Job Listing
Therapy Assistant (Recreation)
Veterans Health Administration · Posted today
On-sitePhoenix, AZ$48K – $55KApply by May 26, 2026Rehabilitation Therapy AssistantESFJINFJISFJISTJHealthcare
Apply for this job →About the Role
This position is located at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), within the Phoenix VA Medical Centerdical Center. The purpose of this position is to develop, plan, organize, implement, conduct, monitor, and evaluate a wide variety of recreational therapy interventions and programs for patients with an array of physical and/or mental health conditions within the Phoenix VA Healthcare System.
What You'll Do
- →30 Day Hiring ModelThe Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection.
- →This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions.
- →Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.What Applicants Can Expect Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.
- →Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.
- →Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.
- →Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.
- →After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date.
- →Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service.
- →If selected, applicants should be prepared to come on board within 30 days of the announcement closing.
- →Major Duties and not limited to: Manage position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs.
- →Assist the Recreation Therapist(s) in carrying out a full range of treatment modalities.
- →The work requires the ability to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures.
- →Must be able to work with the constantly changing patient therapeutic needs and be able to alter aspects of the therapeutic program being administered to meet the needs of the patients served.
- →Duties include interventions to eligible Veterans who have significant barriers to leisure functioning which affect health conditions.
Requirements
- ✓You must be a U.S.
- ✓Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
- ✓In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment.
- ✓The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
- ✓All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
- ✓Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- ✓Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.
- ✓A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
- ✓Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- ✓Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
- ✓Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- ✓Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
- ✓In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
- ✓Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Personality Fit
Job ID: 0260d9ba-d678-4f52-ab31-a9e5829dc649
Posted via USAJobs