Federal
Recreation Specialist (YOGA THERAPY)
Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs
About This Position
This part-time position is located at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and serves as a Recreation Specialist (Yoga Therapy). The Yoga Therapist establishes criteria for incoming referrals and determines whether incoming referrals for yoga therapy are appropriate for the program and individual Veterans. Yoga therapy services are delivered in individual and group formats as well as in person and virtually.
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: (a) United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. (b) English Language Proficiency: Yoga Therapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). (c) Certification. All applicants must 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). Grade Determinations: Yoga Therapist,GS-7: (1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of yoga therapy assessment processes. (b) Knowledge of clinical health conditions (i.e., disease states, diagnoses, and symptoms). (c) Ability to deliver evidence-informed yoga practices adapted for the specific needs and conditions of the participant. (d) Ability to guide participants in yoga therapy. (e) Ability to adapt the physical environment to support the biopsychosocial health and well-being of various populations. (f) Ability to communicate with patients and other health care professionals to render effective therapeutic and working relationships. (g) Ability to conduct yoga therapy assessments to develop care plans with appropriate yoga therapy interventions. (h) Ability to use a computerized system for care planning and documentation. Yoga Therapist, GS-09 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of physical and mental health conditions including symptoms, diagnoses, functional limitations, medications and side effects, medical terminology, and treatments related to acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries. (b) Skill in adapting the physical environment to support the biopsychosocial health and well-being of various populations. (c) Skill in communicating with patients and other health care professionals to render effective therapeutic and working relationships. (d) Skill to conduct yoga therapy assessments to develop care plans with appropriate yoga therapy interventions. (e) Skill in delivering evidence-informed yoga therapy adapted for the specific needs and conditions of the participant. (f) Ability to establish criteria for incoming referrals. (g) Ability to develop educational material Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9.
Major Duties
Major duties include, but are not limited to: Independently conducts yoga therapy assessments utilizing an understanding of common clinical health conditions to develop and deliver evidence-informed yoga practices adapted for the specific needs and conditions of the participant or group. Provides ongoing assessment of Veteran's progress towards goals and response to yoga therapy and modify care plans based on outcomes. Knowledge of appropriate and safe delivery of yoga practices including postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), meditation (dhyana and dharana), gestures (mudras), sounds (mantras), and application to daily life through yoga philosophy and other practices in the yoga tradition. Use an understanding of modifications to appropriately adapt and guide safe, evidence-informed therapeutic yoga practices based on the assessment and in support of the biopsychosocial-spiritual health and well-being of the participant or group. Develops care plans and provides education within the yoga therapy framework according to the Veteran's health condition, needs, goals, life circumstances and access to resources such as time and equipment. Create and facilitate evidence-informed and condition-specific yoga therapy groups and workshops. Plans, develops and/or participates in education related to yoga and yoga therapy as a component of complementary and integrative health (CIH) care to increase awareness regarding the benefits of yoga, yoga therapy, and self-care strategies for Veterans, staff, caregivers, and/or community organizations. Develop and maintain a portfolio of educational materials and resources for clinicians and Veterans using print and non-print media. Fosters a safe environment and therapeutic relationship including communication with patients and other health care professionals. Communicates with Veterans and collaborates with other healthcare professionals regarding care plans. Determine and refer Veterans to an appropriate health care provider for any new clinical findings or concerns outside of the Yoga Therapist's scope of practice. Work Schedule: Part-time, Monday - Friday 07:30am to 4:00pm CST (Tour of duty may vary) Salary noted is based on a full-time schedule. Actual salary will be pro-rated based on actual hours worked. Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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. 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
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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 02/12/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12883108. 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: Professional Certification Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript 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 *Highly Recommended* Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement. Resume/CV exceeding two-pages Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Recreation Specialist (YOGA THERAPY) position at Veterans Health Administration?
The salary range for this position is $55,012 - $87,482/yr. This is a GS-7/9 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Recreation Specialist (YOGA THERAPY) job located?
This position is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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: (a) United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Po...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 12, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-7/9 mean?
GS-7/9 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.