Recreation Therapist

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Recreation Therapist Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Alaska VA Healthcare System

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Summary

This job is open to

Duties

Requirements

How you will be evaluated

Required documents

How to apply

Summary

The position involves professional work requiring the application of a knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of recreation therapy and the use of recreational modalities to treat the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of individual patients, groups of patients, and families. Maintain or rehabilitate patients physical and/or mental health. The incumbent should be knowledgeable about the residential level of care.

Overview

Help Accepting applications

Open & closing dates 03/24/2026 to 09/30/2026

Salary $57,055 to $109,777 per year

• GS-7: $57,055 - $74,173
• GS-9: $69,789 - $90,731
• GS-11: $84,439 - $109,777

Pay scale & grade GS 7 - 11

Location 1 vacancy in the following location: Anchorage, AK

Remote job No

Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed No

Appointment type Permanent

Work schedule Full-time

Service Excepted

Promotion potential 11

Job family Series 0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist

Supervisory status No

Security clearance Other

Drug test No

Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk

Trust determination process Credentialing, Suitability, Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number CBSV-12917578-26-MLR

Control number 862424300

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency: Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
• Students: Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or graduate institution.

Clarification from the agency This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered and referred until the position is filled. The posting will be open until September 30th, 2026, or until the position is filled.

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

This job is also open in another announcement to

• The public
• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Veterans

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Duties

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Duties at the GS-11 full-performance grade level include but are not limited to:

• Receives, consults, conducts, analyzes, interprets, and reports assessment data based on functional domains: cognitive, sensory, social, affective, physical, and leisure.
• Incorporates the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of services delivered. The therapist constructs appropriate and evidence-based recreation therapy interventions for treating patients with complex medical, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
• Employs knowledge and understanding of physical illness, mental health, substance abuse, and other appropriate physical, social, and biological sciences and skills in recreation therapy.
• Plans and carries out treatment programs that are directed to such goals that include but are not limited to:
  1. Sensory integration
  2. Ambulation
  3. Diminishing emotional stress
  4. Community reentry
  5. Reality orientation
  6. Muscular dysfunction reorientation
  7. Treatment of psychosocial dysfunction
  8. Providing a sense of achievement and progress
  9. Channeling energies into acceptable forms of behavior
  10. <
  11. Conducts ongoing evaluations of therapy results and modifies, redirects, adjusts, and augments treatment plans as indicated by each veterans response and progress in the light of each patients emotional, mental health, and social needs, skills, aptitudes, abilities, and interests.
  12. Exercises resourcefulness in providing individualized and group interventions that will be unique and effective methods and procedures when implementing therapeutic interventions, including but not limited to: assistive technology, cognitive behavioral skills, fitness and wellness, adapted sports, and leisure development and community accessibility/reintegration/transition.
  13. Evaluates the patients needs for additional, alternative, or termination of services and monitors the effectiveness of intervention plans and makes modifications as needed.
  14. Determines the effectiveness of protocols, modalities, and programs for targeted groups through quantitative analysis and identifies potential risks and needs for adaptive interventions with cases to facilitate improved bio-psychosocial well-being.
  15. Participates in the treatment team in all programs within the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program.

  16. Work Schedule Will be discussed during interview.

      • Compressed
      • Flexible
      • Available
      • Telework Available - Ad-hoc only
      • Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

      Functional Statement 000000

      Relocation Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

      Requirements

      Help

      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.
      • Subject to background/security investigation.
      • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable forms 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, drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
      • 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.
      • A valid state-issued drivers license with an unrestricted history in accordance with VA policy to drive a government vehicle.
      • Ability to operate and drive a government vehicle as determined by Occupational Health driving examination.
      • 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
      • 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.

      Qualifications

      Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

      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. § 7407a.
      • English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403f.
      • Education: The following education requirements apply to the recreation therapist:
        1. Recreation Therapist
        2. <
        3. a. A bachelors 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).
        4. b. A bachelors 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.

        5. Certification

           1. Required Certification
              • a. Recreation Therapist: Applicants must be certified in recreation therapy as a CTRS by the NCTRC. If hired under paragraph 4b(1)b, certification cannot be waived.
              • <
              • 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. § 7405c(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.
              • Failure to Obtain Registration/Certification: In all cases, recreation and creative arts therapists must actively pursue meeting registration and/or certification requirements starting from the date of appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the unregistered and/or uncertified recreation or creative arts therapist with the written requirement to obtain registration/certification, the date by which the registration and/or certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming registered and/or certified by the deadline. Failure to become registered and/or certified within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0638 recreation and creative arts therapist occupation and may result in termination of employment.
              • Loss of Credential: A recreation or creative arts therapist who fails to maintain the required registration and/or certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

              • 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

                Recreation Therapist GS-7

                • a. Experience/Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

                Recreation Therapist GS-9

                • a. Experience/Education: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level or a masters degree in recreation therapy may be substituted for the required one year of professional recreation therapist experience.
                • b. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
                • i. Knowledge of assessment tools and treatment for the diagnosis or disability of the patient.
                • ii. Knowledge to interpret and apply all health and safety regulations to minimize and mitigate risks in the provisions of patient care and environmental maintenance.
                • iii. Ability to effectively communicate and educate patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the treatment process.
                • iv. Knowledge to apply evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.

                Recreation Therapist GS-11

                • a. Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.
                • b. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
                • i. 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.
                • ii. 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.
                • iii. 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.
                • iv. 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).
                • v. Skill in independently applying evidence-based and best practice therapeutic techniques and interventions.
                • vi. Knowledge of the principles and techniques in recreation therapy assessment and the treatment of recreation, leisure, and biopsychosocial functional deficits.

                Preferred Experience: Residential program, veteran population, substance use, housing instability.

                Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards.

                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 Moderate: Carrying 15-44 lbs., light lifting, carrying under 15 lbs., reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, climbing with legs only, operation of a motor vehicle. Vision: Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required. Hearing: Hearing aid may be permitted. Emotional/Mental Stability: Required.

                Environmental Factors Include working outside and inside, dry atmospheric conditions, silica, asbestos, etc., slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others, and working alone.

                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: https://sites.ed.gov/international-recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.

                Additional information

                Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual Vacation Leave Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period, which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

                During the application process, you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

                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.

                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.

                Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration, Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

                Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

                Benefits

                Help

                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 window] Learn 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, religious, 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 candidates 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 Help

                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 window] Learn 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

                Required Documents

                Help

                To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

                • Resume
                • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action
                • Transcript

                Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link to download the standard Clinical Resume Document: http://svacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx

                • This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.
                • Your full resume/C.V. may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.

                The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript if using education to qualify, SF-50s (current/former Federal employees, etc.), Cover Letter, DD-214 Statement of Service, Disability Letter VA, License, NCTRC certification, Other, 2PCS Orders, Professional Certification, Resume, SF-15, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action, Transcript.

                Veterans Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt TP, 10pt CPC, PSXP, or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214s which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days, you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans Preference.

                Veterans preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

                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

                Help

                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 09/30/2026 to receive consideration.

                To preview the questionnaire, click: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12917578.

                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.

                Agency contact information Michelle Rootes Phone: 907-257-3713 Email: michelle.rootes@va.gov Address: Anchorage VA Medical Center 1201 North Muldoon Road Anchorage, AK 99504 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 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 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:

                • Criminal history inquiries
                • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
                • Financial suitability
                • New employee probationary period
                • Privacy Act
                • Reasonable accommodation policy
                • Selective Service
                • Signature and false statements
                • Social security number request

                Required Documents Help

                To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

                • Resume
                • SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action
                • Transcript

                Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link to download the standard Clinical Resume Document: http://svacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx

                • This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.
                • Your full resume/C.V. may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.

                The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript if using education to qualify, SF-50s (current/former Federal employees, etc.), Cover Letter, DD-214 Statement of Service, Disability Letter VA, License, NCTRC certification, Other, 2PCS Orders, Professional Certification, Resume, SF-15, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action, Transcript.

                Veterans Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt TP, 10pt CPC, PSXP, or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214s which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days, you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans Preference.

                Veterans preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

                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 Help

                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 09/30/2026 to receive consideration.

                To preview the questionnaire, click: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12917578.

                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.

                Expand/Hide how to apply

                Agency contact information Michelle Rootes Phone: 907-257-3713 Email: michelle.rootes@va.gov Address: Anchorage VA Medical Center 1201 North Muldoon Road Anchorage, AK 99504 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 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 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.

                Expand/Hide next steps

                Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:

                • Criminal history inquiries
                • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
                • Financial suitability
                • New employee probationary period
                • Privacy Act
                • Reasonable accommodation policy
                • Selective Service
                • Signature and false statements
                • Social security number request

                Summary The position involves professional work requiring the application of a knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of recreation therapy and the use of recreational modalities to treat the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of individual patients, groups of patients, and families. Maintain or rehabilitate patients physical and/or mental health. The incumbent should be knowledgeable about the residential level of care.

                Overview Help Accepting applications

                Open & closing dates 03/24/2026 to 09/30/2026

                Salary $57,055 to $109,777 per year

                • GS-7: $57,055 - $74,173
                • GS-9: $69,789 - $90,731
                • GS-11: $84,439 - $109,777

                Pay scale & grade GS 7 - 11

                Location 1 vacancy in the following location: Anchorage, AK

                Remote job No

                Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

                Travel Required Not required

                Relocation expenses reimbursed No

                Appointment type Permanent

                Work schedule Full-time

                Service Excepted

                Promotion potential 11

                Job family Series 0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist

                Supervisory status No

                Security clearance Other

                Drug test No

                Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive NS / Low Risk

                Trust determination process Credentialing, Suitability, Financial disclosure

                Bargaining unit status No

                Announcement number CBSV-12917578-26-MLR

                Control number 862424300

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