Supervisory Creative Arts Therapist

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

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 VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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. 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. Spanish proficiency 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.