Lead the Change: Join the VA as an Employee Whole Health Coordinator
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a systemic impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator). This unique opportunity allows you to step into a leadership role focused not just on patient care, but on the well-being of the professionals who serve our nation’s heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As the Employee Whole Health Coordinator, you will wear many hats. Your primary goal is to foster a resilient and healthy workforce. Key duties include:
- Program Development: Designing policies and procedures to support employee well-being.
- Fiscal Management: Preparing budgets and monitoring resource allocation to ensure program success.
- Leadership: Coaching and training staff to maximize efficiency and service quality.
- Strategic Evaluation: Analyzing clinical data and system trends to optimize program delivery.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Feature | Professional Requirement |
|---|---|
| Certification | Must hold current CTRS certification |
| Experience | At least 1 year at the GS-11 level |
| Leadership | Proven supervisory or program management skills |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation |
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet strict professional standards. You must possess a degree in therapeutic recreation and hold an active certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Additionally, all personnel must be proficient in written and spoken English and adhere to the VA's mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $117,525 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Application Tips
Securing a role with the VA requires precision. When building your application, prioritize the "Required Documents" section. Use a long-form resume that details every aspect of your professional experience—do not assume the recruiter knows your background. If you have volunteer experience related to leadership or therapy, include it! Finally, drafting a separate document for your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) can significantly improve your rating.
This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to lead and influence the future of healthcare wellness. If you are ready to bring your clinical expertise and managerial vision to the VA, we encourage you to submit your application by the September 2026 deadline.
Why This Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator) Job Matters
Empower the workforce that cares for our nation's heroes by leading the Whole Health initiative at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System.
Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Recreation Therapist to serve as the Employee Whole Health Coordinator. In this vital leadership role, you will be responsible for the strategic development, planning, and administration of health and well-being programs for medical center staff across the Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. You will drive initiatives that foster a culture of wellness, ensuring our clinical and administrative teams have the support they need to provide exceptional care to our Veterans.
Requirements for Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Active registration or certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) via NCTRC
- Bachelor's degree or higher in therapeutic recreation or a closely related field
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Registration for Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator)
- Proven leadership experience in clinical program management
- Advanced knowledge of budgetary control and fiscal oversight
- Strong skills in interdisciplinary team coaching and conflict resolution
- Experience in data analysis to improve clinical service quality
- Ability to develop and implement long-term strategic health initiatives
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- âś“Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style)
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- âś“Flexible work-life balance in a top-rated region for affordability
đź’ˇ How to Apply Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Recreation Therapist (Program Coordinator) Job
- Create or update your USAJobs account
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume and gather academic transcripts
- Draft a cover letter and KSA-specific responses
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link
- Upload all required supporting documents (SF-50, DD-214, certifications)
- Submit your final application package before the closing date
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Address each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) explicitly in a separate document for clarity.
- Ensure your resume reflects both paid and relevant volunteer experience.
- Review all required documents early to ensure they meet the specific agency criteria.
- Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire before final submission.
- Utilize the status tracking features in your USAJobs account to monitor your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
The Employee Whole Health Coordinator focuses on developing and managing wellness and health programs specifically for the staff at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System.
Are multiple locations available for this role?
Yes, this position serves the system across Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island, Nebraska.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all selected applicants must undergo and pass a background and security investigation.
Can non-citizens apply?
This position is open to U.S. citizens; non-citizens are only considered under rare circumstances where no qualified citizens are available.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military. The Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) is a pillar of this mission, serving over 56,000 Veterans. Based in the heart of the Midwest, our system is recognized for its collaborative atmosphere, professional growth opportunities, and a high quality of life that consistently ranks among the best in the nation.