Supervisory Recreation Therapist: Leading Wellness at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated clinical professional looking to take the next step in your career? The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Recreation Therapist to lead our clinical programs. This is a unique opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with leadership skills to improve the quality of life for those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Recreation Therapist, you are the backbone of the Recreation Therapy department. Your duties will include:

Clinical Oversight: Guiding staff, including yoga specialists and assistants, in delivering evidence-based therapeutic recreation.
Administrative Management: Overseeing program budgets, equipment management, and scheduling.
Strategic Development: Implementing solutions to operational problems and optimizing service productivity.
Direct Patient Care: As a working supervisor, you will still be involved in developing comprehensive treatment plans for patients with complex medical and mental health needs.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must meet the following federal requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in a therapeutic recreation-related field approved by the NCTRC.
Possess current certification as a CTRS.
Have at least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.

Requirements Comparison Table

Requirement Type	Criteria	Notes
Education	Bachelor's or Higher	Major must be in Therapeutic Recreation
Certification	CTRS	Mandatory, non-waivable
Experience	1 Year GS-11 Equivalent	Specialized clinical/supervisory role
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen	Required for federal employment

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 level, offering a salary range of $103,225 to $134,195 per year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and follows the federal General Schedule pay scale.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health and life insurance.
Generous federal retirement plans (FERS and TSP).
Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Professional training and growth opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus on the Questionnaire: The assessment questionnaire is vital; ensure your resume supports every "yes" answer you provide.
Detailed Resume: Quantify your experience. Mention the size of the team you supervised and the specific programs you managed.
Use the Template: The VA provides a specific Clinical Resume document—using it helps ensure your application passes the initial screening process.

If you are ready to lead a team of professionals dedicated to veteran rehabilitation, this role at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is the perfect challenge. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to our nation's veterans.

Why This Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job Matters

Lead a team dedicated to healing and empowerment. Join the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center as a Supervisory Recreation Therapist and shape the future of veteran rehabilitative care.

Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job Overview

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Recreation Therapist to join our Rehabilitation and Extended Care team. This pivotal role involves a balance of clinical leadership and administrative management, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic recreation services to veterans. You will oversee a diverse team, manage program resources, and provide direct clinical guidance in a fast-paced, high-acuity medical environment.

Requirements for Supervisory Recreation Therapist

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific waiver conditions are met).
Bachelor’s degree or higher in therapeutic recreation or a related field approved by the NCTRC.
Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
At least one year of creditable specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Recreation Therapist

Proven experience supervising recreation therapists or interdisciplinary rehabilitation staff.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, staff scheduling, and quality improvement initiatives.
Previous experience within the VA healthcare system or similar clinical settings.
Expertise in Joint Commission, CARF, and other regulatory accreditation standards.
Strong analytical skills regarding organizational performance data and clinical outcomes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit based on prior experience.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Professional development and staff training opportunities.
✓Flexible work environment with telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Recreation Therapist Job

Create or update your account on the official federal jobs portal.
Prepare your federal resume, ensuring it details duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume document provided by the VA.
Gather your professional certifications, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50s or veteran preference documentation (e.g., DD-214).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all documents and submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Do not leave room for assumptions. Detail how your previous experience directly relates to the GS-12 supervisory requirements.
Use the template: Always use the VA-provided clinical resume template when applying for health-related positions.
Check your status: Log into your portal account regularly to monitor your application progress after submission.
Proofread: Ensure your documentation is legible and that all employment dates are clearly formatted as month/year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of this role?

The role involves overseeing the Recreation Therapy department, providing clinical guidance to staff, ensuring program compliance with regulatory standards, and managing the delivery of therapeutic services to veterans with complex health needs.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, though some telework eligibility may be available.

Do I need to be certified to apply?

Yes, certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the NCTRC is a mandatory basic requirement.

Can I apply without a CTRS certification?

*A: No, the CTRS certification is a mandatory requirement for this role.*

Is there potential for relocation assistance?

*A: This vacancy does not offer relocation or recruitment incentives.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to the mission of caring for America’s Veterans. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center serves a massive population of over 151,000 Veterans in Southeast Texas. Working here means joining a team that values compassionate care, evidence-based practices, and professional growth in one of the nation's most vibrant cities.