Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Recreational Therapist
Agency
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBBY-10217125-18-MFW Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, June 15, 2018 to Monday, July 16, 2018
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
  • retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (limit characters)
3. Are you eligible as an Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts employee?  This means you have completed at least 1 year of continuous service under non-temporary appointment.
NOTE: Employees appointed to high level positions under 28 U.S.C. 603 or a position of confidential or policy-making nature is not eligible under this authority. (limit characters)
4. Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
5. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)?  If yes, confirm that you are indicated on the PCS orders; and you
  • have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders
  • are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location AND
  • have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
-OR-

Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

-OR-

Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.. (limit characters)
6. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade at the time of displacement is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and your current performance appraisal that shows a rating of at least fully successful (Level III) or equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center. (limit characters)
7. Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you
  • complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an oversea area
  • receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
  • return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
 (limit characters)
8. Are you an employee of the department/service line indicated for this position?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
9. Are you an employee of the facility indicated for this position?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or intermittent. (limit characters)
10. Have you completed three years of substantially continuous service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type Foreign Service appointment that meets a requirement for career tenure?

-OR-

Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service? (limit characters)
11. Are you eligible as a General Accounting Office employee?  This means you have completed 1 year of continuous service on a non-temporary appointment that began on or after 1 Oct 80. (limit characters)
12. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade at the time of displacement equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and and your current performance appraisal that shows a rating of at least fully successful (Level III) or equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center. (limit characters)
13. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:

• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,

• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,

• performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,

• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.

To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in the 5 U.S.C. 9602. (limit characters)
14. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?

-OR-

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?

-OR-

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?

If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.

If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request. (limit characters)
15. Are you a National Cemetery Administration (NCA) employee?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
16. Are you a current Federal employee in the excepted service in an agency covered by an Interchange Agreement with at least one year of service in that position or Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. Office of Personnel Management?

 For more information, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments. (limit characters)
17. Are you eligible as a Panama Canal Commission employee?  This means you have at least 1 year of continuous employment under non-temporary appointment in the Panama Canal Commission located in the United States. (limit characters)
18. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources. (limit characters)
19. Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
 (limit characters)
20. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
 (limit characters)
21. Are you a Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) employee?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
22. Are you a Veterans Benefits Administration employee?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
23. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
  • are entitled to veterans' preference
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.
*Note current Federal employees must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (limit characters)
24. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years)
  • are a disabled veteran
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (limit characters)
25. Are you a Veterans Health Administration employee?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
26. Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs within the VISN the position is located?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a career with VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Spinal Cord Injury Service. The following questions will determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this GS-11 Recreational Therapist position. (limit characters)
Time-in-Grade Restriction - 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. If you have not held a GS grade at any time in the past 52 weeks, or are a Wage Grade employee, this question does not apply to you. For this vacancy, applicants must have held GS-9 or higher for at least a year to be eligible for the GS-11 grade level of the position. (limit characters)
1. Do you meet the Time-in-Grade requirement as described above? Please select the response below which most accurately describes you.
 (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
2. Do you meet the minimum educational requirement for this occupation?
 (limit characters)
To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must have one (1) year of Specialized experience, equivalent to at least GS-9 level, 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 Applicants may substitute education for experience, at the GS-11, grade level, applicants must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (limit characters)
Applicants may also qualify through combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. Combinations may be computed by first determining your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining your education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. (limit characters)
3. Please select the response below which most closely matches your qualifications for the program application specialist.
 (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
4. Do you possess a current valid driver's license?
 (limit characters)
5. All applicants must possess a current, valid, certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. Are you certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists? (limit characters)
The following questions evaluate your knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. (limit characters)
For each task below, choose the statement which best describes your experience and/or training as it relates to this task. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
6. Adapt and uses tools, equipment, and technologies used to help individuals with disabilities use computer equipment and software;
 (limit characters)
7. Utilize adaptive or compensatory techniques;
 (limit characters)
8. Provide self-care instruction;
 (limit characters)
9. Use computer for cognitive impairments/upper extremity impairments; power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, and other mobility device community training; aquatic therapy techniques, off-station transportation safety, community access, cognitive interventions, sports equipment evaluation/seating/posture
 (limit characters)
For each task below, choose the statement which best describes your experience and/or training as it relates to this task. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
10. Use imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.
 (limit characters)
11. Analyzes the need for and the patient's ability to use adaptive equipment including ADL aids, power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and other mobility devices, bathroom aids, assistive technology etc. in the community setting.
 (limit characters)
For each task below, choose the statement which best describes your experience and/or training as it relates to this task. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
12. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of others:
 (limit characters)
13. Adjusts approaches to suit different people and situations
 (limit characters)
14. Provides care appropriate to the age of the patients served and knowledge of the changes associated with aging in the spinal cord injury population.
 (limit characters)
For each task below, choose the statement which best describes your experience and/or training as it relates to this task. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
15. Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations:
 (limit characters)
16. Knows about available products and services: is committed to providing quality products and services.
 (limit characters)
17. Formulates coalitions with community organizations for specialized programs for SCI Veterans such as adaptive curling (Team USA Wheelchair Curling Team), adaptive rowing, wheelchair tennis.
 (limit characters)
For each task below, choose the statement which best describes your experience and/or training as it relates to this task. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
18. Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); *18. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations;
 (limit characters)
19. Listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
 (limit characters)
20. Communicates both orally and in writing with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process
 (limit characters)
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