Job Description: Recreational Therapist (PRN, 1099 — As Needed)
Position Overview:
Deliver therapeutic recreation services on anas-needed (PRN)basis—independent contractor status (1099). Services may be provided in person at the New Orleans VA Medical Center (VA Southeast Louisiana Health Care system) or via telehealth, depending on patient needs and facility policies. Support Veterans’ physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and leisure functioning through structured, evidence-based therapeutic recreation activities.
Key Responsibilities
Assessment & Treatment Planning:
Conduct comprehensiverecreation therapy assessments —evaluating physical, cognitive, sensory, social, affective, and leisure domains to identify patient interests, needs, strengths, and barriers. Interpret provider referrals effectively and develop individualized therapeutic treatment plans.
Therapy Delivery:
Implement and modify recreation-based interventions (individual and group), using modalities such as adaptive sports, arts, music, drama, aquatic therapy, and leisure-focused activities. Adapt treatments as needed to align with Veterans’ evolving abilities or clinical goals.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
Serve as a member of the treatment team, contributing to care planning and coordination with other disciplines such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and mental health.
Documentation & Reporting:
Maintain accurate documentation—assessments, progress notes, care plans, encounters, consults, and outcome reports—using applicable VA systems.
Adaptations & Equipment:
Recommend adaptive equipment, modifications, or assistive technology to support engagement in therapeutic activities.
Patient & Caregiver Education:
Educate Veterans, their families, and caregivers about therapy goals, interventions, and ways to support therapeutic engagement.
Safety & Program Evaluation:
Ensure safety during therapy sessions and contribute to evaluating program effectiveness—e.g., through quantitative outcome measures and identifying risk factors.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy or related field.
Certification:
Credentialed through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), i.e., Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).Experience : Skilled working with diverse populations—e.g., those with spinal cord injury, TBI, psychiatric diagnoses, chronic illnesses, geriatrics, or general medical/surgical cases.
Licensure:
Must hold any necessary state licensure or credentials as required for practice in Louisiana.
Work Setting & Schedule:- Based atNew Orleans VA Medical Center —services likely under the
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitationline, including programs like adaptive sports, outpatient, telehealth, or acute rehab.
- PRN (as-needed)contractor—schedule based on facility need; may include daytime, evenings, weekends, or occasional patient outings.
- Contract Considerations (1099)
- Provide services as anindependent contractor —responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and benefits.
- May require appropriate VA onboarding—including credentialing, compliance training, possibly background check, or contractor enrollment procedures.
- Additional Insights & Template Use
Why This Structure WorksDraws directly from authoritative VA descriptions and expectations for Recreation Therapists. Clearly defines thescope , responsibilities, andqualification needs, while respecting PRN and contractor status.
Next Steps:
Verify with the New Orleans VAMC hiring or contracting office. Determine required paperwork, onboarding, and any facility-specific standards (e.g., documentation systems, telehealth platforms).Tailor marketing materials (resume, outreach message) emphasizing flexibility, therapeutic expertise across domains, and readiness to support Veteran-centric wellness.
