Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Recreation Therapist
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBSV-12286141-24-JHJ Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, January 22, 2024 to Monday, February 12, 2024
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)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
(limit characters)
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 of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, 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.
(limit characters)
Accuracy of Application Reminder:
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a career with the VA. The following questions will determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the Recreation Therapist position.

Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

Are you proficient in written and spoken English?
(limit characters)
2. Education. Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that fulfills the following criteria:

(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.

Do you meet the above criteria?
(limit characters)
3. Certification. All applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under 2(b) above, certification cannot be waived.

Exception. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation 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 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.

Are you certified as a CTRS by the NCTRC or agree to the exception for GS-7 and GS-9?
(limit characters)
Grade Requirements:
GS-7 (Entry Level).
None beyond the basic requirements.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
4. GS-9 (Developmental Level).
Experience and education.
Do you have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7)?
OR
Do you have a master's 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.

Do you have the experience or education as listed above and can you fully demonstrate all the above KSA's?
(limit characters)
5. GS-11 (Full Performance Level).
Experience. Do you have at least 1 year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9)?
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.

Do you have the experience as listed above and can you fully demonstrate all the above KSA's?
(limit characters)
Driver's License Requirement. Incidental operators are employees, other than those occupying a position officially classified as a motor vehicle operator, who are required to operate a government-owned/-leased motor vehicle to properly carry out their assigned duties. This position requires operation of a government-owned or leased motor vehicle to carry out assigned duties. Please respond honestly and provide the requested information. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
6. Driver's License Requirement. A current, valid, state issued Driver's License is required for this position.

NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License.

Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
(limit characters)
7. Driver's License. Please provide your:
- Driver's license number
- Issuing state
- Expiration date

Reminder: DO NOT include a copy of your license, if referred for an interview, it may be required at that time.
(limit characters)
RESUME REMINDER: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
-Job title
-Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2016 to April 2018)
-Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
-Duties (be as detailed as possible)
-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 questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, 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.
(limit characters)