The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employer (SAME) to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

As part of a Career Progression Group, vacancies may be filled from this recruitment as a THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST 1 or 2 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s). Please refer to the 'JobSpecifications' tab located at the top of the LA Careers "Current JobOpportunities' page of the Civil Service website for specific information on salary ranges, minimum qualifications and job concepts for each level.

A Resume will not be accepted in lieu of work experience. An application may be considered incomplete if the work experience and education sections are not completed.

There is no guarantee that all applicants will be interviewed. The hiring manager has 90 days from the closing date of the announcement to make a hiring decision. Should you be selected for an interview, you will be notified by the contact information listed on your application.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process by selecting the 'Applications' link after logging into their account.

DISQUALIFICATION:
While we encourage all interested applicants to apply, please be aware that there are various reasons that your application may be disqualified from consideration including, but not limited, to:
Failure to fully complete the education and work experience sections of the application; (Please note for the education section that the semester area refers to the # of credit HOURS and not the # of semesters you completed)

Submission of a resume and/or SF-10 application in lieu of the online application. Information on the resume will not substitute and must also be included on the actual job application in order to be considered.

Failure to list complete license information (if applicable to the job position).

Failure to submit an equivalency evaluation statement for an international degree by the closing of this announcement.

For further information about this posting contact:
Cassandra Bell-Atkins
LDVA/Northwest LA War Veterans Home
3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway
Bossier City, LA 71112
Cassandra.Bell-Atkins@vetaffairs.la.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

GENERAL OPTION:

A baccalaureate degree in rehabilitation, recreation, recreation therapy, physical education, music therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, horticultural therapy, or psychology.

SUBSTITUTIONS (GENERAL OPTION ONLY):

Experience in an organized recreational program as a worker, teacher, instructor, or counselor will substitute for the required college training on the basis of thirty semester hours for one year of experience.

PSYCHIATRIC OPTION:

Either of the following will qualify:

1. A baccalaureate degree in recreation therapy.

OR

2. A baccalaureate degree in any field AND attainment of certification in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

SUBSTITUTIONS (PSYCHIATRIC OPTION ONLY):

Experience providing therapeutic recreational services will substitute for the baccalaureate degree and certification on the basis of 10 years as equivalent.

NOTE:

Psychiatric services are those services which provide for the diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill persons.

NOTE:

Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Function of Work:
To plan, organize, direct, conduct, and evaluate therapeutic recreational services for special populations.

Level of Work:
Entry.

Supervision Received:
General from a higher-level therapeutic recreation specialist or other supervisor, manager, or administrator.

Supervision Exercised:
Functional over Therapy Aides, non-professional staff, volunteers, or interns.

Location of Work:
Department of Health and Hospitals; LSU - Health Sciences Center, Acute Care Hospitals, Medical Schools; Department of Veterans Affairs; Department of Corrections.

Job Distinctions:
Differs from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Assistant by the presence of professional-level therapeutic recreation duties and responsibilities.

Differs from a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 2 by the absence of independent responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, conducting, and evaluating therapeutic recreational services for special populations.

Directs and organizes such activities as sports, dramatics, games, and arts and crafts to assist patients to develop interpersonal relationships, to socialize effectively, and to develop confidence needed to participate in group activities.

Instruct clients in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, concentration, and other activities.

Regulates content of program in accordance with patients or clients capabilities, needs, and interests.

Instruct clients in calisthenics, stretching and limbering exercises, and individual and group sports.

Counsels and encourages clients to develop leisure activities.

Organizes and conducts special outings, such as ball games, sightseeing, or picnics to make patients aware of available recreational resources.

Prepares progress charts and periodic reports for medical staff and other members of treatment team reflecting client's reactions and evidence of progress or regression.

May supervise and conduct in-service training of other staff members, review their assessments and program goals, and consult with them on selected cases.

May train groups of volunteers and students in techniques of therapeutic recreation.

May serve as consultant to other state agencies, educational institutions, and community health programs.

May prepare and submit requisitions for needed supplies.

May be required to provide some diversionary recreation or creative arts activities and services from time to time or on a continuing basis, in addition to medically prescribed therapy activities.