Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Registered Respiratory Therapist functioning in a Lead capacity has the ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. Oversees and directs clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. Communicates with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. Recommends uncommon or atypical interventions as well as ways to improve patient care and operations.Qualifications:BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following:

• English Language Proficiency Requirement- Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
• License. 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. (Candidate must include license with application for appropriate consideration)
• 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. (Candidate must include license with application for appropriate consideration)
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
Experience and/or Education. Applicants must 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.. Examples of experience include:

• Work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings.
• Use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met.
• Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.
• Manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means.
• Determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation.
• Monitor critical systems.
• Use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management.
• Suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment.
• May perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement.
• Serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff.
• May lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols.

AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. (KSAs must evident in your resume)

• 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

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/.Employment Type: FULL_TIME