The Supervisor of the Recreational Therapy Department is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) in Albuquerque, NM, which is a Complexity Level 1b facility. The incumbent is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the Recreational Therapy Department in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service that consists of 5 or more recreational therapists and recreational therapist assistants.
Learn more about this agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens.
Duties include but not limited to:
Clinical
- Supervises and assigns work to Lead RT's, RTs, RT Assistants, aides, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and/or support of treatment and education of patients and families.
- Triage consults to Recreational Therapy for appropriateness and completeness prior to scheduling.
- Coordinates scheduling for all consults for new patients.
- Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of RT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care.
- Serves as a consultant to RT staff and other hospital personnel in evaluating and planning RT treatment.
- Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of RT services.
- Performs all other duties/activities of a staff RT including evaluation and treatment of patients not to exceed 70% clinical time.
Education
- Identifies continuing education needs based on performance of RT staff.
- Assists with education of student trainees from multiple schools. Develops and plans educational programs to include patient, family, and professional personnel.
- Educates other facility personnel in the scope of RT services and programs involving a variety of healthcare specialties.
- Will coordinate research studies and will serve as consultant to staff in research initiative.
- Provides leadership and coordination of national and local VA training for VHA staff.
- Provides consultation to VA medical centers throughout the system in the area of rehabilitation.
Administrative
- Performs a full range of supervisory duties a minimum of 50% of the time, that include interviewing candidates, recommending appointments, advancements, and promotions and taking disciplinary action when indicated.
- Contributes to the development and completion of performance evaluations for the recreational therapy staff at the NMVAHCS.
- Organizes and supervises the RT section. Guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient welfare.
- Provides orientation and training of new staff members. Conducts department meetings and/or in-services on a regular basis to expand the knowledge and disseminate appropriate information to Recreational Therapy staff.
- Ensures consults are handled in the most expeditious manner based upon acuity of need.
- Develops, plans, and implements and assists in the planning, development, and implementation of various treatment programs for PM&RS.
- Develops, plans, and implements monitors of quality of care with respect to RT services as part of the comprehensive health care services delivered to the patients within the medical center.
- Collects and compiles appropriate data for statistical and narrative reports. Submitting such reports in a timely fashion.
- Makes recommendations for equipment and budgetary needs based upon the needs of the RT sections.
Customer Service
- Communicates in a clear, courteous, and respectful way with patients, visitors, co-workers and suppliers, and clarifies information received.
- Monitor customer satisfaction on an on-going basis through random interview with patients and takes proper action to assure customer satisfaction.
- Responds to customer's requests, inquires, complaints and follow-up.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
- 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 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 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.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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:
United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Education. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements possessing a degree in an approved degree program by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC):
- 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.
English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)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:
GS-12 Experience: at least one year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to provide treatment in complex cases and work with great independence.
- Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the service.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
- Ability to use evidence-based practices, clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the staff in applying these tools.
- Knowledge of organizational theories and strategies to positively impact the overall goals and objectives within the service.
- Knowledge related to administrative functions such as fiscal, material supply, equipment management, and clinical and program management.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Duties are physical in nature, requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium weight objects, and pushing wheelchairs. Requires the ability to carry light to medium weight items such as papers, books, or other supplies, as well as heavier items such as durable medical equipment. The incumbent needs to be able to handle the therapy equipment, modalities, and items needed for well- being group activities and uses the computer and other standard office equipment to complete administrative tasks.
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/.
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 applicant's 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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This job is open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens.
Area of Consideration:
1. Current permanent facility employees.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
4. All other Applicants.
Please be advised Veterans Preference does not apply to VA or Federal employees.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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Professional Certification
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Resume
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Transcript
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. 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/CV 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-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (VA)
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License
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Professional Certification
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Resume
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) 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.
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.
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 08/06/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13016961.
- 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.
Shannon Blemberg
Address
Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1501 San Pedro Drive, Southeast
Albuquerque, NM 87108
US
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.
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Albuquerque, NM
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$90,479 - $117,625 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0638 Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSX-13016961-26-SB
