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 my 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.