Supervisory Recreation Therapist
What you'd do
The Supervisor of the Recreational Therapy Department is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) in Albuquerque, NM, which is a Complexity Level 1b facility. The incumbent is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the Recreational Therapy Department in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service that consists of 5 or more recreational therapists and recreational therapist assistants.
Major duties
Duties include but not limited to: Clinical - Supervises and assigns work to Lead RT's, RTs, RT Assistants, aides, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and/or support of treatment and education of patients and families. - Triage consults to Recreational Therapy for appropriateness and completeness prior to scheduling. - Coordinates scheduling for all consults for new patients. - Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of RT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. - Serves as a consultant to RT staff and other hospital personnel in evaluating and planning RT treatment. - Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of RT services. - Performs all other duties/activities of a staff RT including evaluation and treatment of patients not to exceed 70% clinical time. Education - Identifies continuing education needs based on performance of RT staff. - Assists with education of student trainees from multiple schools. Develops and plans educational programs to include patient, family, and professional personnel. - Educates other facility personnel in the scope of RT services and programs involving a variety of healthcare specialties. - Will coordinate research studies and will serve as consultant to staff in research initiative. - Provides leadership and coordination of national and local VA training for VHA staff. - Provides consultation to VA medical centers throughout the system in the area of rehabilitation. Administrative - Performs a full range of supervisory duties a minimum of 50% of the time, that include interviewing candidates, recommending appointments, advancements, and promotions and taking disciplinary action when indicated. - Contributes to the development and completion of performance evaluations for the recreational therapy staff at the NMVAHCS. - Organizes and supervises the RT section. Guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient welfare. - Provides orientation and training of new staff members. Conducts department meetings and/or in-services on a regular basis to expand the knowledge and disseminate appropriate information to Recreational Therapy staff. - Ensures consults are handled in the most expeditious manner based upon acuity of need. - Develops, plans, and implements and assists in the planning, development, and implementation of various treatment programs for PM&RS. - Develops, plans, and implements monitors of quality of care with respect to RT services as part of the comprehensive health care services delivered to the patients within the medical center. - Collects and compiles appropriate data for statistical and narrative reports. Submitting such reports in a timely fashion. - Makes recommendations for equipment and budgetary needs based upon the needs of the RT sections. Customer Service - Communicates in a clear, courteous, and respectful way with patients, visitors, co-workers and suppliers, and clarifies information received. - Monitor customer satisfaction on an on-going basis through random interview with patients and takes proper action to assure customer satisfaction. - Responds to customer's requests, inquires, complaints and follow-up. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 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
What you need to qualify
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. Education. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements possessing a degree in an approved degree program by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC): 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. Applicants must be certified in Recreation Therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)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). Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience: at least one year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Duties are physical in nature, requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium weight objects, and pushing wheelchairs. Requires the ability to carry light to medium weight items such as papers, books, or other supplies, as well as heavier items such as durable medical equipment. The incumbent needs to be able to handle the therapy equipment, modalities, and items needed for well- being group activities and uses the computer and other standard office equipment to complete administrative tasks.
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