Recreation Therapist (SCI)

<p>The Recreation Therapist (RT) is assigned to the Spinal Cord Injury Service (SCIS) at VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS). The primary function of this position is direct patient care. Staff SCI RTs are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention for SCI Veterans.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Duties include, but are not limited to: Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary and evidence-based RT practice as it relates to spinal cord injuries. Completes thorough initial evaluations, assessments and goal setting to develop and carry out RT treatment to meet the individual rehabilitation objectives which may include: teaching adaptive strategies or compensatory techniques, use of assistive technology, computers or cellphones, and adapted equipment. Conducts treatment interventions, one-on-one or group settings, of psychosocial activities for coping and adjustment to change, the appropriate use of leisure time, adaptive sports, independent living skills, social interaction skills, community skills, pre-vocational or work adjustment skills, mobility exercises, cognitive retraining and training to patients following SCI. Coordinates the overall treatment plan with the treatment team, patient, and family to provide a program that focuses on treatment goals. Special emphasis is placed on minimizing further debilitation through cognitive retraining, reality orientation, group dynamics, and problem conflict resolution. Assesses the need for patient's ability to access off-station transportation safely including adaptive van or public transportation for community reintegration. Trains patient and family in the use of adaptive and mobility equipment in the community setting. Demonstrates the ability to assess and match Veterans interests/ability/function to adaptive sports categories. Knowledge of adaptive sports equipment. Collaborates with OT and PT in developing and participating with patient, family or caregiver in aquatic therapy program or use of gym for neuro rehab and exercise. Provides education and training of assistive technologies for communication and environmental access including ECUs, computers, cellphones, adaptive video gaming, VR and adapting access for higher level SCI injuries. Participates in home visits as appropriate to patient's home or place of employment with patient and/or family to assess accessibility, mobility, environmental barriers, ergonomic considerations, and transportation options as it relates to the SCI population. Documents patient's initial evaluation/discharges, treatment sessions, goals, patient/family education, continuously re-evaluates patient performance making appropriate modifications to the treatment plan as indicated. Participates in interdisciplinary team rounds, team/patient panels to communicate patients' physical and psychosocial performance, current status and continuing goals. Participates in RT, SCI, and interdepartmental staff development programs, in-services, conferences, patient and staff education lecture series, and completes annual competencies for RT and SCI Therapy. Works with National service organizations to coordinate teams to participate in National Veteran's disabled sporting events. Serves as coach for SCI team to provide education and training to prepare athletes for travel and competition at these events. Demonstrates the ability to represent SCI Veterans/VAPSHCS while developing essential relationships with community partners. Work Schedule: 7:30AM - 4PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. A valid state issued driver's license with a clean driving history in accordance with VA Policy to drive a government vehicle. Ability to operate and drive a government vehicle as determined by an Occupational Health driving physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>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/.