Summary
This position is in Grand Junction, Colorado and has a full performance level of Adaptive Sports and Equipment Coordinator GS-0638 -11.This Clinic is one of six programs that falls under National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. The NDVWSC is an adaptive ski clinic that serves approximately 400 veterans and active duty service men and women each year who have spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, visual impairments and other neurological conditions
This job is open to
- Federal employees – Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
- Federal employees – Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees.
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to current permanent WCHCS Health Care System Employees and VHA Employees Nationwide.
**** If you are NOT A current VHA employee. Please apply to vacancy announcement CBSU-12177025-24-MR which is open to the public to apply ****
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Duties
The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert for the Winter Sports Clinic equipment, which includes but is not limited to adaptive ski equipment (approximately 160 mono/bi-skis, 180 pairs of outriggers, 20 sliders / ski legs), 250 skis, 250 helmets, sled hockey (40 hockey sleds), curling, and rock-climbing equipment. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the sports equipment inventory, assessing equipment needs, and performing full inspections. The position is hands-on and requires the ability to work with tools to make adjustments and / or repairs.
Full Inspections include:
- Checks for cracks in seats, footrests, welds, and frames.
- Checks each unit to ensure they have evacuation straps and making sure the straps are secure by manufacturer recommendation.
- Lift mechanisms work properly. The following equipment have lift mechanisms: Yetti, Twin, Mountain Man, Bi-unique, Dymanique, Tessier Dual, HOC Glide, Scarver, Bullet, Paschberger, and Nissan.
- Checks all seating straps to make sure they are free from cracks and function properly.
- All boot / mounting brackets are in safe condition and free of cracks and burs.
- All the bolts, nuts, and screws in seat buckets are covered to prevent skin breakdown.
- Checks entire unit for sharp areas that may need to be filed/ground down to prevent cuts or catches to clothing.
- Each unit has a smooth release carabiner.
- Checks each ski to ensure it is not delaminated, is free of cracks and burs, and the edging is not bent.
- Bindings are working properly and free from cracks and broken pieces.
Full inspections for stand-up skis (sliders, ski legs, rider bars, and snow wings) include the following:
- Checks each ski to make sure bicycle clamps, screws, etc. are tight but making sure not to overtighten bicycle clamps as it will create cracks in the welds.
- Checks for cracks in welds and on frames.
- Checks for broken or bent pieces.
- Inspect each sled to make sure they are not broken or bent and free from cracks in seats and frames.
- Tighten all screws, bolts, and nuts.
- Evaluate moving parts and ensure they are tight.
- Sharpen skates and ensure the covers are secure.
- Remove any rust from equipment.
-Submits an After-Action Report and Equipment and Supply Request annually to ensure that necessary equipment and supplies are available for the program to operate.
-Maintains inventory spreadsheet, which includes inventory EE/MX number, year purchased, and identifying number.
-Makes sure all equipment is tagged with Winter Sports Clinic sticker and identifying number.
-Responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and organization of the equipment trailer and box truck.
-Assists and travels to disabled events such as clinics, camps, etc. to provide equipment support to disabled athletes.
-Will serve as the back-up purchase card holder for the Winter Sports Clinic and will be required to comply by all the rules and regulations to maintain an active purchase card.
Program Responsibility:
-Creates, implements, and supports new and ongoing disabled sports programs that are compatible with both the VA and community’s interests, facilities, and resources. Works with community partners, and programs.
-Provides adaptive sports clinics and training sessions for those who have consults for adaptive sports.
-Evaluation of patient who presents with complex seating needs with assessment and intervention with appropriate adaptive sports equipment.
-Adjustment of personal adaptive sports equipment to support appropriate positioning, skin protection, and joint preservation to support skill acquisition and safe, independent participation.
-Travels with patients to recreational programs, camps, and competitions that are designed for those individuals who have disabilities.
Plans Effective Treatment:
-Develops sports and recreational programs for individuals with various disabilities such as psychiatric diagnoses, post-traumatic stress disorder, aging and dementia, orthopedic conditions, amputation, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, etc.
-Through the use of activity/task analysis, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic procedures, the therapist designs treatment interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and develop compensatory strategies to master critical life skills necessary to re-enter the community in a productive manner.
Administers Treatment
-Treatment is administered considering the patient’s cognitive and physical conditions, medications, and energy output at the time of therapy.
-Evaluates and Adjusts Treatment
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7AM-3:30PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 56615-O, 56616-O, 56617-O
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.
- 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:
- 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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- Education: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist, creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music):
- (a) 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
- (b) 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: Recreation Therapist. Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 3b(1)(b), certification cannot be waived. 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.
- Exception. Non-registered and/or non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for registration and/or certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate recreation or creative arts therapist, under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Applicants who fail to obtain registration and/or certification during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered and/or certified.
- Grandfather 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). All persons employed in VHA as a recreation or creative arts therapist, on the effective date 06/07/2019 of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply
Grade Determinations:
Recreation Therapist, GS-7
- Experience/Education None other then basic requirements.
Recreation Therapist, GS-9
- Experience/Education. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level GS-7, or a master’s degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience.
AND
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
- Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations, to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care, and environmental maintenance.
- Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
- Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
Recreation Therapist, GS-11
- Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level GS-9.
AND
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment interventions to address the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of unconventional methods and techniques.
- Knowledge to independently interpret provider referrals and consults; and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks in the provision of patient care and the environment of care
- Skill in effectively communicating and educating, in a clear and concise manner, with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process.
- Skill in independently utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques required to appropriately provide direct patient care in areas such as, but not limited to recommendations for recreation therapy assistive devices, including fit and function.
- Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.
Preferred Experience: Requires knowledge on adaptive sports equipment and how to properly inspect the equipment. Also requires the knowledge and skills to assemble and make minor repairs / adjustments. Must be able to demonstrate how each piece of equipment is used. Requires knowledge on how to work with those who have cognitive, emotional, social, and physical impairments. Knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, recreation activities and techniques, and adaptive sports. Maintains a valid CDL Class B license with passenger endorsement to operate a motor vehicle for the purpose of community outings and adaptive sports participation. Requires the ability to tolerate and work in extreme weather conditions, including snow and heat for prolonged periods of time. This may include walking and moving equipment in snow and mud. Also, requires the ability to work at high altitudes for extended periods of time.
References: VA Handbook 5005/111 PART II APPENDIX G60
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to tolerate and work in extreme weather conditions, including snow and heat for prolonged periods of time. This may include walking and moving equipment in snow and mud. Also, requires the ability to work at high altitudes for extended periods of time.
Regular and/or recurring physical exertion such as prolonged walking or standing, bending, lifting, or moving of equipment. This could include lifting a minimum 50 pounds and ascending/descending stairs carrying a minimum 30 pounds. Work demands require specific, common physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. This physical exertion can also occur while actively involved in physical activity with the patient. This position requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, traveling, shifting, kneeling, stooping, extending, grasping, bending, pushing, pulling, pivoting, twisting, squatting, turning, balancing, stretching, reaching, carrying, and dragging. Additional physical demands include participation in recreational and competitive sports activities, which are physical in nature such as, but not limited to, bowling, cycling, snow skiing, swimming, kayaking, and rock climbing.
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:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
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
- 10-2850C
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- 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 11/14/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12177023.
- 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
Maria Romero
Phone
970-263-5098
Email
maria.romero4@va.gov
Address
VA Western Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 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:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
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
- 10-2850C
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- 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 11/14/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12177023.
- 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
Maria Romero
Phone
970-263-5098
maria.romero4@va.gov
Address
VA Western Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 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