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The Veterans Affairs Pacific Island Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is a Level 3 facility and ranks among a complex system in the VA serving the Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21). The VAPIHCS offers a full range of comprehensive health care services including Dentistry, Geriatrics & Extended Care, Imaging, Medicine Services, Mental Health Services, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, Primary Care, Rehabilitation Services, and Specialty Services.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This vacancy is open to all U.S. Citizens.
Videos
Duties
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:
The RRT position requires acceptance of work assignments across a broad range of technical and administrative procedures and direct patient care functions within the health care system. The RRT position requires the acceptance of learning new competencies - which requires acceptance of training on new respiratory-related specific equipment, software, treatment methods and protocols.
In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, the RRT are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment. Duties include but not limited to:
a. Sets up all modes of positive airway pressure therapy (PAP) devices and related equipment and settings as ordered by a physician.
b. Monitors PAP pressure therapy through physical PAP clinics and wireless download PAP clinics, and documents data using standardized report templates.
c. Provides non-invasive mask (interface) selection and fitting.
d. Issues and educates patients on use of PAP devices and mask interface.
e. Cleans equipment in accordance with protocol and industry standards.
f. Is responsible for initial oxygen assessments and recommending oxygen delivery system equipment as well as setting up, titrating, documenting and monitoring patients receiving oxygen therapy at locations assigned by the service.
g. Is required to do serial assessments and documentation in the medical record for patients on oxygen therapy using standardized templates.
h. Is required to do all types of oxygen assessment consults. Examples of these assessments include but are not limited to; oxygen assessment for long term oxygen therapy, spot checks using pulse oximetry, continuous pulse oximetry readings, and formal six-minute walk tests with oximetry assessments and oxygen titrations.
i. Home site visits to conduct home oxygen therapy surveys.
j. Is responsible for requests for home oxygen set-ups and associated liaison/ administrative workload for Veteran Patients being discharged from Community Hospitals, when the need arises.
k. Sets up, issues and educates patients on use of other respiratory devices that includes but is not limited to; home nebulizers, cough assist device, incentive spirometry, vibratory mucus clearance device, and vest therapies.
l. Provides patient education on inhaler techniques and home nebulizer techniques and associated equipment.
m. Completes all medical record documentation associated with all procedures.
n. Assembles equipment in a manner recommended by the manufacturer.
o. Ensures the equipment is functioning in the appropriate manner prior to patient application.
p. Cleans and handles equipment a manner consistent with manufacture SOP (standard operating procedure).
q. The therapist will work primarily in a typical office, home, or outpatient setting and is designated to travel and conduct the occasional home visit for program quality oversight purposes, and/or other facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc.
r. Travel across the VAPIHCS catchment area, both to CBOCs and patient homes when necessary, to provide clinical respiratory care services and respiratory care oversight, including on Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii (Hilo and Kona), Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
s. All other respiratory duties as assigned based on agency needs.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm with possible Saturday rotation
Telework: Not eligible for Telework
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
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:
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.
Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required:
a. CPFT,
b. RPFT or
c. RPSGT.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing.
ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.
iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing.
iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.
Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance evel position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment along with a combination of the duties from the following assignments below as Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/ Polysomnography) under paragraphs(6)(a)-(c) and (7). This assignment is not appropriate and cannot be used in facilities designated at complexity level 1 and 2 (see assignments below beginning in paragraphs (6)(a)-(c) and (7) for facilities designated as complexity level 1 and 2).???????
References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), working closely with others, working alone.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
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.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and ...
The Veterans Affairs Pacific Island Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is a Level 3 facility and ranks among a complex system in the VA serving the Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21). The VAPIHCS offers a full range of comprehensive health care services including Dentistry, Geriatrics & Extended Care, Imaging, Medicine Services, Mental Health Services, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, Primary Care, Rehabilitation Services, and Specialty Services.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This vacancy is open to all U.S. Citizens.
Videos
Duties
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:
The RRT position requires acceptance of work assignments across a broad range of technical and administrative procedures and direct patient care functions within the health care system. The RRT position requires the acceptance of learning new competencies - which requires acceptance of training on new respiratory-related specific equipment, software, treatment methods and protocols.
In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, the RRT are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment. Duties include but not limited to:
a. Sets up all modes of positive airway pressure therapy (PAP) devices and related equipment and settings as ordered by a physician.
b. Monitors PAP pressure therapy through physical PAP clinics and wireless download PAP clinics, and documents data using standardized report templates.
c. Provides non-invasive mask (interface) selection and fitting.
d. Issues and educates patients on use of PAP devices and mask interface.
e. Cleans equipment in accordance with protocol and industry standards.
f. Is responsible for initial oxygen assessments and recommending oxygen delivery system equipment as well as setting up, titrating, documenting and monitoring patients receiving oxygen therapy at locations assigned by the service.
g. Is required to do serial assessments and documentation in the medical record for patients on oxygen therapy using standardized templates.
h. Is required to do all types of oxygen assessment consults. Examples of these assessments include but are not limited to; oxygen assessment for long term oxygen therapy, spot checks using pulse oximetry, continuous pulse oximetry readings, and formal six-minute walk tests with oximetry assessments and oxygen titrations.
i. Home site visits to conduct home oxygen therapy surveys.
j. Is responsible for requests for home oxygen set-ups and associated liaison/ administrative workload for Veteran Patients being discharged from Community Hospitals, when the need arises.
k. Sets up, issues and educates patients on use of other respiratory devices that includes but is not limited to; home nebulizers, cough assist device, incentive spirometry, vibratory mucus clearance device, and vest therapies.
l. Provides patient education on inhaler techniques and home nebulizer techniques and associated equipment.
m. Completes all medical record documentation associated with all procedures.
n. Assembles equipment in a manner recommended by the manufacturer.
o. Ensures the equipment is functioning in the appropriate manner prior to patient application.
p. Cleans and handles equipment a manner consistent with manufacture SOP (standard operating procedure).
q. The therapist will work primarily in a typical office, home, or outpatient setting and is designated to travel and conduct the occasional home visit for program quality oversight purposes, and/or other facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc.
r. Travel across the VAPIHCS catchment area, both to CBOCs and patient homes when necessary, to provide clinical respiratory care services and respiratory care oversight, including on Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii (Hilo and Kona), Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
s. All other respiratory duties as assigned based on agency needs.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm with possible Saturday rotation
Telework: Not eligible for Telework
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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: Must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
- Licensure: Applicants 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.
AND
Credential: Applicants 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.
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:
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.
Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential. The following certifications are desirable but not required:
a. CPFT,
b. RPFT or
c. RPSGT.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing.
ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.
iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing.
iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.
Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. RRTs at this grade level in this position are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance evel position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment along with a combination of the duties from the following assignments below as Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/ Polysomnography) under paragraphs(6)(a)-(c) and (7). This assignment is not appropriate and cannot be used in facilities designated at complexity level 1 and 2 (see assignments below beginning in paragraphs (6)(a)-(c) and (7) for facilities designated as complexity level 1 and 2).???????
References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), working closely with others, working alone.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
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.
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.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and ...
