Summary The Recreation Therapist is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI, a Level 1b medical complexity facility. The primary function of the Recreation Therapist in this position is direct patient care to a medically complex and diverse population in the outpatient, inpatient, and CLC settings, based on staffing assignment and workload demand. Responsibilities Scope of Assignment: Recreation Therapists at the GS-11 level function at the full performance level with independence in the provision of direct patient care requiring minimal guidance from higher-level supervisory staff members for only the most complex cases. Recreation Therapists incorporate the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered and construct evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issue and hospice/palliative care requirements. Incumbents to this position conduct comprehensive evaluations, and in collaboration with other stakeholders, develop individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration, and treatment. They recommend adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy. Using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, the therapist designs individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning and 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: developing positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; developing or improving (enhancing) self-esteem; developing and maintaining positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management; identifying risks; recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability; and coping with grief and loss. Resourcefulness is exercised in providing individualized, unique, effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to, assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; aquatic therapy; fitness and wellness; community accessibility/reintegration/transition; and adapted sports and leisure making modifications, as needed. Recreation therapists determine the effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identify potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved biopsychosocial well-being. They participate in co-treatment opportunities including neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs, and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness. Discharge analysis and planning is conducted for community needs. The incumbent coaches Veterans interested in National VA Adaptive Sports and Arts event participation which includes assisting Veterans throughout the application, training, and participation in the event. This may require interview, assessment, planning, and implementation of a goal-directed plan of care. The incumbent is expected to utilize a variety of media (face to face coaching and interventions, virtual care, and telephone care) to guide the Veteran throughout their national event journey and participation. Clinical Functions: CONDUCTS VETERAN INTERVIEWS/ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION: a. The incumbent compiles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, conducts psycho-social and physical assessments of Veterans through direct observation, MDS review, contacting Veteran's family members or representatives, and individual Recreation Therapy interviews. The incumbent collects a systematic, comprehensive, and accurate baseline data on cognitive, leisure, physical, emotional, psychological behavior, and spiritual functioning. This data is used to ascertain functional abilities to assist in development and implementation of individualized treatment plans. b. The incumbent is proficient at conducting interviews with Veterans who may have multiple or severe conditions that may require unconventional interview approaches and adaptations to devise effective treatment interventions. The incumbent interviews Veterans by exhibiting sensitivity to needs, demonstrating tolerance, alleviating fears, and anxieties. Requirements Conditions of Employment c. The incumbent establishes rapport and good transference relationships, thus guiding the Veteran to utilize recreation interventions appropriate to his/her ability and preference. d. The incumbent documents assessments and progress in the electronic medical record and MDS following PM&R policy. The incumbent also responds in a timely and appropriate manner to received Recreation Therapy consults and assesses, creates, and implements therapeutic interventions. e. The incumbent will adhere to the professional code of ethics, standards of practice and facilitate interventions pertaining to current Recreation Therapy trends and issues. DEVELOPS TREATMENT PLANS / IMPLEMENTS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT a. The incumbent develops specific therapeutic interventions and routines for several types of ability levels and skills based upon assessments and provider recommendations to maintain or improve Veteran's general state of physical and/or psycho-social health and overall well-being. The incumbent coordinates the overall treatment plan with the interdisciplinary treatment team, Veteran, and Veteran's family/caregiver to provide a plan that focuses on treatment goals and objectives. b. The incumbent functions as a core member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and works closely with other team members to develop overall treatment plans to maximize independent functioning and meet the overall health and wellbeing needs of the Veteran. The incumbent frequently collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team members if the Veteran's health condition changes, which may affect the treatment plan goals and objectives. c. The incumbent plans and develops an individualized treatment plan that identifies specific, measurable, action-orientated, realistic, goals and a time frame to achieve agreed upon intermediate, long-term, and/or discharge goals while demonstrating knowledge to apply evidence-based treatment intervention and best practice therapeutic techniques. d. The incumbent develops discharge plans in collaboration with the Veteran, family, significant others, and interdisciplinary team members. e. The incumbent provides direct patient care, maintaining clinical competency, productivity, and ensuring adequate patient coverage. Qualifications f. The incumbent leads activities and engages Veterans individually and/or in groups to achieve treatment goals and objectives. The incumbent conducts treatment sessions based on the patient's age, identified deficits, and stated goals. Periodic modifications to the plan of care are implemented based on the patient response to treatment and changes in medical status. The incumbent may delegate unskilled leisure activities to volunteers/recreation aides. g. The incumbent enters workload data in a timely manner according to national directives, local medical center policies for all Recreation Therapy and related services provided to Veterans. Encounter documentation is captured in a standardized manner for Recreation Therapy interventions. Encounter information includes, but is not limited to target diagnosis, length of time, treatment modality, Veteran response to treatment, action plan/follow up, type of intervention (utilization of accurate Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code). h. The incumbent maintains strict confidentiality of patient information. Work Schedule: Mon, Wed & Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm, Tour days flexible Telework: Not eligible for Telework Qualifications You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). EDUCATION: (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. LICENSURE: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The position requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time, frequent bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus, lifting and repositioning Veterans, pushing, and pulling heavy objects. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities to be applied to repetitive lifting, carrying and manipulating various adaptive equipment needed for treatment. Items may exceed 50 pounds. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to the education requirements above, you must have at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, GS-09, and must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits. 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 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.