Leading Clinical Excellence: Supervisory Recreation Therapist at VA Augusta

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to fill the role of Supervisory Recreation Therapist. This is a pivotal leadership position for individuals dedicated to the healing arts and the well-being of America's Veterans. If you possess a blend of clinical expertise, administrative acumen, and a passion for staff mentorship, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of recreational and creative therapy services in a major medical facility.

Job Responsibilities

As a supervisor, your duties go beyond direct care. You will be responsible for the administrative management and direction of the Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy Department. Key responsibilities include:

Staff Leadership: Supervising a multidisciplinary team including recreation therapists, creative arts therapists, and support staff.
Clinical Governance: Developing operational procedures and performance standards that support VHA and local facility goals.
Program Development: Implementing performance improvement plans in accordance with Joint Commission, Ascellon, and CARF standards.
Resource Management: Managing fiscal needs, material supplies, and equipment while analyzing productivity data to optimize service delivery.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet specific federal and clinical requirements:

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Appropriate degrees in therapeutic recreation, art therapy, music, dance, or drama therapy from an accredited institution.
Professional certification (CTRS, MT-BC, RDT, etc.) relevant to your field.
At least one year of creditable experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.

Salary Overview

The GS-13 position offers a competitive salary range designed to attract top-tier clinical leadership.

Pay Grade	Minimum Annual Salary	Maximum Annual Salary
GS-13	$106,437	$138,370

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust benefits package that supports both personal and professional well-being, including:

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage options for the employee and family.
Retirement Planning: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of vacation days, sick leave, and standard federal holidays.
Professional Development: Training opportunities to remain current with evidence-based practices.

Application Tips

Standardize Your Resume: Always utilize the requested Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
Highlight KSAs: When writing your experience, explicitly address the seven core Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement.
Stay Organized: Ensure all supporting documents, especially certifications and transcripts, are uploaded and legible.

Serving as a Supervisory Recreation Therapist at the VA Augusta Health Care System is more than a job—it is a mission. If you are ready to lead a department that makes a meaningful impact on the recovery journeys of Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application package before the deadline.

Why This Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job Matters

Lead a team dedicated to healing and recovery: Become a Supervisory Recreation Therapist at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center and make a lasting impact on the lives of our nation's heroes.

Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job Overview

The VA Augusta Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and experienced clinical leader to serve as the Supervisory Recreation Therapist within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service. In this leadership role, you will oversee a talented team of Recreation and Creative Arts Therapists, guiding the development of programs that promote whole-health recovery for Veterans. You will manage daily operations, facilitate staff performance, and ensure clinical excellence while adhering to the highest standards of patient care and regulatory compliance.

Requirements for Supervisory Recreation Therapist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must undergo a background/security investigation.
Must provide professional certification and official/unofficial transcripts.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must hold a valid, unexpired government-issued identification (REAL ID compliant).
Must possess specific educational credentials in therapeutic recreation, art therapy, dance/movement therapy, or drama therapy based on the designated discipline, as outlined by VA qualification standards.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Recreation Therapist

Active licensure or certification in the field of study.
Five or more years of experience supervising and mentoring recreation or creative arts therapists.
Proven history of designing, implementing, and evaluating successful recreational therapy programs.
Extensive knowledge of regulatory standards, accreditation processes (CARF, Joint Commission), and quality improvement workflows.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
✓Work-life balance through a standard Monday-Friday schedule.
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical leadership growth.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full job questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
Prepare your resume according to the specific VA Clinical Resume Document template.
Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts, certifications, and, if applicable, proof of veteran preference (DD-214/SF-15).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications and confirmation of submission.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Be detailed in your resume; clearly link your past experience to the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities).
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 clearly displays your service dates and character of service.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly show your graduation date or date of degree conferral.
Do not wait until the final hours on the closing date; system traffic can be unpredictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this leadership role?

The supervisor manages the Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy Department, overseeing staff performance, clinical program development, and administrative functions while ensuring all services align with VA and regulatory standards.

Can I qualify if my certification is currently pending?

Yes, applicants pending completion of certification may be referred for the position, but final hiring is contingent upon meeting all educational and certification requirements.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this role requires on-site presence at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center and is not eligible for telework or virtual arrangements.

What is the work schedule for this position?

*A: The schedule is a standard Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM shift.*

Can I apply if I am not currently a VA employee?

*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served in our nation’s military. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States, focused on delivering whole-health care that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional needs of every Veteran. Working at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center means joining a team that values compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence above all else.