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The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio[1]pulmonary needs of the patients served.
04/29/2025 to 05/07/2025
$92,543 - $120,311 per year
GS 12
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
12
No
Yes
CBTA-12731182-25-GGB
836138900
Open to current permanent employees of the Durham VA Healthcare System.
Pulmonary Functions
1. Performs basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, MIPs/MEPS, and other diagnostic procedures in the lab or at bedside, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.
2. Compares and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests and possess the ability to recognize both normal and abnormal results.
3. Calculates, notes, and reports all pulmonary function test results for physician interpretation.
4. Performs quality controls, specimen analysis, daily maintenance and troubleshooting for all pulmonary function testing equipment.
Area II: Home Oxygen, Non-Invasive, and Invasive Ventilation
1. Evaluates the indications and contraindication for home oxygen.
2. Explains to patient the importance of following prescribed flow rates.
3. Performs arterial sampling for blood analysis.
4. Completes assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate.
5. Obtains social, behavioral, and occupational history and other historical information that is relevant for the prescription of home oxygen.
6. Reviews and interprets arterial blood gases and related laboratory tests.
7. Conducts, reviews, and interprets six-minute walk tests and pulse oximetry.
8. Evaluates the need and use for PAP devices, non-invasive ventilation devices with appropriate mask interfaces, and invasive ventilation devices via tracheostomy.
9. Coordinates with approved vendor for oxygen equipment needs and non-invasive/invasive ventilation equipment needs.
and open flames.
Area III: Home Sleep Testing
1. Programs home sleep testing equipment with patient's demographic data.
2. Instructs/assists patient with completing Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
3. Measures patient's neck with disposable tape measure and obtains patient's weight.
4. Informs patient that testing equipment must be returned within 2 days of receiving and have patient sign VA Government Property Loan Form.
5. Reviews with patient a video for use of home sleep testing equipment and answers questions.
6. Asks patient to perform a return demonstration for use of equipment.
7. Informs patient of date and place to return equipment.
8. Completes note in EMR and attaches CPAP clinic for acknowledgement.
9. Scans and emails copy of Epworth Sleepiness Scale to CPAP clinic.
Area IV: Support Functions
1. Fully completes all consults in a timely manner.
2. Assists MSAs s appropriate for patient scheduling.
3. Contacts patients as necessary to facilitate scheduling of appointments.
4. Assists with the orientation of new employees for this role.
5. Complies and reports quality data for areas of responsibility as appropriate.
6. Maintains proper stocking of supplies for all assignment areas.
Area V: Leadership
1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization
2. Skill in communicating data, policies, and regulations
3. Ability to develop resource material
4. Ability to establish a completely integrated program that emulates "best practice" and follows national policies.
5. Develops and regularly reviews policies and procedures; ensures that this program remains in compliance with existing VA policy and regulations and JCAHO standards.
6. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of all the program activities through standard and innovative techniques.
7. Maintains statistical and patient data. Monitors individual performance standards and completes retrospective audits.
8. Serves as liaison between the department and its clinical consumers (i.e., nursing service, administration and other support services).
9. Formulates evaluation of equipment needs, preventive maintenance and organization of expendable and non-expendable equipment and supplies related to the program.
10. Manages all clinical aspects of the program
11. Advise leadership on policy implications, key issues, relationships to both internal and external interest groups and recommended course of action.
12. Maintain interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals.
13. Coordinates and negotiates resolutions to complex problems and reports progress and resolution of problems in achieving goals and objectives to higher levels of management.
Area VII: Emergency Care
1. Performs basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support according to AHA guidelines.
2. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification as per associated guidelines as stated above.
3. Performs endotracheal intubation.
4. Performs as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team).
Area VIII: Health Policy
1. Adhere to regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, Hazmat, Joint Commission).
Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/07/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12731182.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
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NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/836138900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.