Summary The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at this grade level works independently, providing leadership and monitoring of respiratory staff as well as respiratory care in both inpatient care with the ability to support outpatient care settings. The Lead RRT provides basic and acute respiratory care in all areas of the hospital, including the critical care units, as prescribed by a provider. Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: The incumbent has overall responsibility in the absence of the Inpatient Program Managers and will have full responsibility to modify the workload to accomplish assigned duties and assign duties to subordinates to ensure efficient and timely performance of all departmental tasks and care. Assist staff in determining treatment options for complex patients and provide guidance on therapy assignments that do not have clear precedents. The incumbent will be available for unusual situations that do not have clear precedents or established policies. Evaluate completed work for appropriateness and effectiveness in meeting goals. The incumbent will represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings. Independently performs basic and acute respiratory care, administration of oxygen and aerosol therapy, positive pressure devices (BIPAP, CPAP), ventilator care to include advanced technology/techniques (i.e., pressure control modality and associated ventilator adjustments and monitoring). Incumbent will apply clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care place based upon patient assessment, history, lung auscultation, chest x-ray, pulse oximetry, etc. Assess respiratory status of patients through direct contact, chart review, diagnostic data (i.e., pulmonary function tests, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, complete blood cell count and related laboratory tests) and other means as appropriate. Performs and responds as a member on the rapid response team, stroke team, code team calls (i.e., code blue team, code 99 team, etc.) Responsible for airway management and assisting with and/or performing endotracheal intubation. Duties may vary according to shift and/or patient care needs, and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Incumbent will perform both fundamental and advanced diagnostic procedures. Duties may include monitoring critical systems, maintaining the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means, performing process for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, monitoring of patients using oximetry, electrocardiology, and apnea monitoring devices. Assists with sputum mobilization techniques-sputum inductions, chest percussion, postural drainage, cough-assist therapy, tracheal lavage and suctioning patients, as required. Within the pulmonary function lab, the respiratory therapist performs spirometry, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions and interpretation of test results. Compare and evaluate indication and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests (plethysmography, diffusion capacity and metabolic testing) and be able to recognize normal and/or abnormal results. The respiratory therapist may assist in needle biopsies of the lung parenchyma and pleural biopsies. Be able to identify and distinguish the indications, contraindications and general hazards, complications in preparation, performance and post care of bronchoscopy procedures. Maintaining and troubleshooting at the operator's level of all respiratory equipment assigned and reporting, if appropriate, such equipment as inoperable according to established procedure. Cleaning and/or stocking of supplies, disinfecting/preparation of equipment. The respiratory therapist will regularly administer these procedures, be competent in therapeutic interventions and troubleshooting in all related therapies and equipment as demonstrated by observation, documentation, and competency review. The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is the expert clinician in the care and management for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The incumbent will provide education to patients and families as requested for new and chronic respiratory disease management in inpatient, post-acute care and outpatient care settings. Incumbent will provide and participate in in-service education pertaining to Respiratory Therapy, maintain a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility. Must possess and utilize a general knowledge of indications, contraindications, and complications of medicines and respond accordingly to policy and procedure in the event of adverse reactions and/or appropriate orders as demonstrated through observation, assessment and documentation. Documents all respiratory treatments and patient responses in the electronic medical record as per policy. This included documentation in BCMA and CPRS, and the completion of consult requests. Maintains departmental paperwork according to the current standard. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 11:00am-7:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 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. Language. 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). 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. (2) 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. Grade Determinations: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: (1) 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. (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: (1) Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. (2) Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. (3) Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. (4) Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions. (5) Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies. Preferred Experience: At least two years worth of charge experience, staff education, and experience in outpatient and inpatient respiratory care. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Light lifting (under 15 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Light carrying (under 15 pounds); Pushing (some hours); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Kneeling (some hours); Repeated bending (some hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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. 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. 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 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.