• 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.
• 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.
• Performs airway and tube care on intensive care patients including cleaning and securing the tracheotomy and endotrachial tube sites.
• 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.
• Instruct patients and families in the use of respiratory equipment for home use.

Conditions of employment

• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Two year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required
• This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• This position is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations. Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to sign a statement consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• May include shift work (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Position is designated as Inclement Weather Essential. The incumbent must make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions.

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 evaluating critically ill respiratory therapy patients; setting up, operating, or maintaining respiratory therapy equipment; and instructing patients or families in the use of respiratory equipment for home use. 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.

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.

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 résumé 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.