The Recreation Therapist provides care to Veterans with a variety of disabilities, such as but not limited to: amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, blind rehabilitation, and Veterans with multiple diagnoses.
Duties include but not limited to the following: Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Responsible for developing competencies in assessments, treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, clinical evaluations, documentation, and ethical practices related to their specific discipline.
Responsible for understanding the necessity for interdisciplinary treatment, the need to accept and appropriately respond to supervision, Analyzing, revising clinical practice, and incorporating the four-step process of: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered.
Constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues throughout the entire facility including but not limited to: Polytrauma (TBI); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Substance Use Disorder/Addictions; Serious Mental Illness; and Hospice/Palliative Care.
Provides direct patient care and receives guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. Reviews recreation therapy consults and conducts comprehensive evaluations. Based upon the assessment data and in collaboration with other stakeholders, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration and treatment.
Recommends adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet the assessed needs and preferences to engage in recreational therapy services.
Using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, they design individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, Anxiety and maladaptive behaviors, recover basic motor functioning, reasoning abilities, build confidence, and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner.
Sophisticated techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include but are not limited to: develop positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; develop self-esteem; reinforce positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management; identify risks; recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability, including coping with grief and loss.
Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized, unique effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including but not limited to: assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; wellness education; adapted sports; leisure education; leisure development, community accessibility/reintegration/transition.
Evaluates patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitor effectiveness of intervention plans making modifications as needed. Determines effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifies potential risks and need for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved bio-psychosocial well-being.
Participates in co-treatment opportunities including but not limited to: neurological rehabilitation; mental health recovery programs; and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness. Conducts discharge analysis for community needs.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Work Schedule: Position 1: Monday - Thursday: 07:00 am - 4:30 pm; Flex Sunday: 07:00 am - 3:30 pm; Position 2: Tuesday - Thursday: 08:30 am - 6:00 pm, Friday 7:00-4:30; Flex on Saturday 07:00 am-3:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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/.
Jonathan.Stumpf@va.gov · (602) 741-0960
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $52783 – $101558/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-30.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-23 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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