Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist
What you'd do
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply
Major duties
The Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist is responsible for the supervision of administrative management, and direction of the Recreation Therapy Department with services offered to hospitalized and ambulatory patients, Community Living Center, and Behavioral Health Service at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS). RT/CAT services are provided at the inpatient rehabilitation unit, the Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program, behavioral health programs including but not limited to: Acute Behavioral Health Inpatient Care Unit (ABHICU), Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program-Domiciliary (MHRRTP), New Beginnings and Intensive Out Patient (IOP), PTSD Clinic, and Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). The position is located under the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Duties include but are not limited to: Supervisory responsibilities for all Recreation and Creative Arts Therapists, Recreation Therapy Assistants, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and/or support of treatment and education of patients and families within the scope of this position. Assigns and monitors clinical performance of RT/CAT staff including technical oversight to assure prompt and smooth delivery of recreation therapy services to patients. Consults with physicians, members of the rehabilitation team and other health professionals through case presentations, attendance at ward rounds, re-evaluation clinics, treatment and discharge meetings and educational lectures or conferences. Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of RT/CAT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. Observes the utilization of recreation therapy treatment modalities to ensure the most beneficial program for the patient considering available resources. Demonstrates independence in performing supervisory responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, assigning work to employees, monitoring workload and clinical volume, reviewing work of employees to assure accuracy and validity of submissions, imposing disciplinary measures, and monitoring clinical competencies. Guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient well-being. Identifies and coordinates continuing education and trainings needs based on performance evaluations, performance improvement activities, competency assessment, state of the art technologies etc. Collaborates with academic institutions for the clinical training of recreation and creative arts therapy students. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: AD HOC only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61623F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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. English Language Proficiency: Supervisory Recreation Therapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Creative Arts Therapist (Dance/Movement) - (a) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major or an emphasis in dance therapy or dance/movement therapy. The degree must be approved by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). OR (b) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a board-certified dance/movement therapist (BC-DMT) approved by the Dance Movement Therapy Certification Board (DMTCB). If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived. NOTE. Dance/movement therapy coursework that began on or after March 15, 2013, must have been approved by the ADTA subcommittee for the approval of alternate route courses. Creative Arts Therapist (Music)- (a) A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, in music therapy, or in music with an emphasis in music therapy. The degree must be approved by the National Association for Schools of Music and/or the American Music Therapy Association. OR (b) A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived. Foreign Education- To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. The private organization must deem such education at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Creative Arts Therapy (Dance/Movement)- Applicants must be board-certified in dance/movement therapy by the DMTCB. If hired under paragraph 4b(3)(b), certification cannot be waived. Creative Arts Therapy (Music)- Applicants must be a MT-BC approved by the CBMT. If hired under paragraph 4b(5)(b), certification cannot be waived. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-12: Creative Arts Therapist (Dance/Movement). One year equivalent to the next lower grade directly related to the position being filled. Experience include: review of pre-evaluation data in the medical record upon admission or through consult; assist with assessment and development of individualized treatment goals; conduct assessments to determine current level of functioning and clinical needs through interviews with patients and other stakeholders; and identify patient's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs, and quality of life. In collaboration with patients and consistent with the interdisciplinary team, the therapist conducts dance/movement therapy interventions to develop expression, communication, affect regulation, adaptive behaviors, and improve functioning. Creative Arts Therapist (Music)- One year equivalent to the next lower grade directly related to the position being filled. Experience include: music listening, singing, playing, creating and improvising to understand musical behaviors as a means of self-expression, communication, and adaptive behavior; for neurological or physical rehabilitation; pain management; increased independence; exploring self-concept; improved coping skills; interpersonal relationships and social skills; and group cohesion. They recommend and develop new treatment groups and programs (including co-treatment opportunities) for treating patients with complex medical or mental health issues including, but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to promote a variety of clinical outcomes, such as improved coping with grief, loss, or palliative care/terminal illness; behavior management, conflict resolution, or non-verbal communication of difficult subject matter. They participate in cotreatment opportunities including neurological rehabilitation, mental health recovery programs, and palliative care, often related to the symptoms of a terminal illness. They plan, organize, implement, and evaluate public relations for the program to inform and educate others about music therapy, in various settings, including the complex interactions of the therapeutic process, as well as the efficacy of music therapy in complex cases. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and to 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 and 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. Note: Please ensure how you meet the experience is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Preferred Experience: Skills in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, customers and leadership. Knowledge in supervisory and administrative duties such as time management, conflict resolution, program development, workload distribution, and employee engagement and professional development. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Prolonged standing, sitting, carrying and lifting of equipment as required for the interventions. It will also require participation in trainings, interventions and special activities in both in-house and off-station settings.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.