Recreation Therapist
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Before you apply
Salary$53k – $102k
LocationPhoenix, Arizona, United States
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
DepartmentVA Phoenix Healthcare System - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
Company size10,000+ people
PostedOct 23, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live5d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Proficient in written and spoken English
Bachelor's degree or higher with major in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure with option/emphasis in therapeutic recreation, degree approved by NCTRC
Bachelor's degree or higher in any field and be a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS)
Certified as a CTRS by the NCTRC
Experience planning, facilitating, and developing RT programs
MH and Pain management related experience
Demonstrated ability to work independently
Experience working with a treatment team and doing 1:1 interventions
3 plus years of recreational therapy experience
Be a U.S. Citizen
Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Subject to background/security investigation
Complete online onboarding process
Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program
Summary
About the role
The Recreation Therapist provides care to Veterans with a variety of disabilities, such as but not limited to: amputation, paralysis, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, respiratory disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases, blind rehabilitation, and Veterans with multiple diagnoses.
Duties
Duties include but not limited to the following:
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Conduct, analyze, interpret, and report assessment data based upon functional domains (cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure).
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Responsible for developing competencies in assessments, treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, clinical evaluations, documentation, and ethical practices related to their specific discipline.
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Responsible for understanding the necessity for interdisciplinary treatment, the need to accept and appropriately respond to supervision,
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Analyzing, revising clinical practice, and incorporating the four-step process of: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered.
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Constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues throughout the entire facility including but not limited to: Polytrauma (TBI); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Substance Use Disorder/Addictions; Serious Mental Illness; and Hospice/Palliative Care.
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Provides direct patient care and receives guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.
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Reviews recreation therapy consults and conducts comprehensive evaluations.
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Based upon the assessment data and in collaboration with other stakeholders, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans with measurable therapeutic goals and objectives including scope, duration and treatment.
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Recommends adaptation, modification, and/or assistive technology to meet the assessed needs and preferences to engage in recreational therapy services.
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Using activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, they design individualized treatment interventions to reduce stress,
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Anxiety and maladaptive behaviors, recover basic motor functioning, reasoning abilities, build confidence, and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner.
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Sophisticated techniques/strategies used to improve or support clinical outcomes may include but are not limited to: develop positive patterns of behavior; relaxation and stress reduction; lifestyle alteration; social skills training; develop self-esteem; reinforce positive relationships; motor learning and training strategies; anger and pain management; identify risks; recovery support; lifestyle adjustment; conflict/problem resolution; adjustment to disability, including coping with grief and loss.
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Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized, unique effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions including but not limited to: assistive technology; cognitive behavioral skills; wellness education; adapted sports; leisure education; leisure development, community accessibility/reintegration/transition.
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Evaluates patient needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitor effectiveness of intervention plans making modifications as needed.
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Determines effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifies potential risks and need for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved bio-psychosocial well-being. Participates in co-treatment opportunities including but not limited to: neurological rehabilitation; mental health recovery programs; and palliative care related to the symptoms of a terminal illness.
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Conducts discharge analysis for community needs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Work Schedule:
1.
Position 1: Monday - Thursday: 07:00 am - 4:30 pm; Flex Sunday: 07:00 am - 3:30 pm;
2.
Position 2: Tuesday - Thursday: 08:30 am - 6:00 pm, Friday 7:00-4:30; Flex on Saturday 07:00 am-3:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
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Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
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Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
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Subject to background/security investigation.
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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.
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Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
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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:
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your performance and conduct;
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the needs and interests of the agency;
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whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
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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.
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:
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Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
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Education. The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist:
Recreation Therapist(a) 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,(b) 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.
Nice to have
Certification: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph (b) above, certification cannot be waived.
Preferred Experience/Qualifications: Experience planning, facilitating, and developing RT programs; Prefer MH and Pain management related experience; Demonstrated ability to work independently; Experience working with a treatment team and doing 1:1 interventions
**Grade Determinations: Recreation Therapist
GS-7 Experience:** None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-9. Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level, or a master’s degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
1.
Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
2.
Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.
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Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
4.
Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
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:
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
6.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.
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).
Preferred Experience: 3 plus years of recreational therapy experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: VA Handbook 5019/1, Part II, Pre-Placement Physical Examination and Evaluation.
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.
Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:**
1.
Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
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All other VA employees.
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Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
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All other applicants.
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.
Required documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
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Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (VA)
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License
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Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
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Other (1)
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Professional Certification
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Proof of Marriage Status
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SF-15
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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Transcript
Veterans’ Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans’ Preference.
Veterans’ preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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 10/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13098492.
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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.
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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.
Other information
Benefits
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Legal
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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