Summary
The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, Whole Health Service, is currently recruiting for one (1) Recreational Therapist (Program Coordinator) for the Oklahoma City VA.
This is a multi-discipline position and selections can be made from the following, Psychology Program Manager, Social Worker – Program Coordinator, Recreational Therapist – Program Coordinator, or Dietitian – Facility Program Coordinator.
This job is open to
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to current, permanent Oklahoma City VA Health Care System and Department of Veterans Affairs employees. First consideration will be given to current, permanent employees of the Oklahoma City VA. Health Professional Trainees who have or are completing their program may be non-competitively considered.
Videos
Duties
The Recreational Therapist will fill the Whole Health Clinical Director position, which is located within the Whole Health Service (WHS) and falls under the Assistant Director of Operations and is a liaison to the National Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation (OPCC&CT). The primary purpose of the position is to provide vision, planning, management, and coordination for the implementation of the Whole Health System of Care, Health Promotion, Integrative Health programs including incorporation and facilitation of broader OPCC&CT initiatives and associated outcome evaluations and provide clinical oversight to the WHS and supporting service lines for whole health programs.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
– The primary role of a Clinical Director is to manage and plan how services are delivered and contribute to the process of strategic planning, influencing and responding to organizational priorities. This will involve responsibility for creating an annual Whole Health System Strategic Plan, identifying Whole Health system development priorities, and working with the WHS Program Manager/Executive Leadership Team/ appropriate Service level Chiefs, ACOS’s, Whole Health Program leads, and Whole Health Steering Committee.
– Chairs (or co-chairs) the Whole Health Steering Committee and provides oversight of 3 elements of Whole Health System (empowerment – pathway, equipping- well-being/self-care, and treatment-whole health clinical care).
– The Clinical Director collaborates and provides back up coverage for Program Manager for the Whole Health System.
– Promotion and development of measures enabling the Director to monitor Whole Health System staff individual performance, assess clinical outcomes, and address performance issues with the Program Manager and the lowest level possible.
– Develops policy for integrative health programming within a VA setting as well as plans, coordinates, and partners with service departments across the OKCVAHCS.
– Develops, recommends, and implements strategies for planning and participates in the documentation of long- and short-range planning efforts. Reviews long and short-range plans, resource projections, priorities, and justifications. Makes recommendations on specific Whole Health, Health Promotion, and Integrative Health projects and planning efforts that can be accomplished within existing resource levels and advises on
the impact of efforts that require additional resources. Coordinates the preparation of and is a chief contributor to the reports and other presentations on program planning and evaluation.
– Co-leads with the Program Manger in strategic planning, marketing, outreach, proposal development, and grant facilitation, as well as facilitates the activation of special Whole Health, Health Promotion, and Integrative Health projects across the hospital. The incumbent has a major effect and impact on the organization because of his/her broad number of contacts with facility, VISN 19, OPCC&CT, national VHA staff; and contacts with local state, government and external stakeholders.
– The incumbent works with the Program Manager to develops and implements programs, policies, and procedures related to Whole Health and Health Promotion. The incumbent provides oversight of administrative and programmatic resources.
– Monitors outcomes using a data driven quality assurance process of a program that delivers specialized, complex, and highly professional services that directly impact Whole Health, Health Promotion, and Integrative Health programming.
– Recommends and develops changes to policies and procedures to encourage and promote excellence in partnering with Veterans to develop and implement proactive, personalized, patient driven care with a focus on self-management strategies, health promotion, and integrative health.
– Other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Telework may be available on an ad hoc basis according to agency policy.
Functional Statement #: Recreational Therapist (Program Coordinator) Clinical Director Whole Health/PD57931
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- 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).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)).
English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
Education:
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. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived.
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Recreational Therapist, GS-12
Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of management/administration principles, procedures, and practice, which includes supervision, consultation, negotiation, mediation, and monitoring.
ii. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data and make recommendations to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within services. iii. Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties when authorized, which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; competency assessments; performance evaluations; selection of staff; recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions when appropriate.
iv. Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work, evaluate program quality to ensure that methods, deadlines, and standards have been met, and prioritize the workload.
v. Ability to effectively communicate goals, objectives, and focused initiatives to an interdisciplinary team, specialized clinical program, or subsection, as well as guide the team members on work methods, practices, standards, and procedures.
vi. Knowledge of regulatory requirements, interdisciplinary structure, and organizational structure to serve as a liaison between specialty care and other programs that would affect coordination of care, healthcare access, program evaluation, assessment, and planning future needs.
vii. Skill in employing recognized leadership and managerial methods and strategies, including interpersonal relations and conflict resolution in the management of employees, team leaders, and managers.
Preferred Experience: Must have program management experience >1 year and at least 1 year of clinical experience in discipline. Any Whole health or health promotion experience is also preferred,
References: VA Handbook 5005/111 June 7, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G60
This vacancy is listed as above the full performance level at a GS-12
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
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.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
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.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
- Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- CV or Resume: Resume must include how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of the employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment , and average hours worked per week. (Required).
- VA Form 10-2850c – Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf ) (MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ON PAGES 3 and 4). (Required)
- SF-50 – Notification of Personnel Action: must submit your latest SF-50 showing your current grade, step and salary. (NOTE: Award SF-50 are normally not acceptable due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required).
- Copy of Transcripts -Can be official or unofficial but MUST show you received a degree. MUST have the date that the degree was conferred. (Must show applicants name and schools name) (Required).
- Certification- Must submit a legible current copy of your certification (Required).
- Optional Form 306 – Declaration for Federal Employment (Available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of030pdf ). (Not required but if selected will complete it)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
- License
- OF-306
- VA 10-2850c
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
- How to Apply
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 08/28/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12072421.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Octavia McGruder
Phone
478-272-1210 X2563
Email
Octavia.McGruder@va.gov
Address
Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
Next steps
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.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- CV or Resume: Resume must include how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of the employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment , and average hours worked per week. (Required).
- VA Form 10-2850c – Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf ) (MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ON PAGES 3 and 4). (Required)
- SF-50 – Notification of Personnel Action: must submit your latest SF-50 showing your current grade, step and salary. (NOTE: Award SF-50 are normally not acceptable due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required).
- Copy of Transcripts -Can be official or unofficial but MUST show you received a degree. MUST have the date that the degree was conferred. (Must show applicants name and schools name) (Required).
- Certification- Must submit a legible current copy of your certification (Required).
- Optional Form 306 – Declaration for Federal Employment (Available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of030pdf ). (Not required but if selected will complete it)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
- License
- OF-306
- VA 10-2850c
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
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 08/28/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12072421.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Octavia McGruder
Phone
478-272-1210 X2563
Octavia.McGruder@va.gov
Address
Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
Next steps
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.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request