Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist staff in determining treatment options for complex patients and 2 provide guidance on therapy assignments that do not have clear precedents.
• The incumbent will be available for unusual situations that do not have clear precedents or established policies.
• Evaluate completed work for appropriateness and effectiveness in meeting patient care and agency goals, identifies training needs and ensures training is provided.
• The incumbent is the first line liaison for questions, compliments, and concerns from program area customers (internal and external). Information is shared through the Chain of Command of Respiratory Therapy services.
• The incumbent adheres to policy and procedures and ensures staff adherence to policy and procedures.
• Under the supervision of a physician, the incumbent serves as a consultant to the physician or prescribing clinical ordering home oxygen or other respiratory therapy related equipment (i.e., CPAP/BiPAP therapy set ups) in accordance with Veterans Health Administration Standards, Policies and Directives.
• Independently performs basic and acute respiratory care, administration of oxygen and aerosol therapy, positive pressure devices (BIPAP, CPAP).
• Incumbent will remain competent to provide ventilator care to include advanced technology/techniques (i.e., pressure control modality and associated ventilator adjustments and monitoring).
• Incumbent will apply clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care place based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc.
• Assess respiratory status of patients through direct contact, chart review, diagnostic data (i.e., pulmonary function tests, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count and related laboratory tests) and other means as appropriate.
• The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is the expert clinician in the care and management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The incumbent will provide education to patients and families as requested for new and chronic respiratory disease management in inpatient, post-acute care and outpatient care settings.
• Education will include the use and maintenance of home equipment, safety and contingency planning for chronic disease management including, but not limited to chronic disease management, home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy, home oxygen usage and safety, tracheostomy care and suctioning, nebulizers, and aerosol medications.
• Provides the patient with introductory instruction on the use, cleaning, maintenance, and safety instructions for home respiratory equipment to be reinformed in the home by the home oxygen vendor. Assesses and documents the patient's or caretaker's proper demonstration and/or verbalization of equipment or therapy.
• Dispense pharmacological solutions as prescribed by physician.
• Must possess and utilize a general knowledge of indications, contraindications, and complications of medicines and respond accordingly to policy and procedure in the event of adverse reactions and/or appropriate orders as demonstrated through observation, assessment, and documentation.
• The incumbent will provide and oversee assessment of patients that utilize Respiratory Therapy and/or Respiratory Equipment by receiving consults, performing proactive consult management, contacting, and mailing letters.
• The incumbent will perform as a member and/or co-chair of the Home Respiratory Care Team and serve as the primary clinic contact for the meetings in accordance with the VISN Home Oxygen Contract and VHA Directive, represents the Home Oxygen Program on various health system committees and reports to administration as required.
• Serves as the primary clinic contact for home ventilator training, follow up and discharge planning.
• The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring patient compliance, reviewing reports, performing and/or delegating when needed home visits in accordance with VHA Directive and adjusting changes to practice as needed to ensure overall program compliance of the Home Oxygen Program and CPAP/BiPAP Therapy Program as needed.
• Completes and maintains current ACLS, BLS, PALS, Out of OR Airway Management Training and/or Certification.
• Assist in providing learning experiences for respiratory therapy students, allied health professionals and provide instruction where indicated.

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

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

• Outpatient Respiratory therapy experience in areas such as Home Oxygen Clinic program management. CPAP Clinic management,
• Pulmonary function Testing, Bronchoscopies and/or Pulmonary Rehab.

• Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
  • One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
  • 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 plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program.
  • Ability to recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations.
  • Ability to supervise employees.
  • Ability to forecast resource needs and to manage fiscal matters.
  • Skill in problem solving including conflict resolution.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying levels of background.
  • Knowledge of complex and non-standard examinations, treatments, procedures and techniques

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.