If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-12060188-23-KMS. The Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) respiratory therapist (RT) is part of Home Health Care Service. The HBPC RT is responsible for managing the multiple respiratory care needs of Veteran patients who are homebound or face challenges traveling from their home to the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) or to local Community Clinic.

Duties

The Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) respiratory therapist (RT) is part of Home Health Care Service. The HBPC RT is responsible for managing the multiple respiratory care needs of Veteran patients who are homebound or face challenges traveling from their home to the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) or to local Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The HBPC Respiratory Therapist (RT) works with an interdisciplinary PACT team for a population of homebound, chronically ill Veterans in the central Arkansas area. This position exists at the CAVHS VAMC and involves regular independent travel to Veterans' homes within an identified HBPC service area. In addition, the HBPC RT will assist the Home Oxygen Coordinator evaluate patients for home oxygen therapy and schedule patients for re-evaluation to ensure continued need for home oxygen. The HBPC RT MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Functions on a consultative basis as the Home Based Primary Care respiratory therapy specialist. Responsible for assisting in managing respiratory care services of patients within HBPC. Assesses HBPC outpatients in their homes as described in VA Directives. Ensures program meets VA regulations and Joint Commission Home Care Standards. Performs all aspects of high risk oxygen and ventilator management in the home as described in VA Directives and policy and procedure. Works in collaboration with the facility Home Oxygen Coordinator. Assists the Home Oxygen Coordinator evaluate patients for home oxygen therapy, schedule patients for re-evaluation to ensure continued need for home oxygen and provide coverage for the Home Oxygen Coordinator as neede Assesses the HBPC home environment for patients with home oxygen therapy to identify the potential risks for fire, in particular due to smoking. Completes the HBPC Home Oxygen Risk Assessment as indicated per CAVHS Home Oxygen Therapy MCM 121-10. Provides follow up to Veterans identified as a high-risk smoker utilizing home oxygen, collaborating with HBPC staff, the Home Oxygen Coordinator, the HBPC Program Director and the facility Respiratory Care Team. Assesses and provides management and education of patients receiving C-pap, Bi-pap, and non-invasive ventilation in the home as consulted by HBPC providers. Performs modified PFT's in the home, for example Forced Vital Capacity, as requested. Performs and is the liaison to all customers for education of fire safety, nicotine replacement, education, smoking cessation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services. Additional areas of education may include: administration of nebulizer treatments, suctioning, and tracheostomy care. Perform patient, family and caregiver education concerning home oxygen safety and the therapeutic role of oxygen as medicine. Contributes to the treatment plan for HBPC patients in terms of home oxygen, emergency planning, maintaining safety in the homes of patients utilizing home oxygen equipment, in particular those requiring mechanical ventilation. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm. Involves regular independent travel to veterans' homes within an identified HBPC service area. Compressed/Flexible:No Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (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. 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 from the National Board of Respiratory Care. 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). 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 38U.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-07level. 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. RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Credential.In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment. Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment. 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: None beyond the basic requirements 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: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. 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. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. GS-09: Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must have: 1) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR, 2) A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND a RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. GS-11: Experience, Licensure and Credential: Candidates Must possess: 1) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. AND, 2) 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: *Experience with interdisciplinary health care teams; *Home health experience; *Advanced computer skills References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is Grade 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Grade 5 to Grade 11. Physical Requirements: Must be able to Moderately Lift and Carry 15-44 lbs.; reach above shoulders; to use fingers, both eyes, have depth perception; distinguish different shades of color; ability to hear (hearing aids permitted). Ability to access all patient care areas as required. This position requires travel in the community utilizing GOV and potentially prolonged periods of driving, standing, stooping, sitting and bending among other physical activities.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital 4300 West Seventh Street Little Rock, AR 72205 US
• Name: Krista Smith
• Phone: 501-274-6635
• Email: [email protected]