Supervisory Register Respiratory Therapist

The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio-pulmonary needs of the patients served. Essential functions are required to be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time for above full performance ratings. The RRT must demonstrate the ability to function at a level necessary to complete the duties of the position, including providing care appropriate to the age of the patients served. The RRT therapist will be able to fulfill all work requirements as outlined for a lower graded therapist position. 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. Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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: Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-13. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidate must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Experience. Candidates must have one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-12 level demonstrating the following clinical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities as described at the GS-12 level. KSAs at the GS-12 level are: Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload; Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload; Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution; Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions; Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following GS-13 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. Knowledgeable in sterilization and infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infectious and contagious diseases. This vacancy is above the full performance level GS-13. Physical Requirements: All respiratory therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The respiratory therapist is expected to be able to move, lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Respiratory therapists must demonstrate the ability to handle stressful, challenging situations in a positive manner. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for the Pulmonary Section serves primarily in the outpatient pulmonary services including the pulmonary function testing laboratory and bronchoscopy suite. The Supervisory RRT serves as the direct supervisor for other RRTs in the Pulmonary Department assigned to the PFT lab. RRT Supervisor spends at least 25% of time in a supervisory role and additionally performs diagnostic tests on patients to assess potential pulmonary conditions.