Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to Veterans, U.S. Citizens, and current Federal employees of other agencies. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Performs RRT duties 50% of the time. These duties include the following:

• Prepares, calibrates, interfaces, and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic Home Sleep Testing procedures and complex respiratory therapy equipment.
• Applies advanced ventilator techniques.
• Performs various procedures to control and maintain artificial airways.
• Performs bedside pulmonary diagnostic tests.
• Performs oxygen shunt studies, stress testing with oximeter, and night sleep monitored by oximeter.
• Responds to all Code Blue and Rapid Response calls/pages. Inserts and manages artificial airways in accordance with the National Out of Operating Room Airway Management (OOORAM) Directive.
• Provides Cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required per BLS/ACLS guidelines.
• Performs routine respiratory therapy treatments in all hospital ward areas including but not limited to the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency/Urgent Care, Medical, and Post-Operative.
• Provides bronchopulmonary hygiene including cough assist, acapella valve, CPT, incentive spirometry, PEP valve and other devices and therapies.
• Monitors patient physiological responses.
• Provides respiratory care when requested by performing patient care assessments.
• Based on Physician or Nurse Practitioner's orders, makes adjustments in home PAP therapy equipment to maintain the patient's respiratory stability.
• Collects specimens of sputum for bacteriological and cytological studies as ordered by the physician.
• Integrates pulmonary care with Anesthesiology, Surgical Services and Medicine Services in pre and post-operative care.
• Records significant observations. Annotates seizures, abnormal sleep behavior and significant respiratory events.
• Instructs patients on home sleep study equipment, downloads and interrupts data (in a clinic setting or remotely), enters results into the patients electronic medical record for physician review.
• Observes guidelines for infection control and safety policies.
• Keeps current with recent advances in Respiratory Care. Attends CME programs in the hospital.
• Rotates "On-Call" day and night assignments. Works varied shifts as needed/requested to provide 24 hour coverage of the acute patient care areas of the facility including weekends and holidays.
• Performs instruction for hook up of overnight oximetry testing for patient and/or caregiver; downloads data from oximetry and inputs results into the electronic medical record for physician review.
• Draws arterial, venous and mixed venous blood samples from patients using a needle and syringe or via an arterial line.
• Researches the patient electronic medical record, remote PAP data, Vista Imaging and/or Joint Legacy Viewer for medical reports from VA's throughout the country, makes telephone calls to facilities if information is not available or to the patient if no information is found.
• Performs positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting and adjusting and performs re-evaluation of patient for equipment usage and function.
• The incumbent is responsible for filling orders for replacement masks, tubing, filters, humidifier chambers, cushions etc. that the veteran requires to maintain use of his/her PAP therapy device according to policy.
• Assists the Supervisory Respiratory Therapist, Service Chief, or Service Administrative Officer with administrative duties as assigned.

Performs Educator duties 50% of the time. These duties include the following:

• Provides staff the guidance and technical direction necessary to complete the daily workload.
• Initiates new equipment purchases (EER) and supply (CPRC) request and tracks requests to completion and implementation/training.
• Is responsible for providing initial departmental training and orientation as well as ongoing annual competency review.
• Assists in the planning of staff work schedules, sequence of operations, and ability to recommend and implement staffing coverage changes to improve efficiency of departmental operations and patient care experience.
• Assists in developing and updating departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines for routine, non-routine, and/or complex assignments.
• Assists in data collection and reporting for quality assurance reviews, peer reviews and root cause analysis determinations including collection of relevant clinical data from medical records, care team, patients and patients family members to ensure appropriate and safe care is provided.
• Evaluates the work performance of developmental and full performance level employees, resolves conflict with/among staff members, and proposes disciplinary actions to the Supervisory Respiratory Therapist/Chief when necessary.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements.

• United States 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.

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.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. (a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Certification. Candidates must:
i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level,
ii. Hold a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care, cardiopulmonary science or a health-related field and
iii. Hold one of the education certifications for pulmonary disease for Patient Educator OR a certification for adult critical care specialist for Staff Educator.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures.
ii. Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds.
iii. Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies and medications.
iv. Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs.
v. Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies and simulations relative to respiratory care.

Preferred Experience: Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience in managing or coordinating educational programs. Experience in supervising and mentoring students, new graduates, or less experienced therapists preferred. Familiarity with current respiratory therapy guidelines and protocols. Proficiency with respiratory therapy equipment, electronic health records (EHR), and other relevant healthcare technologies. Ability to utilize educational technology tools effectively, such as learning management systems (LMS) and simulation-based training. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster professional relationships and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with advancements in respiratory therapy and healthcare education.

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.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, climbing (legs only), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to see computer/monitor screens, both eyes required, hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include silica, asbestos, etc., fumes, smoke, or gases, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work.

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.