Summary The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing basic and advanced Respiratory services to adult and geriatric patients at the Southern Nevada Healthcare System VA Medical Center; however, the therapist must be knowledgeable regarding the basic treatment of all age groups. The Therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care procedures. Responsibilities The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this position. The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and abilities required to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. The incumbent should be aware that changes in required functions of the position may necessitate him/her to perform related major and minor duties not mentioned below. Specific Areas of Responsibilities are: Supervisory Duties: 1. Manages and supervises all aspects of in-patient respiratory care including clinical practice, program management, education, human resources management, and the supervision of the service. 2. Supervises, assists, and advises all respiratory staff members which includes, at a minimum, assigning and evaluating the work of the staff, managing staff schedules, and approving leave requests. 3. Recommends and implements changes in organization or work assignments and responsibilities to improve work, services, and job satisfaction. 4. Assumes responsibility that respiratory care services will be delivered to patients on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week if applicable. 5. Assesses and evaluates staff qualifications and competency upon employment and on an ongoing basis. 6. Supervises the care and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment. Maintains current inventory of all equipment utilized, assumes responsibility of care and procurement of same. Determines safety and efficiency of equipment using medical center safety policies and OSHA as a reference. 7. Collaborates with Biomedical Engineering to establish procedures for control of medical equipment. 8. Assumes responsibility for implementation of infection control measures in respiratory care and pulmonary function testing areas. 9. Maintains interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals, coordinates and assists in resolving issues. Work Schedule: TBD Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000, 0000, 0000, 000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12: Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. b. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are preferred but not required: Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certificate issued AARC AE-C awarded by the NAECB COPD Educator course offered by the AARC In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: iii. Ability to maintain policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. iv. Ability to make recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures. v. Ability to perform complex analytical studies of patient care. vi. Ability to interpret results to coordinate the management and evaluation of patient care. vii. Ability to coordinate the work of subordinate staff. viii. Ability to manage all aspects of a complex patient care program including day-to-day operation, training program resources and fiscal management. References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 II-G11-20 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand and be on their feet for prolonged periods of time. Be able to push or pull equipment up to 50 lbs. 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. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
