About this role
Job SummaryThe incumbent will serve as the recreation therapy assistant (RTA) for the assigned patient care area/program (s). The incumbent is responsible for carrying out a full range of Therapeutic Recreation programs and interventions inclusive of recreation treatment modalities and general recreation (diversional) activities, as defined and assessed or assigned by the Recreation Therapist and/or Supervisory Recreation Therapy Program Manger.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 05/27/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-5 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-4. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency - In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Drivers License - A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. GS-5 Qualifications: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-4) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include work as an assistant to one of the specialized therapies such as occupational, physical, manual arts, corrective, or educational therapy; or experience gained as an assistant or aid in patient care, social work, or psychology where the duties involved actual participation in physical medicine and activities of a hospital or clinic. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have have 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. (Transcripts Required) OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level you must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. (Transcripts Required) GS-6 Qualifications: You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-5) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include work as an assistant to one of the specialized therapies such as occupational, physical, manual arts, corrective, or educational therapy; or experience gained as an assistant or aid in patient care, social work, or psychology where the duties involved actual participation in physical medicine and activities of a hospital or clinic; knowledge of human body and psychology, specific to the adult and the geriatric patient; knowledge of basic medical terminology; skills to design, devise, and/or adapt leisure activities to facilitate attainment of treatment objectives. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major DutiesDuties include but are not limited to: Utilizes time management skills to accomplish the objectives of the Recreation Therapy Section of Rehabilitative Care Services. Prioritizes tasks to ensure that work is accomplished within established time frames. Adapts to changes in processes or procedures without impacting ability to carry out assigned tasks. Works with others to improve systems without sacrificing appropriate attention to patient care needs. Works effectively with recreation therapists and other specialists in evaluating, planning, organizing and administering activities and treatment. Works effectively with patients who may be physically, psychologically, emotionally or socially dysfunctional, demented, confused, verbally or physically abusive. Knowledge and skill to complete medical record documentation via electronic healthcare record system. Basic facilitation skills and ability to encourage/motivate patients with complex diagnoses to participate in social and recreational activities. Effectively able to communicate with volunteer organizations and other stakeholders that support recreation programs. Practical knowledge of human body and psychology, specific to the adult and the geriatric patient, in order to provide care for patients that attains goals without exacerbating other conditions/problems. Ability to properly use adaptive equipment such as wheelchair bus, walker, wheelchair and adaptive sports/activity equipment. Knowledge of safety precautions and contraindications for particular disabilities and diagnoses. Basic knowledge and skills to design, devise, and/or adapt leisure activities to facilitate attainment of treatment objectives. Operates equipment, including vehicles in a proper and safe manner, using proper body mechanics and following established rules and policies related to the transport of patients. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level GS-6 without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 6:30pm, Every other Sat 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Position Description/PD#: Therapy Assistant/PD41132A and PD41133A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: Work involves regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, moderately heavy lifting or moving of equipment, positioning severely disabled patients and assisting patients in ambulation and with wheelchair mobility. The work requires specific, common physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity, as well as skill and ability in leisure activities, maneuvering wheelchairs and driving wheelchair accessible vehicles. The work is primarily very active in nature with some sedentary work involved when performing administrative tasks. A pre-placement physical examination is required. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period 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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.