Clarification from the agency

This job is ONLY open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, and current permanent 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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Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Will have a great deal of independence in the performance of their duties.
• 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.
• 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.
• Applies clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider is formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc.
• Manages and maintains the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means by monitoring critical systems.
• 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.
• Compares and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity) and recognizes normal/abnormal results.
• Calculates, notes, and reports all pulmonary function parameters for physician interpretation.
• Collect, review, and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, patient, and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated.
• Contributes ideas, plans, and information to improve outpatient respiratory services.
• Supports multiple Outpatient Programs such as home oxygen, home respiratory equipment, ALS clinic, bronchoscopy clinic and pulmonary procedure clinic.
• Communicate changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members as appropriate. Additionally, make recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values.
• Performs patient assessment for home oxygen determination, including, but not limited to thorough chart review and patient interview to determine age, smoking and pulmonary history and other pertinent information.
• Demonstrates proficiency performing routine tasks within the home oxygen clinic including, but not limited to qualification/determination of need for home oxygen for both new patient consults and renewal of prescriptions, pulse oximetry, initiation and downloading overnight pulse oximetry studies, initiation and titration of oxygen, patient and/or caregiver education regarding home oxygen equipment and supplies.

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

• 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.
• 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).

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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