Launch Your Career: Recreation Assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you searching for a career that combines professional growth with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Recreation Assistant to support our heroes at the Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This position is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation. If you have the energy, compassion, and drive to foster engagement and well-being, this is your opportunity to join an honorable team.

Job Responsibilities

As a Recreation Assistant, your primary focus is the holistic well-being of our Veterans, particularly in the Hospice Cottage setting. Your duties are diverse and rewarding:

Activity Leadership: You will lead and coordinate recreational activities, ensuring they are engaging and tailored to individual Veteran preferences.
Patient Interaction: You will build relationships with Veterans and their families to understand their interests and needs.
Care Collaboration: Work alongside dietitians, nurses, and recreational therapists to provide integrated care.
Administrative & Facility Support: Manage supplies, track attendance, and assist with light housekeeping to ensure a safe, clean environment.
Nutrition Support: Assist with food service, including monitoring dietary restrictions and managing meal stations.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several key standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Language: Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Certification: A current CPR certificate is required.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Documentation: All experience must be documented clearly in a resume of no more than two pages.

Salary Overview & Comparison

The position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with federal standards.

Pay Level	Annual Salary Range
GS-4 Level	$37,193 - $59,031

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with comprehensive federal benefits, including:

Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Access to various federal health insurance programs.
Opportunities for specialized training.
The unique satisfaction of contributing to the lives of Veterans.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: The VA highly recommends using the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience. If you volunteered or worked part-time, detail the number of hours and the nature of your duties.
Review Frequently: Ensure your transcripts and DD-214 (if applicable) are uploaded correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I have prior military service? A: Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply! Ensure you include your DD-214 to claim preference points.

Q: Is there a physical requirement? A: Yes, this role requires moderate physical activity, including lifting, pushing wheelchairs, and standing for long periods.

This Recreation Assistant position in Sioux Falls offers a pathway to a stable, respected, and deeply meaningful career. If you are ready to serve those who have served us, apply today and begin your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Recreation Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA team as a Recreation Assistant in South Dakota.

Recreation Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Recreation Assistant to join the Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls. In this vital role, you will provide Veteran-centered care within a hospice environment, ensuring the comfort, safety, and engagement of our residents. You will play an active part in their daily lives, facilitating social interactions, organizing therapeutic activities, and maintaining a high standard of quality care. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a supportive healthcare community where your dedication directly impacts the quality of life for our honored Veterans.

Requirements for Recreation Assistant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Must hold a current CPR certificate.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period is mandatory.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all health care personnel.
Must register with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Must adhere to the two-page resume limit policy.

Preferred Qualifications for Recreation Assistant

Six months of general experience plus six months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-03 level.
Experience in group leadership, counseling, or recreational program coordination (camps, community centers, resorts, or educational settings).
Experience providing support for daily living activities in healthcare or residential settings.
Two years of post-high school education including at least 12 semester hours in recreation-related courses.
A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off and vacation leave.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Contribution to federal retirement systems.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
✓Emotional satisfaction of serving our nation's Veterans.

💡 How to Apply Recreation Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Recreation Assistant Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Ensure your resume is formatted to be two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and DD-214 if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of September 2, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume highlights your most relevant and recent experience clearly.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to help adhere to the strict two-page limit.
Be specific with dates (month and year) and total hours worked per week for every position listed.
Save and upload your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
Double-check that all required supporting documentation, such as transcripts, is attached before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational substitution for the experience requirement?

You may substitute two years of post-high school education for the experience requirement, provided at least 12 semester hours are in courses related to recreation, such as psychology, group dynamics, or physical education.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is not a virtual position. You must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes. The role requires regular physical exertion, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds unassisted (occasionally up to 40 pounds with assistance). You must also be able to maneuver Veterans in wheelchairs on both level and inclined ground.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We serve those who served. Our mission is to fulfill the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working at the VA, you become part of a community that values gratitude, service, and excellence in patient care.