Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/10/2026

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist
• 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, 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: Required Certification - Recreation Therapist
• Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC
• Loss of Credential
• A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment
• Grandfathering Provision: 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)
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist, GS-11 Experience
• At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions to address the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of unconventional methods and techniques
• Knowledge to independently interpret provider referrals and consults
• and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks in the provision of patient care and the environment of care
• Skill in effectively communicating and educating, in a clear and concise manner, with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process
• Skill in independently utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques required to appropriately provide direct patient care in areas such as, but not limited to recommendations for recreation therapy assistive devices, including fit and function
• Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years experience in field of expertise Homecare experience Experience with Geriatric, chronically ill, high risk and/or Veteran population Experience with Recreational Therapy Program development to include creation and implementation of policy and procedure
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: distant vision 20/40 in one eye with or without correction
• field of vision 70 degrees
• ability to distinguish red, green and amber
• whispered voice at five feet, or average hearing loss of not greater than 40 dbs at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz
• Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely
• Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination
• NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore
• please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package
• If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license.