Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply
Duties
The Supervisory Recreation Therapist is responsible for the supervision of administrative management, and direction of the Recreation Therapy Department with services offered to hospitalized and ambulatory patients, Community Living Center, and Behavioral Health Service at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS). RT/CAT services are provided at the inpatient rehabilitation unit, the Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program, behavioral health programs including but not limited to: Acute Behavioral Health Inpatient Care Unit (ABHICU), Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program-Domiciliary (MHRRTP), New Beginnings and Intensive Out Patient (IOP), PTSD Clinic, and Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). The position is located under the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Duties include but are not limited to: Supervisory responsibilities for all Recreation and Creative Arts Therapists, Recreation Therapy Assistants, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and/or support of treatment and education of patients and families within the scope of this position. Assigns and monitors clinical performance of RT/CAT staff including technical oversight to assure prompt and smooth delivery of recreation therapy services to patients. Consults with physicians, members of the rehabilitation team and other health professionals through case presentations, attendance at ward rounds, re-evaluation clinics, treatment and discharge meetings and educational lectures or conferences. Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of RT/CAT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. Observes the utilization of recreation therapy treatment modalities to ensure the most beneficial program for the patient considering available resources. Demonstrates independence in performing supervisory responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, assigning work to employees, monitoring workload and clinical volume, reviewing work of employees to assure accuracy and validity of submissions, imposing disciplinary measures, and monitoring clinical competencies. Guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient well-being. Identifies and coordinates continuing education and trainings needs based on performance evaluations, performance improvement activities, competency assessment, state of the art technologies etc. Collaborates with academic institutions for the clinical training of recreation and creative arts therapy students. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: AD HOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 62587F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment 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. Spanish proficiency 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.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
How you will be evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.