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 is an internal job announcement open to current permanent VA employees and current permanent Federal employees.

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Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to:

Respiratory Therapist, GS-05 - This is a temporary, developmental, entry level position. Respiratory Therapists at this level perform basic therapeutic modalities in all areas of respiratory care under close clinical supervision by an RRT at the full performance level or higher.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07 - This is a developmental, entry level position, < 1 year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory Therapists at this grade level will be responsible for following assignments with minimal clinical supervision from an RRT at the full performance level or higher in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 - This is a developmental performance level (>1 year, < 2yrs). Respiratory Therapists at this grade level perform under general guidance. The Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing basic and advanced Respiratory services to adult and geriatric patients at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, however the therapist must be knowledgeable regarding the basic treatment of all age groups. The Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures.

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11 - The full performance level of RRTs at this grade level work independently providing basic an advanced respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The Registered Respiratory Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. There are several assignment areas at the full performance level including inpatient, pulmonary function, bronchoscopy, outpatient services and home oxygen.In addition to the assigned duties listed in the 0601-05, 0601-7 and 0601-9 functional statements, services are rendered in collaboration with the ordering provider, either by specific orders, policy or established protocol. These functions and responsibilities are supported by education and administrative oversight. Periodically specific functions may change. Staff may be assigned Inpatient, Pulmonary Function, Respiratory Clinics or Home Oxygen duties depending on their location and tour.

• INPATIENT SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (All Respiratory Staff)
  • Incumbent will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties.
  • Incumbent reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data from the medical record and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation.
  • Incumbent performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc.
• PULMONARY FUNCTION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (in addition to the above, primarily Austin and Waco Outpatient clinics, Temple Day tours):
  • Incumbent performs basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, and MIPs/MEPs in the lab or at bedside, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.
  • Incumbent compares and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity) and recognizes normal/abnormal results
  • Incumbent calculates, notes, and reports all pulmonary function parameters for physician interpretation.
• RESPIRATORY/PAP CLINIC DUTIES (in addition to the Inpatient specific duties, primarily RRTs assigned to Sleep Clinic)a. Provides education to patients/families/care providers relating to the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea.
• Provides instruction to patients/families/caregivers on use and maintenance of home respiratory equipment: home ventilators, nebulizer and compressors, PAP units and other home respiratory therapy modalities.
• Responds to patient calls related to home respiratory care.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53059/53060/53036/53037
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

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:

• 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
• Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
• 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).
• Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all hybrid title 38 qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education, credential or certification requirements that apply to this occupation.

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.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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:

• Respiratory Therapist, GS-05:
  • Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Education and Licensure. This level assignment is designated as temporary under the above paragraph for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07:
  • Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
    1. Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
    2. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures.
    3. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
    4. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
    5. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09:
  • Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
    • One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR
    • A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
    1. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
    2. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
    3. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
    4. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-11:
  • Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
    • One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 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 collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes.
    • Skill in evaluating the efficacies of therapeutic modalities.
    • Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.

Preferred Experience:

• 2-3 Years PFT experience;
• Must be able to problem solve/troubleshoot respiratory therapy diagnostic and therapeutic devices following published guidelines;
• RPFT preferred.

References: VA Handbook 5005/141, PART II, APPENDIX G11, Appendix G11. REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST, GS-0601.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.

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.