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• The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Chief of Respiratory Therapy, who establishes objectives and department priorities.
• The incumbent is expected to complete work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance, personally setting the deadlines for work completions.
• He or she assumes responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently and resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation. Work is reviewed to ensure that overall objectives of the position are met.
• Performs polysomnographic testing and titration studies including activities such as applying electrodes and various monitors to multiple body sites per protocol.
• Evaluates the relationship of events, sleep stages and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep.
• Anticipates problems that possibly occur during the sleep study and plans for these situations by making changes in established procedures if required.
• Obtains physiologic and diagnostic data measuring wake, sleep and breathing states and records various signals from the brain and airways, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation and position to enable the physician to assess and diagnose sleep and breathing disorders.
• Troubleshoots and calibrates polysomnography, computer, oximeters, movement monitors and patient electrodes prior to the onset of each recording.
• Analyzes and scores patient data during and post-testing and summarizes on report for physician interpretation.
• Monitors and initiates interventions for complications of testing and determines patient meets criteria for termination of testing.
• Performs electroencephalogram and home sleep testing and evaluate results.
• Conducts nocturnal and diurnal sleep testing in the Sleep Center to include monitoring, of EKG, EOG, ECG, EMG, nasal/oral ventilations, chest and abdominal excursions, blood oximetry, leg and body movements and other special procedures.
• Assists in scoring sleep stages, apneas, movements and technically interpreting Polysomnographic recordings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 pm- 6:30 am
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 21Q26-A
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.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a trial period.
• 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.
• 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).

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: To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information.
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
• Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
• Credential. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Incumbent must hold a RPSGT.

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:

Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography)

GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
b. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
c. Certification, candidates must hold a RPSGT.

And

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

• Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
• Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment.
• Skill in monitoring both physiologic and diagnostic parameters.
• Skill in scoring data both during and post diagnostic testing.
• Skill in analyzing data both during and post diagnostic testing.
• Skill in preparing output for physician interpretation of data obtained both during and post diagnostic testing.
• Skill in the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation and adverse responses.

Preferred Experience: Applicants must be credentialed as both a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Registered Polysomnography Technician.

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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

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

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.