Recreation Assistant (Yoga Instructor)

The Phoenix VA Health Care System (VA HCS) is actively recruiting for a Recreation Assistant (Yoga Instructor), Whole Health Section at the Phoenix VA HealthCare System, Phoenix, AZ. The incumbent is responsible for providing yoga and well-being group instruction for the purpose of promoting, restoring, and preserving the health and well-being of Veterans at the VA Medical Center, and supporting additional recreational activities.

Qualifications:

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.
• Registration/Certification. The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement:
  • Hold, at minimum, an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 200 (E-RYT® 200) registration with Yoga Alliance. OR
  • Hold an International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT®) certification (C-IAYT®).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)

• Grandfathering Provision. All individuals employed in VHA as a Yoga Instructor providing yoga instruction under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including registration requirements.

Grade Determinations: GS-06 Recreation Assistant (Yoga Instructor)

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Skill in adapting yoga practices for a variety of participants and conditions.
  • Skill in conducting group and individual classes that support participant goals.
  • Skill in sequencing classes to ensure the safety of participants.
  • Ability to provide yoga instruction in health care settings.
  • Ability to conduct equipment inspections to initiate work orders.
  • Ability to serve as a mentor to other instructors.
  • Ability to collaborate with members of a health care team to integrate movement into a personal health plan.
  • Ability to use technology to provide virtual instruction.
• Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as FPL Yoga Instructors independently providing yoga for Veterans in a health care setting and may report to a Supervisory Yoga Instructor, clinical provider, a member of the whole health team or qualified individual. In addition to the duties at the entry level, FPL Yoga Instructors adapt practices to individual participants in group classes appropriate for physical and/or behavioral health conditions. They conduct engaging individual and group educational and empowering well-being classes for the purpose of promoting, preserving, or restoring health and well-being and supporting participants in achieving their goals. Yoga Instructors independently prepare a class sequence such as grounding, warm up, cool down, physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation appropriate for the type of class and the ability of participants while ensuring safe movement. They conduct regular inspections of equipment and initiate and track work orders. Yoga Instructors use technology and equipment to provide virtual instruction. They may serve as a mentor to lower-level Yoga Instructor trainees/volunteers as needed. Yoga Instructors collaborate with the health care team in the development and integration of movement into a Veteran's personal health plan. They use standard templates (i.e., Mission Aspiration and Purpose (MAP) and personal health plan) to document progress notes, communication with providers and health factors in the EMR. Yoga Instructors develop information and marketing materials on the benefits of yoga, assist with promotional efforts and encourage participation in yoga classes, special events and community programs.

Preferred Experience: Certified Yoga Alliance E-RYT 200 (experienced registered yoga teacher) or equivalent program (200hr hour
certification plus 1000 documented teaching hours); providing instruction in exercise, tai chi, music, and arts groups; working with Veterans, seniors, populations with varying abilities.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G78 - Recreation Assistant (Yoga Instructor)

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.

Responsibilities:

30 Day Hiring ModelThe Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.What Applicants Can Expect

• Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.
• Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come on board within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare and set up yoga setting and equipment to support scheduled events and activities.
• Instruct the safe use of yoga equipment, ensuring the safety of patients during all activities.
• Well-being classes may include physical exercise, seated fitness, tai chi, creative arts, music, and more
• Cultivate a cooperative interrelationship between patients, family members, and medical staff as needed.
• Provide input to the supervisor concerning patient topics to meet facility or patient needs.
• Coordinate with staff members concerning the use of the facilities; and develop and maintain a calendar of upcoming programs and activities.
• Compile, prepare, and submit reports concerning participation, material and equipment purchases, and inventories.
• Record attendance of classes in medical records, noting any precautions or clinically relevant outcomes.
• Enter progress notes in appropriate tracking systems for clinics as needed.
• Prepare class format and content appropriate for the type of class and level of participants.
• Independently monitor class participants to ensure proper use of equipment and postural alignment.
• Adapt yoga and well-being protocols to match patient ability and physical limitations.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Salary : $47,500