Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist

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 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). 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: Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-13. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. (Defined as: Ability to develop policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures; implement and maintain policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. Ability to perform complex analytical studies of patient care; interpret results to coordinate the management and evaluation of patient care. Ability to coordinate the work of subordinate staff. Ability to manage all aspects of a complex patient care program including day-to-day operation, training program resources and fiscal management.) Hold an active license and RRT credential. 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program. Ability to recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations. Ability to supervise employees. Ability to manage the fiscal aspects of the functions supervised 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 21 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: Seeking a candidate with 3-5 years of clinical experience in respiratory therapy, sleep studies, CPAP, PFT, or EEG, including at least 2 years in a lead or management role. Applicants must demonstrate strong electronic health record proficiency, excellent communication skills, and proven team leadership abilities. 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-13. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members and visitors involved. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting to 40 pounds, bending, stooping and possible exposure to body fluids is involved. The Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist provides expert leadership in respiratory care, overseeing the Sleep Program and EEG Lab. The incumbent evaluates operations, recommends improvements, manages staff and fiscal responsibilities, organizes workloads, sets performance standards, and uses data to guide patient care and operational efficiency.