• Perform assessments of patients through examination, analyses of laboratory results and interpretation of x-rays for the independent adjustment of ventilator settings on emergency situations.
• Develop and monitor treatment plans for patients with a variety of respiratory issues.
• Set up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as ventilator life support systems for the most seriously ill patients in the critical care areas.
• Performs airway and tube care on intensive care patients including cleaning and securing the tracheotomy and endotrachial tube sites.
• Instruct patients and families in the use of respiratory equipment for home use.
• Calibrate complex respiratory equipment such as computerized ventilators, co-oximeters, blood gas analysis machines, expired carbon dioxide monitors, oxygen monitors and pulse oximeters, metabolic cart to assure accurate performance.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position may be subjected to a Tier 1 background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
• This position may have specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties may require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• This position may have mandatory seasonal Influenza vaccination requirements and be subjected to annual Influenza vaccinations unless otherwise exempted for medical or religious reasons (exemption documentation must be provided upon hire).
• The incumbent may be required to be screened for and obtain necessary immunizations/vaccinations (hepatitis, influenza, etc.), unless exempted by a licensed physician.
• This position may require the incumbent to have Tuberculosis testing.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds may be required.
• This position may require the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• All applicants tentatively selected for this position may be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• This position may be subjected to a pre-employment screening, and random drug testing, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• The incumbent may be required to perform on-call duties which may take place on nights, weekends, and/or holidays as mission requirements dictate.
• Incumbent may be required to obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.
• This position may require business travel up to 5%.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.


Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes treating respiratory therapy patients; and setting up, operating, or maintaining respiratory therapy equipment. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

OR

Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Respiratory Therapy. (MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible.)

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages. (MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible.)

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.