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Summary The work involves the performance of a wide variety of Respiratory Therapy procedures ranging from the administration of routine oxygen therapy to providing continuous ventilatory care. The work requires setting up, maintaining, and calibrating complex equipment such as mechanical ventilators, and respiratory monitoring devices, Pulmonary Function equipment, Arterial Blood Gas and EKG equipment. Responsibilities The duties of the Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist include, but are not limited to: The Lead RRTs assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload, assess the status, quality, and progress of work, and make day-to- day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. They provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff and assist with technical work problems not covered by precedents or established policies for non- routine or complex procedures. They assist RRTs in determining treatment options for complex patients. They study the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and take or recommend needed actions. They represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings. The Lead Therapist must carefully check, analyze, and interpret numerous facts and data relevant to the patients' condition before selecting and administering the proper treatment. The work is carried out with precision and discretion. Adjustments to machines and techniques are made based on patient responses to therapy. For example, frequent changes to the mechanical ventilator are usually necessary when a patient's blood gas studies are abnormal. Contacts with patients and their families are to explain the operation and use of respiratory equipment including treatment procedures and providing reassurance and comfort. Many of the patients are acutely ill and under considerable stress requiring the therapist to be tactful in establishing and maintaining communication. Contacts with Physicians, Nurses, and other medical personnel are to resolve complications in patient care and problems with equipment, treatment results, and patient workload. The Lead RRT must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service areas. The incumbent must demonstrate the knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care based upon age related factors. Demonstrates the knowledge and ability to provide Respiratory Care to patients with physical and/or behavior problems. The Lead RRT will oversee and direct clinical guidance in the following: 1. Identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures, equipment, and techniques for application to specific cases. Situations requiring significant deviations from the guidelines are referred to the supervisor or physician in charge of the patient. 2. The method of administering respiratory, including the types of equipment, techniques, and procedures used, differs with the varied complexity of disease process of each patient. Personal contacts include patients and their families, other Respiratory Therapists, Nurses, Physicians, consultants, and other Allied Health Professionals. 3. Works with patients who have severe respiratory disorders. There is recurring exposure to contagious diseases, odors, and flammable gases. The therapist is required to wear protective clothing such as gloves and masks to prevent diseases and the spread of infection, particularly while suctioning patients and meeting blood or body fluids. The incumbent observes all established safety practices and complies with medical center and VA policies on Safety, Employee Health Services, Workers' compensation related to on-the-job injuries and Personal Protective Clothing/Equipment. Work Schedule: Rotating 12-hour shifts Sunday - Saturday, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Compressed/Flexible: eligible Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 586-01008F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 evaluation. 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 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. English Language Proficiency. Lead Registered Respiratory Therapists must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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-0601series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid,current, unrestricted credential of RRT. 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: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: i. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. ii. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. iii. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. iv. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions. v. Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies Preferred Experience: One year Registered Respiratory Therapist. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: The work requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. The therapist must frequently bend, reach, stoop, and stretch to set up and disassemble respiratory equipment, position patients, perform CPR and push/pull moderately heavy objects such as ventilators. The work requires above average dexterity and agility to perform intricate Respiratory Therapy procedures in confined areas of the Intensive Care Units. 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 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.