This job announcement has closed

The incumbent is responsible for performing the work of a recreation therapist, which encompasses a variety of different duties and responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for developing, organizing and administering recreation therapy programs to provide therapeutic interventions to patients on the inpatient rehabilitation unit, on the inpatient blind rehabilitation unit, in outpatient services, in community living centers, and on the dementia special care unit.

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Job canceled

Open & closing dates

10/22/2019 to 11/11/2019
Salary

$45,823 - $88,166 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 7 - 11
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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Tacoma, WA
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Temporary - 13 months
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

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

No
Security clearance

Other
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number

CBBY-10633657-20-MDC
Control number

549356100

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public but current permanent Federal employees should apply to Announcement CBBY-10633656-FY20-MDC .

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Duties are at the Full Performance Level, which include but are not limited to:
1. Utilizes time management skills to accomplish the objectives of the Recreation Therapy Section of Rehabilitative Care Services.
2. Prioritizes tasks to ensure that work is accomplished within established time frames.
3. Adapts to changes in processes or procedures without impacting ability to carry out assigned tasks.
4. Works with others to improve systems without sacrificing appropriate attention to patient care needs.
5. Works closely with allied health care specialists to assess patient's condition/progress and coordinate patient treatment to effect maximum rehabilitation potential.
6. Demonstrates flexibility when working with other subject matter experts on scheduling and providing individual treatment for patients.
7. Provides crucial guidance to the primary care provider regarding the patient's improvement or lack thereof in the area of recreation therapy.
8. Explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of recreation therapy treatment and/or therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center and community organizations.
9. Writes concise clinical treatment plans which will accomplish the desired goals with greatest efficiency.
10. Skill in developing, implementing and evaluating community reintegration treatment goals and interventions to include public transportation training, community access planning and community mobility and access.
11. Skill in education and use of adaptive sports devices and equipment as part of patient treatment goals and interventions.
12. Knowledge of safety precautions and contraindications for particular disabilities and diagnoses.
13. Independently alters treatment plan and goals based on information provided by interdisciplinary team members.
14. Skill in the use of behavior modification techniques to help the patient focus on his/her involvement in the treatment plan.
15. Applies knowledge and skill assessing and treating patients with varying disabilities and co-morbidities.
16. All other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm
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 a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Must possess a current, valid, unrestricted driver's license. As a condition of employment, selected candidates must maintain a valid Washington State driver's license
This is a temporary position, not to exceed 13 months.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 11/11/2019.

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: In accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3j, all employees in direct patient care must be proficient in spoken and written English
Minimum Education Requirement: To qualify, as a Basic Requirement, all applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements: (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.
Professional Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If you answered B to question 2 of the assessment questionnaire, the 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. NOTE: At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the unregistered and/or uncertified recreation or creative arts therapist with the written requirement to obtain registration/certification, the date by which the registration and/or certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming registered and/or certified by the deadline. Failure to become registered and/or certified within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0638 recreation and creative arts therapist occupation and may 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).

Preferred Experience: Experience working with patients with both physical and mental health disabilities. Experience working in a large hospital or healthcare setting. Experience with recreation therapy specific assessment, treatment planning and interventions

Grade Determinations:
GS 7: Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS 9: Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master's degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient. 2. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.3. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process. 4. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
GS 11: Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. 6. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.

References: VA Handbook 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60

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 7 to GS 11.

Physical Requirements: In some assignments, the work involves regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, moderately heavy lifting (over 50 pounds) or moving of equipment, positioning severely disabled patients and assisting patients with mobility. Tasks can include climbing, lifting, pushing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. Gross and fine motor dexterity required. The work requires specific, common physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. This assignment requires the incumbent to drive accessible standard and oversize vehicles to transport patients in the community.

Education

IMPORTANT: 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

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

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

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.

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.

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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Ensure your resume is updated and has start/end (month/year) dates of employment; hours worked per week; full-time/part-time/intermittent/volunteer status and ALL relevant work experience as it pertains to the position being applied for.

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.

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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:
- VA Form 10-2850C- Application for Associated Health Occupations
- Resume
- Transcript
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search. Due at time of Application

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 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.
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- VA Form 10-2850C- Application for Associated Health Occupations
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- 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 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 11/11/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10633657.
1. 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.
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 Details 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.

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). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients 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 facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
Agency contact information

VA Puget Sound Recruitment

Phone

206-764-2135

Email

vhapughrmrecruit@va.gov

Address

VA Puget Sound Health Care System
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 U SAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

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

VA Form 10-2850C- Application for Associated Health Occupations
Resume
Transcript

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search. Due at time of Application

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 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.

DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
VA Form 10-2850C- Application for Associated Health Occupations
PCS Orders
Professional Certification
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
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 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 11/11/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10633657.

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.

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 Details 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.

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). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients 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 facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.

Agency contact information

VA Puget Sound Recruitment

Phone: 206-764-2135
Email: vhapughrmrecruit@va.gov
Address: VA Puget Sound Health Care System
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 U SAJobs Help Center.

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

This job announcement has closed

Help

Job canceled

Open & closing dates

10/22/2019 to 11/11/2019
Salary

$45,823 - $88,166 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 7 - 11
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Tacoma, WA
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Temporary - 13 months
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

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

No
Security clearance

Other
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number

CBBY-10633657-20-MDC
Control number

549356100

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/549356100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Recreation Therapist (Temporary NTE 13 months)

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

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