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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Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following:

• Registered Respiratory Therapists at this performance level are required to be proactive in patient care, working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to support the care of our Veterans. This includes reducing exacerbations of pulmonary diseases, decreasing hospital readmissions, and assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary patients. The RRT will be responsible for administering a variety of complex respiratory therapy modalities. Patients will be assessed through a comprehensive history, pulmonary physical assessment, and chart review prior to the initiation of therapy. Changes in these findings during therapy and the results of therapy will be recorded.
• The therapist will be knowledgeable about the use of medications in respiratory therapy and will observe the patient for both desired and adverse effects of these medications, as well as the impact of the type of therapy delivering them.
• Sets up and monitors Respiratory devices, including invasive and noninvasive ventilators, end-tidal CO2 monitors, oxygen delivery devices, and High-Flow Oxygen delivery devices.
• Performs routine respiratory therapy treatment to hospital ward patients, such as administering oxygen and therapeutic aerosols, incentive spirometry, chest physical therapy, and bedside pulmonary function testing. Sputum specimens will be obtained by induction as ordered.
• Patient education will be provided in all aspects of respiratory care tailored to the individual patient's needs and according to the patient's or their family's ability to comprehend the information. The therapist will serve as an in-service educator to personnel who require knowledge of respiratory therapy procedures, equipment, pulmonary anatomy, and physiology
• Registered Respiratory Therapists are active members of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team. They are expected to maintain certification (quarterly) in RQI BLS, ALS, as outlined in MCM 11-148, and Out-of-OR Airway Management (OOORAM) certification, including their live intubation checkoff as a Level II provider. They must be able to respond rapidly and assist in all areas of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team process, including performing compressions.
• The therapist will assist with transport outside the medical center or to other areas of the medical center for patients requiring respiratory support, as indicated. During patient transport, maintains airway clearance, monitors vital signs, and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.
• Draws arterial blood gas (ABG) samples from patients throughout the medical center safely and efficiently, and in accordance with established policy and procedure. Able to read, understand, and correct an ABG on unstable patients with metabolic and respiratory needs using respiratory modalities and protocols.
• Delivers respiratory care as needed in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to high-risk patients, such as those in the older age group with multiple comorbidities. Participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated.
• Safely and effectively uses equipment required for patient care using hospital policies and procedures, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
• Responsible for assisting the respiratory leadership with creating, revising, and implementing various respiratory procedures, performance improvement monitors and processes, and participating in various clinical-focused committees.
• The Registered Respiratory Therapists are active members of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team and are expected to maintain certification (quarterly) in RQI BLS, ALS, see MCM 11-148 and Out of OR Airway Management (OOORAM) certification including their live intubation checkoff as a Level II provider. They must be able to respond rapidly and assist in all areas of the Code Blue/Rapid Response Team process to include performing compressions.
• The therapist will assist in transport outside the medical center or to other areas of the medical center for those patients requiring respiratory support as indicated. During transport of patients, maintains clearance of airway, monitors vital signs.

Work Schedule: Mon- Friday- 8:00am-4:30 pm
Telework: NA
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

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.
• 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).
• 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).

Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:

• 1. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
• 2. Hold an active license and RRT credential.

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).

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:1. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.2. Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.3. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.
Grade Determinations: 11

Preferred Experience: Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted).

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.