Supervisory Recreation Therapist

The Supervisor of the Recreational Therapy Department is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) in Albuquerque, NM, which is a Complexity Level 1b facility. The incumbent is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the Recreational Therapy Department in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service that consists of 5 or more recreational therapists and recreational therapist assistants.

Duties include but not limited to: Clinical - Supervises and assigns work to Lead RT's, RTs, RT Assistants, aides, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and/or support of treatment and education of patients and families. - Triage consults to Recreational Therapy for appropriateness and completeness prior to scheduling. - Coordinates scheduling for all consults for new patients. - Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of RT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. - Serves as a consultant to RT staff and other hospital personnel in evaluating and planning RT treatment. - Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of RT services. - Performs all other duties/activities of a staff RT including evaluation and treatment of patients not to exceed 70% clinical time. Education - Identifies continuing education needs based on performance of RT staff. - Assists with education of student trainees from multiple schools. Develops and plans educational programs to include patient, family, and professional personnel. - Educates other facility personnel in the scope of RT services and programs involving a variety of healthcare specialties. - Will coordinate research studies and will serve as consultant to staff in research initiative. - Provides leadership and coordination of national and local VA training for VHA staff. - Provides consultation to VA medical centers throughout the system in the area of rehabilitation. Administrative - Performs a full range of supervisory duties a minimum of 50% of the time, that include interviewing candidates, recommending appointments, advancements, and promotions and taking disciplinary action when indicated. - Contributes to the development and completion of performance evaluations for the recreational therapy staff at the NMVAHCS. - Organizes and supervises the RT section. Guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient welfare. - Provides orientation and training of new staff members. Conducts department meetings and/or in-services on a regular basis to expand the knowledge and disseminate appropriate information to Recreational Therapy staff. - Ensures consults are handled in the most expeditious manner based upon acuity of need. - Develops, plans, and implements and assists in the planning, development, and implementation of various treatment programs for PM&RS. - Develops, plans, and implements monitors of quality of care with respect to RT services as part of the comprehensive health care services delivered to the patients within the medical center. - Collects and compiles appropriate data for statistical and narrative reports. Submitting such reports in a timely fashion. - Makes recommendations for equipment and budgetary needs based upon the needs of the RT sections. Customer Service - Communicates in a clear, courteous, and respectful way with patients, visitors, co-workers and suppliers, and clarifies information received. - Monitor customer satisfaction on an on-going basis through random interview with patients and takes proper action to assure customer satisfaction. - Responds to customer's requests, inquires, complaints and follow-up. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized