Summary
Located at Loma Linda Department of Veterans Affairs, serves as a Recreation Assistant working to implement the objectives of the Integrative Health Coordinating Center and the VHA Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation. The position is responsible for providing Tai Chi and/or Qigong instruction for the purpose of promoting, restoring, and preserving health and well-being of Veterans at the VA Medical Center, and supporting additional recreational activities.
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Duties
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The position requires knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of therapeutic recreation. Demonstrates the ability to plan and implement recreational activities and outings. Requires familiarity with the physical and mental capabilities, emotional and psychological considerations, and interests of individuals for whom recreational activities are planned. Demonstrates knowledge of general exercise programs and exercise equipment and safety factors in demonstrating and observing use of exercise equipment. When working one-on-one with Veterans, the Tai Chi and/or Qigong instructor determines their degree of interaction with activities what action may be needed to enhance their participation. Guides do not specifically cover all aspects of the assignments. Identifies difficult recreational assistance problems where conditions must be identified and addressed (such as ability for each Veteran to participate safely in planned events and programs and the physical transportation concerns of the veteran to an event). The work involves performing various duties with different and unrelated processes
and methods.
- Refers patients appropriately when mental or physical issues are out of the 'scope of practice' of the Tai Chi and/or Qigong instructor
- Combines breathing techniques, posture, and movement instruction appropriate for the level of the class. Provides simple accurate instruction in the areas of Tai Chi and/or Qigong such as verbal, kinesthetic or visual cues to correct body alignment during various movements.
- Prepares class format and content appropriate for the type of class and level of participants. Independently monitors class participants to ensure proper postural alignment and use of any equipment.
- Adapts Tai Chi and/or Qigong protocols to match patient ability, physical and mental limitations.
- Records attendance at classes in medical records, noting any precautions or clinically relevant outcomes.
- Serves as a consultant to leadership on issues surrounding Tai Chi and/or Qigong.
- Leads Tai Chi and/or Qigong classes for well-being and maintenance of health.
- Participates in meetings as necessary to report on progress and receive feedback on patients, programs and interventions.
- Conducts sessions to inform healthcare providers and patient groups about the benefits of Tai Chi and/or Qigong when appropriate.
- Participates in creating standards and protocols for Tai Chi and/or Qigong teachers at VAMC.
- Participates in creating new Tai Chi and/or Qigong classes and clinics in VAMC when requested.
- Identifies Tai Chi and/or Qigong resources in local communities.
- Maintains privacy of patients
- Provides written instruction for 'at home' and 'self care' practices suggested in class.
- Discusses with class participants any limitations in the patient's ability to practice Tai Chi and/or
Qigong. In some cases, this may require medical clearance by a healthcare provider.
- Communicates potential contraindications for every pose and practice.
- Asks permission every time to touch/ adjust someone during a class
- Conducts Tai Chi and Qigong well-being classes, either group or individual, for the purpose of promoting, preserving, or restoring health and well-being.
- Provides informal input to the supervisor concerning pertinent topics to meet facility or patient needs.
- Coordinates with other staff members concerning the use of the Tai Chi and/or Qigong facilities for activities and develops and maintains a calendar of programs and activities.
Acts as mentor to Tai Chi and/or Qigong teacher trainees as needed.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Certification: Candidates must be currently certified to provide tai chi or qigong instruction. Acceptable certifications must have required successful completion of a minimum 30-hour tai chi or qigong instruction program.
- Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
