Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Recreation Therapist with the VA
Are you a dedicated professional looking to blend clinical expertise with meaningful, patient-centered care? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Recreation Therapist to join the Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Columbus, Ohio. This is your opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that prioritizes Whole Health.
Job Responsibilities
As a Recreation Therapist, your role is multifaceted, focusing on the four-step process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. You will:
- Provide Direct Patient Care: Utilize evidence-based interventions to improve the physical, social, and emotional functioning of Veterans.
- Collaborate with Teams: Serve as a subject matter expert on interdisciplinary medical teams.
- Support Specialized Programs: Contribute to the success of programs including Spinal Cord Injury, Pain Management, and Medical Foster Home initiatives.
- Clinical Education: Assist in mentoring clinical interns and providing guidance to healthcare staff.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a therapeutic recreation-related field and possess a current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) from the NCTRC. Candidates must also demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and be eligible for federal employment.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Requirement | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | Entry Level | Basic competencies and educational requirements. |
| GS-9 | Intermediate | One year of professional experience or Master's degree. |
| GS-11 | Full Performance | Advanced clinical reasoning and independent program management. |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position ranges from $52,654 to $101,309 per year, depending on the specific grade level (GS-7 to GS-11) and demonstrated experience. This is a competitive federal salary offering stability and clear progression pathways.
Benefits
Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck. Our employees enjoy:
- Health and Wellness: Access to premium healthcare insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, with federal holiday leave.
- Financial Security: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Professional Growth: Continuous education and training opportunities to stay at the forefront of recreation therapy practices.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly mention how your experience aligns with the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities).
- Be Detailed: Use concrete examples of clinical success in your resume. If you have volunteer experience in a healthcare setting, include it!
- Check Documents: Ensure your CTRS certification and transcripts are clear and attached properly to your application.
If you are a passionate Recreation Therapist ready to support America’s Veterans, the Chalmers P. Wylie VA clinic is the ideal environment to advance your career. Apply today to become a part of a team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.
Why This Recreation Therapist Job Matters
Transform lives through the power of therapeutic play—join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Recreation Therapist and help those who served reach their full potential.
Recreation Therapist Job Overview
The Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a compassionate Recreation Therapist to join our Social Work and Integrated Care team. This role is pivotal in delivering Whole Health care, utilizing assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to improve the physical and mental well-being of Veterans. You will work across diverse programs, including Spinal Cord Injury, Medical Foster Home, and Pain Management, creating personalized care plans that empower Veterans to live their lives to the fullest.
Requirements for Recreation Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation (NCTRC approved).
- Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the NCTRC.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- Mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program participation.
Preferred Qualifications for Recreation Therapist
- Experience in clinical assessment and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
- Advanced knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic techniques for complex medical and mental health diagnoses.
- Master’s degree in Recreation Therapy for GS-9 level eligibility.
- Prior experience working within a VA or healthcare setting.
- Ability to adapt treatment interventions for geriatric and younger adult populations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance plans
- âś“Federal retirement benefits
- âś“Paid annual and sick leave
- âś“Professional development and training opportunities
- âś“Life insurance programs
- âś“Flexible spending accounts
đź’ˇ How to Apply Recreation Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Recreation Therapist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed long-form resume documenting professional clinical experience.
- Gather required documents, including transcripts and certification proof (CTRS).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job requirements.
- Be specific about volunteer work if you are using it to demonstrate clinical competencies.
- Double-check that your CTRS certification documentation is legible and up-to-date.
- Apply early to avoid potential technical issues during the final hours of the posting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not currently a U.S. citizen?
Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be available at the discretion of the service leadership.
What is the full performance level of this job?
The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-11, though candidates may be selected between GS-07 and GS-11.
What is the closing date for this application?
Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2026.
Are relocation incentives available?
No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families. The VA Central Ohio Health Care System is a pillar of this mission, providing comprehensive care across multiple clinics. We emphasize a 'Whole Health' approach, which empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being by creating personalized health plans that connect clinical care with the Veteran's community.