Recreation Therapist

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To evaluate patients, plan and administer treatment, assess aptitudes and interests, and recommend adjustment in patients' treatment plans.The Organizational Location of the Position is: Recreation Therapy Service, VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Bonham, TX.This is a direct patient care position in which the incumbent is responsible for performing the work of a recreation therapist in the medical center. The work encompasses a variety of different duties and responsibilities:Evaluates the assigned patients' mental, emotional, social, and physical capabilities to determine the patients' needs in Recreation Therapy.Uses effective interviewing techniques to obtain objective and factual information pertaining to the veteran's interests and aptitudes.Observes the patient during trial assignments to confirm initial assessment.Frequent in-person contacts are performed to practice effective interviewing techniques and establish immediate rapport. Develops treatment plans using client's assessment and physician or nurse's therapy orders.Develops intermediate and long-term goals and objectives with each patient in his/her assigned program.Coordinates the overall treatment plan with the treatment team and patient's family/caregiver to provide a program that focuses on treatment goals.Serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team recommending treatment objectives.Plans various activities directed towards achieving such therapeutic objectives as diminishing emotional stress, providing a sense of achievement, channeling energies and interests, aiding physical and mental rehabilitation, and promoting successful community re-entry.Plans routine recreation therapy activities to meet treatment objectives.Plans treatment based on a medical referral and the selection of appropriate graduated treatment activities that will enable patients to achieve the treatment objectives.Implements therapy activities for patients who are capable, interested, and generally receptive and positive about the activity.Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm including evenings, weekends, and holidays.Telework: Not AuthorizedVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized