Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job open to Current Permanent Facility Employees of the Orlando VA Healthcare System (Orlando, FL).

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Lead Registered Respiratory Therapistduties may include, but not limited to the following:

The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. The RRT must demonstrate the ability to function at a level necessary to complete the duties of the position, including providing care appropriate to the age of the patients served. The RRT will be able to fulfill all work requirements as outlined for a lower graded therapist position. Specific functions are identified in the Competence Assessment Checklist of the position and include:
Communication and interpersonal relations, including the ability to relate to internal and external customers appropriately and courteously.

• Functioning in the Medical Center in a safe manner including infection control and the correct operation of equipment.
• Functioning in all capacities as a RRT as needed, including patient assessment, and initially and continually assessing and documenting the cardiopulmonary status of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, physiological monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
• Responsible for performing patient care in all inpatient and outpatient areas of the facility as assigned, including but not limited to Critical Care (ICU/PCU/ER/Special Units), Floor care (Medical/Surgical) Long Term Care (CLC) Home O2, Pulmonary Function, ABG and other diagnostic and treatment clinics.
• Coordinate with HAS staff to ensure open clinic testing and evaluation slots are filled, helping to prioritize, triage and address access to appointments.
• Maintains competency in all procedure and treatment areas and acts as is a mentor in all areas of the respiratory clinics for newer staff.
• Troubleshoots and works to resolve patient issues in clinics, whether group or individual clinics. Set up, calibrate, operate, monitor and trouble shoot complex respiratory therapy equipment such has Pulmonary Function Equipment.
• Demonstrates active listening skills, appropriate verbal, and written communication skills in interactions with patients, staff and visitors, cooperative interactions with co-workers. Works with other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate and timely care for patients. Aids other staff when time is available. Flexes assignment as workloads fluctuate throughout the shift. Communicates with Lead and Supervisor when fluctuations in assignment or changes in patient condition occur.
• Completes assigned and delegated responsibilities within established time frames. Demonstrates ability to plan and prioritize assigned workload to assure completion of tasks and required documentation within tour of duty. Meets Orlando VA Healthcare System time and attendance standards. Uses resources appropriately to minimize waste. Works with other staff to fill appointment vacancies to maintain a full patient workload. Travel between local facilities and to oversee staff and for patient care may be required.

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.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• 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.

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 to this position, all applicants must possess the following:

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

English Language Proficiency. RRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, of VA Handbook 5005.

Education (Submit documentation). Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

Licensure (Submit Documentation). 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 (Submit Documentation). Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.

Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

Grade Determinations: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.

• Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must:
  • Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient.
  • Hold an active license and RRT credential.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of theworkload.
  • Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload.
  • Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution.
  • Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions.
  • Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies
• Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead RRTs are found in higher complexity facilities (level 1 and 2) and the lead duties must be regular and reoccurring and must constitute at lead 25% of the duty time. This assignment may be established as day/evening/night and/or inpatient/outpatient. They ensure work is distributed among employees in accordance with established workflow or job specialization. Lead RRTs assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload, assess the status, quality and progress of work and make day-today adjustments in accordance with established priorities. They provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff and assist with technical work problems not covered by precedents or established policies for nonroutine or complex procedures. They assist RRTs in determining treatment options for complex patients. They study the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and take or recommend needed actions. They represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings.

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the Facility.