Clarification from the agency

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

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The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) duties include, but are not limited to, the following.

A. Sleep CPAP Clinic:
1. Staff and provide technical support of outpatient sleep clinic sessions.
Staff outpatient CPAP follow-up clinic sessions, serve as a liaison between the patient and the sleep specialist, and document the services provided in the patient's electronic medical records. The incumbent will also perform mask fittings, adjust PAP settings, and distribute CPAP supplies to patients as prescribed. The incumbent will download and evaluate adherence data from PAP machines and order necessary PAP machines and supplies through the Prosthetics Department.

During patient visits, inspect PAP machines for proper upkeep and function, and troubleshoot any PAP-related issues, particularly those concerning the mask interface. Alert the care provider to any patterns of non-adherence observed in patients.

Obtain and document pulse oximetry and vital signs during sleep disorders clinic visits when requested by the care providers and perform emergency CPAP set-ups when necessary.

Coordinate home set-up of CPAP treatment and home oxygen therapy for Sleep Center patients by communicating with the contracted vendor and the VA Long Term Oxygen Therapy Program.

2. Ambulatory Diagnostic Testing, Overnight Pulse Oximetry, Unattended Home Sleep Apnea Tests:
Incumbent is responsible for distributing, retrieving, and downloading portable monitors. They will also distribute questionnaires (either electronic or paper), download and retrieve the responses, and relay the questionnaire date to care providers.

Document all services provided in the patient's electronic medical record and score portable monitor recordings. Implement policies and procedures for maintaining portable equipment and supplies, including cleaning and maintaining the equipment between tests and ensuring the integrity of the sensors. Maintain an adequate supply of disposable items and sensors.

Assists in the performance of the quality assurance (QA) program for out-of-laboratory testing, which includes tracking the number of studies conducted, the number of failed studies, reasons for failures, maintenance and usage records of individual units, and appointment wait times. Monitor the location of the recording units and follow established policies and procedures when patients fail to return a unit in a timely manner.3. Ability to Operate and Maintain Medical Records and Associated Systems. On a daily basis, the incumbent will accurately record pertinent patient and equipment information before and during sleep studies, write concise and comprehensive impressions of the studies each day, and ensure that sleep studies are appropriately archived all while maintaining confidentiality for all patient reports.

4. Participate in new technology/equipment development/evaluation.
Maintain laboratory equipment according to schedules. Identify name, location, and function of emergency supplies. Maintain emergency supplies inventory.

5. Educate patients and medical staff.
Provide patient education regarding CPAP treatment and sleep hygiene by distributing brochures and other relevant educational materials to patients about commonly encountered problems such as sleep apnea, obesity, driving safety, sleep hygiene, psychophysiological insomnia, narcolepsy, and more.

The incumbent will also set up patient education videos and reinforce the educational information provided, answering any patient questions and referring them to the care provider as needed. Additionally, assist in the training and education of medical staff regarding these topics.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am -4:00 pm
Telework: Available

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.

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

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:

• 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.
  • Exception. RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT. These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below.
  1. VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential. Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT. The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment. Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level.
  2. RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received.
  3. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
  4. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
• 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).

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-11.Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
ii. 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:
i. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
ii. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
iii. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.

Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols

Preferred Experience: At least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.


Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in all patient care areas (in-patient and outpatient). Respiratory Therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. It will involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting, and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44lbs). Respiratory Therapists must have or obtain the ability to handle varying levels of stress in a positive manner.

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.