Recreation Therapist - Aquatic Therapy

About the role

This Recreation Therapist position is in the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) - in Voluntary Services at the VA Boston Healthcare Systems - located at the Brockton - MA location. This position will oversee our Aquatic Therapy program.

Responsibilities

• Must attain lifeguard certification, lifeguard training certification, and aquatic therapy certification within 6 months of hire
• Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure)
• Incorporate the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered
• Construct appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues such as Polytrauma (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use Disorder/Addictions, Serious Mental Illness, and Hospice/Palliative Care
• Provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision
• Review recreation/aquatic therapy consults and conduct comprehensive evaluations
• Using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, design individualized treatment interventions
• Determine effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs
• Lead and oversee aquatic exercise groups, demonstrate proper use of aquatic equipment

Requirements

United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States (U.S.) – non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C.7407(a).

English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English – as required by 38 U.S.C.7403(f).

Education: 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, approved by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); OR 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: Must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. Exception: Non‑registered and/or non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist for up to two years under 38 U.S.C.7405(c)(2)(B); applies only to GS‑7 and GS‑9 levels. For grade levels at or above full performance level, candidate must be registered and/or certified.

Grade Requirements: Creditable experience must involve knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current professional recreation or creative arts therapy practices (private practice, U.S. military, government, health care, educational facilities, etc.). Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to the next lower grade level. GS‑7: no experience beyond basic requirements. GS‑9: at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master’s degree in recreation therapy may substitute for the required year. GS‑11: at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

Physical Requirements: Duties are physical in nature – requiring strong swimming skills, standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium weight objects, pushing wheelchairs, carrying light to medium weight items (papers, books, supplies) and heavier items such as durable medical equipment; handling therapy & recreation equipment; using computer and standard office equipment.

Skills

• Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient
• Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations