Recreation Assistant (Yoga Instructor)
About This Position
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.
Major Duties
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
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 identification 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
How You Will Be Evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Additional Information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/01/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12962084. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) Other (1) Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.