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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English
• See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part
• Experience and Education
• Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below
• 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
• AND Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC
• If hired with a bachelors degree or higher in any field, certification cannot be waived
• Grade Determinations: GS-12 (Supervisory Recreation Therapist): Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-11)
• AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence
• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions
• 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
• Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers
• Ability to use evidence-based practices, clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the staff in applying these tools
• Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service
• Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management
• References: VA Handbook 5005/111, Part II, Appendix G60The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: VA Handbook 5005/111, Part II, Appendix G60