Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 74032(f)
• Education
• Must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor
• Licensure
• Must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
• Credential
• Must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements listed above, candidates must also meet the following: GS-11 Experience, Licensure and Credential: Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Experience includes: Obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data
• Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty
• Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means
• Assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care
• Provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care
• Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes
• AND Must possess 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: Licensed Registered Therapist with experience in home healthcare
• 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-11
• Physical Requirements: Respiratory Therapy Program functions primarily within the Prosthetics Department at each VA medical facility
• environmental exposures and physical demands vary across the health care systems
• This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued sitting, with intermittent bending, pulling, and ushing
• Movement between work areas withing the health care system is expected
• Occasional lifting of objects less than 20 pounds may be required
• The incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and can shift priorities based on patient and department needs.