Recreation Therapist- Spinal Cord Injury

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Miami VA Healthcare System's (Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center)Recreation & Creative Arts Therapy Service fall under the Spinal Cord Injury Service. RCAT is seeking an experienced and dynamic Recreation Therapist. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. You must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting The Recreation Therapist (RT) plays a key role in helping patients regain independence, confidence, and quality of life through purposeful recreation and leisure activities. Their work is both clinical and supportive, integrating with other rehabilitation services. Additional duties include but not limited to: Conducts individualized evaluations using structured interviews, direct observation, performance testing, and review of medical/functional records to identify the patient's strengths, limitations, interests, and leisure preferences. Develops individualized recreational therapy plans that align with the patient's rehabilitation goals, incorporating physical, cognitive, emotional, and social objectives Delivers treatment interventions such as adaptive sports, mobility training, creative activities, and community outings to improve physical abilities (strength, balance, coordination, flexibility), self-reliance, stress management, and social integration Modifies treatment plans as the patient progresses, changes in condition, or new goals emerge Maintains accurate, timely records of assessments, progress notes, care plans, and treatment outcomes Works with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care Provides leisure education to patients and families, promoting adaptive strategies and community reintegration May lead or participate in specialized programs such as adaptive sports, adventure outings, or adaptive equipment training to support independence Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).

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