Provides basic & advanced respiratory services to adult/geriatric patients. Must be knowledgeable regarding basic treatment of all age groups. Implements & evaluates effectiveness of respiratory care (RC) procedures. Acts as Lead Therapist & oversees work of lower graded associates to achieve department & facility goals. Demonstrated expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment & procedures. Ability to assume responsibility to plan, organize, direct, etc., programs involving RC.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Charge person in the absence of the Chief and will have full responsibility to modify the workload to accomplish the assigned duties Reviewing and evaluating relevant clinical data from the medical records, care team, the patient and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated Will equally assign individual assignments in a manner that assures completion of the workload Providing coverage in those areas that require continuous respiratory presence (SICU, MICU, etc.) when the assigned staff are on breaks or lunch or must leave for any reason Performing both basic and complex therapeutic procedures for adults and geriatric patients. Example: monitoring patients receiving mechanical ventilation, assisting with bronchoscopy, using techniques that include interpretation of clinical data, describing and interpreting arterial blood gas values and acid base balance Communicating with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and providing conflict resolution Communicating changes in the respiratory care plan and/or patient status to other health care team members, recommending uncommon or atypical interventions as appropriate Making recommendations to providers regarding changes in treatment based upon patient observation and diagnostic test values Providing effective and relevant education to the patient, family, students and facility staff when appropriate Performing both fundamental and advanced diagnostic procedures as needed Recommending ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies Performing both emergency and acute respiratory care procedures in accordance with departmental guidelines and industry standards Actively participating in departmental quality assurance and hospital organizational performance improvement Complying with all medical center policies and procedures regarding safety practices demonstrating working knowledge of the appropriate safety protocols Maintaining clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice Work Schedule: Fulltime, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.; 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This is a Bargaining Unit position

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient. 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 assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions. Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies Preferred Experience: Three years adult critical care experience Hands-on experience with respiratory therapy equipment, not limited to: ventilators, BiPAP, HFNC, ABG equipment Time management oriented Detail oriented References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II Appendix G11 Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-0601 Veterans Health Administration March 12, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

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.

Accreditation Information: Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by CoARC or its successor at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CoARC or its successor's website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]