.
Devises specific activities and routines to maintain or improve the patient's general state of physical or mental multiple diagnoses.
Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary and evidence-based RT Practice. Demonstrates the ability to interpret clinician prescriptions and referrals.
Develops and carries out recreational therapy treatment to meet the individual rehabilitation objectives
Develops psychosocial activities for coping with frustration, stress, anger, and hostility;
Provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.
Interprets and administers physicians' recreational therapy prescriptions; schedules patient for treatment and integrates recreation and community activities with other treatments in order to achieve the goals established for the patient.
Assesses the need for and the patient's ability to use adaptive equipment
Assesses the patient's ability to use mobility devices in the community
Administers therapeutic recreation interventions that strengthen debilitated muscles
Teaches independent living skills, social interaction skills, community skills, adjustment to change coping skills, pre-vocational or work adjustment skills, mobility exercises, cognitive retraining and training to patients
Obtains and maintains VA Puget Sound Spinal Cord Injury Aquatic Competency

Work Schedule: 8am-4:30pm with Saturday rotation and every other Thursday off.
Virtual:This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: 41201-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to background/security investigation
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Must possess a current active driver's license
Must possess valid certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 07/16/2018.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

All applicants must possess a current, valid, unrestricted driver's license. As a condition of employment, selected candidates must maintain a valid Washington State drivers license

All applicants must possess a current, valid, certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists.

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-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to experience that demonstrates the ability to: demonstrate recreational therapy techniques needed to perform functions associated within the recreational therapy scope of practice; apply techniques in the recreational therapy assessment and treatment of recreational, cognitive, and psychological, physical, and social functional deficits; apply health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks in the provision of patient care and environmental maintenance; experience providing care to patients with multiple interacting medical and psychosocial issues allowing for thorough care; ensure communication with patients is effective, motivating and educates the patient as an active participant in their treatment process; manage and diffuse volatile behavior; make critical treatment determinations, adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary, adapting established treatment procedures and equipment for the successful treatment of complex cases both in the facility and in the community; experience facilitating and instructing in-service and clinical training programs; drive and transport patients as part of or for the receipt of therapy.OR,
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. 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 the Master's degree level

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

Accessibility
Creative Thinking
Customer Service
Interpersonal Skills
Oral Communication

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:
This position involves a considerable amount of standing (up to 2 hours), walking (up to 6 hours), stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning. It requires repositioning patients, assisting with transfers from wheelchairs/stretchers and transporting them to other departments or facilities. Mechanical devices are available and are required to be used for heavy or difficult to lift clients. The work may involve pushing or lifting in excess of 45 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. The position requires the therapist to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with neck in a fully flexed or extended position. The therapist may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The therapist may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent must possess sound and logical clinical judgment. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The position also requires ability to work on computers for extended periods of time. The therapist will be performing fine motor and grasping activities on a regular basis. The therapist will be required to drive a vehicle, and be able to swim.

Education

This occupation has an educational requirement. Transcripts must be submitted with your application in order to qualify.

To qualify, as a Basic Requirement, all applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
A. Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in therapeutic recreation, art therapy, drama therapy, dance therapy, or music therapy; OR
B. Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in a related field involving therapeutic emphasis or concentration that included at least 36 semester hours in therapeutic courses with a minimum of the following:
a. 18 semester hours of therapeutic recreation courses; AND
b. 18 semester hours that include a combination of abnormal psychology, physiology, human anatomy and development, disabilities and general recreation.

Education must have been obtained from an accredited program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. 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.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

All applicants must provide the following:
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Copy of Driver's License
- Proof of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists
- Document which verifies you are within the area of consideration.
  - Veterans must submit at a minimum: DD-214 which shows your character of service. In other words, if you were discharged under honorable conditions; Any other applicable Veterans documents such as VA Disability award letter. needed to make Veterans Preference determination.
  - Federal Employees should also submit the following: SF 50 which shows your current grade, step, salary and tenure
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214
- OF-306
- Other
- Other Veterans Document
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50
- 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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the 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 07/16/2018 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10217125.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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.
2. 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information

VA Puget Sound Recruitment

Phone

206-764-2135

Email

vhapughrmrecruit@va.gov

Address

Seattle VA Medical Center
1660 South Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

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To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

All applicants must provide the following:

Resume
Transcripts
Copy of Driver's License
Proof of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists
Document which verifies you are within the area of consideration.
- Veterans must submit at a minimum: DD-214 which shows your character of service. In other words, if you were discharged under honorable conditions; Any other applicable Veterans documents such as VA Disability award letter. needed to make Veterans Preference determination.
- Federal Employees should also submit the following: SF 50 which shows your current grade, step, salary and tenure

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

Cover Letter
DD-214
OF-306
Other
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the 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 07/16/2018 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10217125.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

VA Puget Sound Recruitment

Phone: 206-764-2135
Email: vhapughrmrecruit@va.gov
Address: Seattle VA Medical Center
1660 South Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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.

Recreational Therapist

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Agency contact information

Next steps

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent