Registered Respiratory Therapist-Home Oxygen Program Coordinator

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information. b. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. c. 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. d. 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. e. 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). (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. Grade Determinations: 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. Hold an active license AND RRT credential. The following certifications are preferred but not required: a. Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist b. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certificate issued AARC c. AE-C awarded by the NAECB d. COPD Educator course offered by the AARC Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to develop policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. ii. Ability to implement policies and guidelines regarding new and emerging procedures. 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. Preferred Experience: ALS Team member, Evaluating ALS patients, Knowledge of disposable ordering supply process. Proficient experience with Home Oxygen, Home ventilator, cough assist, Vest, suction equipment set up and management. Educating patients, family, team members. Management of tracheostomies and supplies. Work as coordinator is mainly in an office setting, outpatient setting, automobile travel and patient homes. Patient home visits/monitoring is required; active driver’s license required. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
The position is in the Medical Service at the Boise VA Medical Center in Boise, ID. It is for an RRT Program Coordinator who oversees the administrative and clinical aspects of a major specialty program at a complexity level 2 facility. The programs managed may include, but are not limited to, home oxygen, home ventilators, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinic, pulmonary procedure lab, and sleep/positive airway pressure (PAP ) clinic.