Mediabistro logo
job logo

Supervisory Recreation Therapist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Augusta, GA, United States


Summary
The Supervisory Recreation Therapist is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of program services of the Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy Department.

Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Candidates must be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)

Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C.7407(a)

Education (Transcripts with education conferral date may be requested): (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

Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC

If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b) - certification cannot be waived

COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED **NOTE: Applicants MUST submit copies of applicable transcript(s) or certification(s) with graduation/conferred date (unofficial copies are acceptable) 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 and meet the criteria)

Grade Determinations: Supervisory Recreation Therapist - GS-13 Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level which includes the following (KSA's) GS-12 Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities(KSA's): i

Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence

ii

Ability to balance multiple responsibilities - set priorities - delegate tasks - meet multiple deadlines - analyze organizational problems - and develop and implement effective solutions

iii

Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload - quality - performance - and productivity within the service

iv

Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees - team leaders - and managers

v

Ability to use evidence-based practices - clinical practice guidelines in a professional area - and to guide the staff in applying these tools

vi

Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service

vii

Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal - material supply - equipment management - and clinical and program management

AND - Certification: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

GS-13 Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)

In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i

Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence

ii

Ability to balance multiple responsibilities - set priorities - delegate tasks - meet multiple deadlines - analyze organizational problems - and develop and implement effective solutions

iii

Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and use data to manage workload - quality - performance - and productivity within the service

iv

Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees - team leaders - and managers - to include conflict management

v

Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools

vi

Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service

vii

Knowledge related to administrative functions - such as fiscal - material supply - equipment management - and clinical and program management

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

Preferred Experience

(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)

(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

Certification: Recreation Therapist Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC

(c) 5 years experience in supervising and mentoring recreation/creative arts therapists Designed - implemented and evaluated recreational therapy programs Experience with regulatory standards - and ethical practices - accreditation and quality improvement processes

Physical Requirements

Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over)

Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.)

Light lifting (under 15 lbs.)

Pushing

Reaching above shoulder

Use of fingers - both hands

Walking - standing - kneeling - both legs

Operation of motor vehicle

Depth perception

Hearing (aid may be permitted)

Environmental factors include working outside and inside, excessive humidity, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, outdoor and community work, moderate heat, moderate dampness, moderate cold, and working in/around pools.

Duties

The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Supervise Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy staff - including therapists - assistants - and support personnel

Assign work - set priorities - and monitor staff performance and clinical quality

Interview applicants and recommend hiring - advancement - or disciplinary actions

Resolve staff conflicts and ensure a fair - productive work environment

Develop performance standards - functional statements - and training needs for staff

Conduct regular staff meetings and promote professional growth

Provide leadership and direction for department operations and procedures

Implement evidence-based - best-practice treatment standards across the department

Collaborate with other therapy disciplines (OT - PT - KT and ST) to enhance access - care quality - and coordination

Develop and maintain department and facility policies related to Recreation & Creative Arts Therapy

Ensure proper equipment - order supplies - inventory and treatment space standards are upheld - including privacy and infection control

Oversee volunteer programs and coordinate community partnerships and MOAs

Serve as an approving official for Government Purchase Card transactions

Perform clinical duties (at least 20%) - including evaluations - treatment planning - and therapeutic interventions for complex patient populations

Ensure compliance with accrediting bodies (Joint Commission - CARF - Ascellon) and VA safety - infection control - and environmental programs

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30 a.m - to 4:00 p.m

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #: 56186F

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

#J-18808-Ljbffr