Summary 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. Responsibilities Supervisory roles that include management and supervision of the PFT lab and bronchoscopy suite including RRTs assigned to these areas. The incumbent will spend at least 25% of their time in supervisory higher-level duties. Specific duties will include assigning and evaluating work of RRTs in the Pulmonary Section, resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment, evaluating new procedures, products and equipment, reviewing 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 Medical Director of PFT Lab 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. The incumbent performs a variety of activities regarding PFTs in the pulmonary laboratory. This includes the operation, calibration, and maintenance of commonly used instruments such as computerized pulmonary function testing equipment, and oximeters. The incumbent is proficient in the execution of standardized pulmonary function tests such as forced and slow vital capacity, flow volume loops, measures of airway resistance, functional residual capacities, maximum voluntary ventilation. The incumbent is proficient in bronchoscopy support, and arterial blood gas draw. He / She operates exercise equipment (treadmill, bicycle ergometer). Performs and calculates diffusing capacity by steady state and single breath methods. Performs studies of lung mechanics, which Include the use of a body plethysmograph, sensitive pressure and flow recorders and multichannel electronic recorders for precise measurement of airway obstruction, thoracic gas volume, compliance, and other parameters. The incumbent operates a computerized system for the measurement of lung volumes, air velocity indices, anatomic dead space, nitrogen washout curve, single breath nitrogen study for determination of closing volume. The incumbent checks off the status of the control point and keeps a constant check on the current balance. The incumbent is expected to have knowledge of the physiologic principle of each test, as well as the technical skills. He/she effectively instructs patients as to when and how to perform breathing exercises. He/she performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. The incumbent should actively involve patient education while performing PFT-related duties. He/she must be able to perform existing procedures and to adapt to newer techniques, with minimal supervision. He/she must be able to perform calibration maintenance and minor repairs, accurately calculate and tabulate the results and maintain laboratory records and files. The Incumbent is responsible for maintenance of expensive and delicate equipment and maintaining liaison with Supply Department, Biomedical Section, and vendors for necessary adjustments and repairs. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 8:00am-4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: not Available Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jamie Wunsch / Jamie.Wunsch@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized 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 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/. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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 Additional KSA's: Skill in monitoring production and performance priorities and standards. Ability to develop policies and guidelines. Ability to manage patient care programs to make recommendations to improve patient care and operations. Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, and other basic diagnostic procedures. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing including knowledge of normal or abnormal results and able to recognize when to report serious abnormalities during procedure to a Pulmonary Physician. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing. 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.