Embark on a Rewarding Career: Recreation Therapist at the Battle Creek VA
Are you a dedicated professional looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Recreation Therapist to join the team at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. This position offers more than just a paycheck; it provides an opportunity to utilize your therapeutic skills in a recovery-oriented, clinical environment where your work directly restores functionality and hope.
Job Responsibilities
As a Recreation Therapist, you will be the bridge between clinical diagnosis and active recovery. Your primary duties will include:
- Assessment: Conducting systematic evaluations to identify patient needs and functional limitations.
- Treatment Planning: Developing individualized, outcome-based treatment plans that use recreational activities to reach measurable goals.
- Implementation: Leading group and individual therapy sessions tailored to specific diagnoses and disabilities.
- Evaluation: Reviewing program effectiveness through behavioral observations and progress tracking.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet strict federal qualifications:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher in therapeutic recreation from an NCTRC-approved program.
- Certification: Possession of valid CTRS certification is required.
- Physical Standards: Ability to perform tasks like walking, standing, and light lifting is necessary for clinical and community outings.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Experience Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | Basic Education/Cert | Foundational entry-level practice |
| GS-9 | 1 Year of experience or Master's degree | Expanding clinical knowledge |
| GS-11 | 1 Year at GS-9 level | Independent clinical decision-making |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $50,460 to $97,087 per year, depending on the grade level and experience you bring to the team.
Benefits
Choosing a career with the VA comes with a robust benefits package:
- Comprehensive federal health and life insurance.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Excellent retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Stable career path within the federal government.
Application Tips
- Be Explicit: The hiring panel cannot assume experience. Use specific examples from your past clinical rotations or work experience.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure your transcript is clear and your certification is valid.
- Apply Early: Don't wait until the closing date of November 6, 2026, to submit your package.
Serving our nation's Veterans is an honor. If you are a qualified Recreation Therapist ready to apply your expertise in a supportive, mission-driven environment, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center is the place for you. Start your application today to help improve the health and well-being of those who have given so much.
Why This Recreation Therapist Job Matters
Transform lives through the power of play and purposeful activity. Join the Battle Creek VA Medical Center as a Recreation Therapist and help our nation's heroes reclaim their independence and well-being.
Recreation Therapist Job Overview
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center, a cornerstone of mental health care in Michigan's lower peninsula, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Recreation Therapist. In this role, you will design and implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to assist Veterans with chronic illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to restore physical, social, and emotional functioning, contributing directly to the Whole Health model of care that empowers Veterans to live their lives to the fullest.
Requirements for Recreation Therapist
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in therapeutic recreation or recreation/leisure with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation from an NCTRC-approved program.
- Possess certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Ability to perform light to moderate physical activity, including walking, standing, and bending.
- Must undergo a pre-employment background/security investigation.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license for operating government vehicles.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Recreation Therapist
- Experience in mental health care settings.
- Strong clinical reasoning skills to adapt assessment tools for complex diagnoses.
- Demonstrated ability to independently interpret provider referrals and consults.
- Experience in utilizing diverse screening and evaluation techniques for therapeutic intervention.
- Proficiency in developing individualized, measurable, and functional outcome-oriented treatment plans.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with defined pay scales (GS-7 to GS-11).
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave, with potential credit for prior relevant service.
- ✓Federal health insurance plans.
- ✓Life insurance options.
- ✓Retirement benefits, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities.
- ✓Participation in a mission-driven, patient-centered healthcare environment.
💡 How to Apply Recreation Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Recreation Therapist Job
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume or CV highlighting all relevant therapeutic recreation experience.
- Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, CTRS certification, and DD-214 (if applicable).
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all required supporting documents before the closing date of November 6, 2026.
- Review your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your CTRS certification status.
- Quantify your experience; describe the types of interventions you conducted and the patient populations served.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.
- Even if you are a recent graduate, highlight all volunteer work or internships that demonstrate your therapeutic skills.
- Monitor your email regularly after submitting, as this is the primary method for status updates and interview scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I haven't passed the CTRS exam yet?
Under specific conditions, non-certified applicants may be considered for temporary appointments at the GS-7 or GS-9 level; however, certification is required for continued employment.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, the role may involve driving government vehicles to transport Veterans to community-based recreational interventions.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The Battle Creek VA Medical Center serves as a critical hub for mental health care, supporting over 42,000 Veterans across 22 counties in Michigan. As a neuropsychiatric facility, the center is committed to "Whole Health" care, ensuring that Veterans receive comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment that addresses their mental, physical, and emotional needs.