The Respiratory Therapist is under the technical and administrative supervision of the Chief. They review completed work for results achieved and for conformance to department policies and requirements. At this level the supervisor places considerable reliance on the Respiratory Therapists knowledge of complex procedures, and completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy.

Duties

The Respiratory Therapist is under the technical and administrative supervision of the Chief. They review completed work for results achieved and for conformance to department policies and requirements. At this level the supervisor places considerable reliance on the Respiratory Therapists knowledge of complex procedures, and completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy. Plans work schedules and operations, makes changes in the organization of work within allowable costs and established policies. Has the authority to develop plans and schedules for guidance of subordinate supervisors and other subordinates for the accomplishment of work to meet program goals of the RRT program. Establishes objectives, and broad priorities to align with those of upper level management. This includes carrying out supervisory responsibilities such as analyzing work requirements and determining staff and resources needed to accomplish work; reviewing and analyzing records and reports of work production, costs, and equipment and staff resources used to evaluate progress and control or reduce costs. Reports progress and resolution of problems in achieving goals and objectives to higher levels of management. Assigns and explains work requirements relative to respiratory care for new requirements or changes, as well as existing progress. a. Resolves technical work problems not covered by precedents or established policies for nonroutine or complex procedures. Studies continuing problems on the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and takes or recommends needed actions. b. Develops and updates guidelines and policies for nonroutine or complex assignments. c. Initiates formal and follow-up actions for personnel functions, has authority to establish internal guidelines and approve, modify, or reject personnel actions of subordinate supervisors or employees. d. Hears individuals or group grievances and employee complaints. e. Recommends disciplinary actions involving key or other employees. f. Approves, modifies, or rejects career development or training plans or requests, employee utilization requests, and similar matters. g. Approves, modifies, or rejects formal requests from subordinates for promotion, reassignment, status changes, awards, special advancements, selection, and the like. h. Prepares formal evaluations of the performance of key employees or other subordinates and reviews evaluations prepared by subordinates. i. Where applicable, deals with union stewards and others on personnel matters. j. May serve on interdisciplinary committees, task forces or other groups relating to Respiratory Care k. Delivers respiratory care as need in the more complex respiratory care procedures and to poor risk patients such as those in the older age category. l. Has substantial responsibility for planning and implementing educational programs for in-serviceand other personnel and respiratory therapy students who rotate through the health care facility. m. Is responsible for auditing respiratory care and initiating or recommending changes where indicated. n. Establishes policies and procedures for the Respiratory Therapy program. o. Trains and supports development of Respiratory Therapists. p. Ensures that equipment is maintained, and preventative maintenance programs are continued in a timely fashion. q. Interacts with a wide variety of professionals including physicians, nurses, other supervisors and sales representatives. The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following clinical duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care in the outpatient settings. 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. The respiratory therapist conducts pulmonary function testing, home oxygen evaluation and 6MWT testing, in accordance with set protocols and policies. The therapist is involved in the review and set up PAP prescriptions and the monitoring of PAP compliance. They assist with coordination of post hospital care for patients with complex pulmonary, cardiovascular disorders and neurological disorders who require home ventilation in conjunction with the pulmonologist and primary care provider. They suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday 8-430PM Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F02903 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: 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. 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. (1)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. (a)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. (b)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. (c)RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT. (d)Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e)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. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to 1) obtain their RRT credential; 2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and 3)the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide the written notice to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials: An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment. Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-13. (a) Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program. ii. Ability to recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations. iii. Ability to supervise employees. iv. Ability to manage the fiscal aspects of the functions supervised. (c) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Supervisory RRTs manage and supervise the respiratory department which includes, at a minimum, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff, resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment, evaluating new procedures, products and equipment, reviewing and recommending new and emerging procedures, providing instruction and training to new staff, interviewing candidates for positions, recommending selections, advancements and promotions, taking disciplinary action when necessary, providing guidance in more complex and non-standard cases and budget management. They represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings and on facility level committees. They conduct audits of inpatient and outpatient records to ensure appropriate documentation of plan of care, assessments, therapy, procedures, clinical outcomes and patient safety. They provide information to the Chief to ensure appropriate care and compliance with regulatory standards. Supervisory RRTs maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives and quality assurance programs. They assist in determining quality assurance and compliance data to be collected. They attend professional meetings and professional development events and monitor the technical and clinical competence of all personnel working in the department through appropriate training, review of results and quality control checks. They evaluate the effectiveness of new procedures and equipment. They investigate quality and quantity of work problems and operating effectiveness and take needed action. Preferred Experience: Supervisory experience preferred References: VA Handbook 5055/141 Part II Appendix G11

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 Manchester VA Medical Center 718 Smyth Road Manchester, NH 03104 US
• Name: Milan Neville
• Phone: (774) 257-4954
• Email: [email protected]