Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Las Cruces, New Mexico

Salary Range: $73939 - $96116 Per Year

Job Summary: Clinical Recreation Therapist (RT) position functions in the Medical Foster Care (MFH) & Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs, full performance RT functions as an independent clinical practitioner providing comprehensive therapeutic recreation specialty rehabilitation services to Veterans & family members in their homes. Collaborates with MFH & HBPC programs staff, guides & directs patient treatment to assist so Veteran obtains optimal levels of functioning while maintaining independence.

Major Duties:

• This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Additional applications will be referred as needed. (NOTE: Applications expire after 90 days. Please update application thru USAJobs if you wish to be reconsidered.) Duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical Providing recreational therapy services to Veterans enrolled in the El Paso VA, specifically the MFH and HBPC programs. Functioning with independent judgment to administer and interpret recreation therapy assessments and utilizing clinical competencies to develop unconventional assessment and interviewing approaches to effectively elicit information. Providing direct 1:1 treatment and services that require the exercise of mature professional judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of clinical skills. Carrying full professional responsibility for cases presenting a wide range of psychosocial and medical issues with no limitations (within his/her scope of clinical privileges) as to the range of service to be performed. Reviewing recreation therapy consults and conducting comprehensive evaluations and assessments, then analyzing, interpreting and reporting assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure). Recommending adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet a patient's assessed needs and preferences in recreation therapy. Responsible for planning, organizing, conducting, and supervising a comprehensive and complex therapeutic/ self-directed Recreation Therapy program that addresses the physical limitations, communicative disorders, cognitive deficits, social, emotional and/ or behavior reactions for adult Veterans of all ages. Responsible for administering interventions utilizing program adaptations to enhance the patient's potential and improve/support clinical outcomes, in accordance with the interdisciplinary treatment plans and predetermined treatment goals. Documenting the treatment rendered and the Veteran's progress and response to treatment in the medical record in timely manner per facility policy. Responsible for planning and executing recreational activities that may occur during the evening hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Administrative/Program Participating in the overall activities of the Medical Foster Program. Participating in program planning and the development of working relationships with community agencies and resources. Collecting, compiling, maintaining and/or tracking statistical records and information for the completion of required reports and in support of service operations, as required, within specified deadlines; submits data on patient contacts promptly and accurately to program office for monthly statistic. Completing all statistical and administrative reports according to Recreation Therapy Service and Medical Center Policies. Reviewing, providing, inputting and making recommendations on supply and equipment acquisition and personnel needs in recreation therapy. Teaching/Training May participate in research, education, evaluations and studies. Maintaining personal professional competence through participation in appropriate educational activities. Assisting in teaching and providing learning experiences for Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, and Recreation Therapy students. Maintaining valid state driver's license and vehicle insurance. Participating in staff orientation and in-service activities. Work Schedule: Typical tour of duty is Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:45pm but may be adjusted due to needs of the facility Telework: Ad-hoc available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54691F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/10/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12830337. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-11-10