Recreation Therapist (Aquatic Specialist)

Veterans Health Administration

Seattle, WA

JobSummary

The Recreation Therapy Aquatic Specialist is assigned under Rehab Care Services, Recreation Therapy Department at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, a complexity level 1a facility. Recreation Therapists provide treatment interventions incorporating the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment services.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Veterans Health Administration

OrganizationCodes

VA/VATA

Relocation

False

HiringPath

fed-internal-search

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? VA Puget Sound Healthcare System (VAPSHCS) is a Level 1a major interdisciplinary teaching healthcare system with two divisions and multiple community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC). It is considered the most complex VA healthcare system nationwide. VAPSHCS has both Urgent Care and Emergency services, and a full complement of specialty medical, surgical, psychiatric, critical care, and rehabilitation service-lines. VAPSHCS houses two Community Living Centers, a Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Blind Rehabilitation, Domiciliary, and Home-Based Primary Care Services. The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE") As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips.

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

Clinical Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Aquatic Therapy principles and techniques. Applies knowledge of disabilities and their response to immersion and effects of hydrophysics to treatment planning. Evaluate patient equipment needs based on individual need and goals with consideration for indications and contraindications of general aquatic equipment, principle underlying selected equipment, and equipment rationale and protocols. Review medical record and consults with other team members to gather pertinent information, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy consults/orders, and conducts mental and physical evaluation of patients to develop and implement a treatment plan. Develops protocols for evaluation and implementation of aquatic interventions. Administers mental and physical assessments for patients with severe and/or multiple diagnoses. Independently plans and modifies treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition. Assesses the need for and the patient's ability to use adaptive equipment. Provides aquatic based clinical care and well-being programs consistent with the Whole Health approach to care. Interprets and administers physicians' recreation therapy consults/orders, schedules patient for treatment and integrates recreation interventions with other treatments to achieve the goals established for the patient. Responsible for development and maintenance of professional standards of therapeutic recreation services. Provides education and training to patients and families to support healthy recreation and leisure lifestyle following discharge. Coordinates with other services in the development of appropriate aquatic programs. Handles difficult cases involving patients who have multiple diagnoses and/or other severe medical complications. Administrative Reviews and updates other staff members to significant research findings in Aquatic Therapy, interventions, modalities, and protocols within the field of Aquatic Therapy. Understands and expresses the significance and purpose of all Recreation Therapy/Creative Art Therapy disciplines. Promotes each discipline equally and positively. Understands and can communicate information regarding productivity data and standards, national benchmarks, and clinic development. Serves as a member of the RCS Whole Health Committee and actively participates in other hospital/ service line committees as indicated. Attends various Hospital, Rehab Care Services, and Recreation Therapy in-services. Provides orientations and in-services to staff and students. Serves as a resource person to the community in matters relating to Recreation Therapy/Creative Arts Therapy and Aquatic programs to the needs of the Veteran population. Adheres to Hospital established standards, policies and procedures set forth by section, service, and medical center. Manages resources in a cost- effective manner. Assists program and service line in achieving compliance with regulatory agency standards, including state, federal, CARF, and Joint Commission standards. Abides by VA and HIPPA patient confidentiality regulations in documentation, consultation, and release of information. Assures the cleanliness, maintenance, and successful operation of RCS equipment, treatment areas, and operational supplies. Responsible to review, develop and implement Recreation Therapy program treatment protocols for Veterans participating in aquatics. Documents patient care using the electronic medical record and updates per medical documentation policy to reflect status of patients. Develops Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between various community agencies and organizations with the facility. Student Education and Recreation Therapy Continuing Education: Supervises interns, fieldwork students and patients in-work therapy assignments. Serves as preceptor for Therapeutic Recreation students during clinical internships. Provides a minimum of one in-service per year to other services and rehabilitation providers on Aquatic Therapy and/or Aquatic program outcomes and health benefits associated with involvement in Aquatic treatment interventions and programs. Whole Health/Wellness: Empowers and equips Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being and to live their lives to the fullest by enhancing leisure experiences and developing strengths and resources. Quality Program Management: Develops criteria for the RT Aquatic Therapy program's quality management. Identifies performance trends, forecasts requirements, and ensures proper resolution of resource problems/issues. Reconciles customer concerns. Work Schedule: 7:30AM - 5PM, Tues. - Fri., and 8AM - 4:30PM every other Sat. Compressed: Available Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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/.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. A valid state issued driver's license with a clean driving history in accordance with VA Policy to drive a government vehicle. Ability to operate and drive a government vehicle as determined by an Occupational Health driving physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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: 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Evaluations

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. 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.

HowToApply

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 04/06/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923205. 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.

WhatToExpectNext

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

RequiredDocuments

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Current Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry Certification (ATRIC) Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. 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. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Resume/CV Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Current Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry Certification (ATRIC) Professional Certification Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action 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.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OtherInformation

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. 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.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

gabriel.johnson@va.gov

AgencyContactPhone

(503) 220-8262 X53014

SecurityClearance

Other