The Chief of Respiratory Care Services is dedicated to advancing the mission of VA by delivering compassionate, high-quality respiratory care that meets the unique needs of Veterans served by Hines VA. This role encompasses oversight of all clinical, technical, and administrative functions within the Respiratory Care Department, including Pulmonary Function Testing, Blood Gas Laboratory, Respiratory Care Therapy, Sleep Center operations, and the Equipment Issuance Clinic.

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. 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. 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). 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 :

Supervisory Registered Therapist (Chief), GS-14 Experience, Licensure and Credential - Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-13 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 such as critical care, pulmonary, education and sleep medicine. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Skill in implementing patient care and operations change by recognizing opportunities for improvement and analyzing data. Skill in the development and implementation of appropriate standards of care for respiratory care. Ability establish a completely integrated program that emulates "best practice" and follows national policies. Ability to supervise employees. Ability to forecast resource needs to manage fiscal matters. Education . It is highly desirable that the candidate possess a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care; cardiopulmonary science; or a health-related field.

Preferred Experience:

Masters degree in Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, or related field; experience in a hospital or clinical setting, preferably within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System; prior experience managing respiratory care programs and leading quality improvement initiatives; familiarity with Joint Commission, CMS, and other regulatory requirements related to respiratory care; commitment to patient-centered care principles and evidence-based practice; experience with budget management, staff scheduling, and performance evaluation; proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data analytics.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ . The full performance level of this vacancy is GS14.

Physical Requirements:

Physical demands may include repetitive body movements including the following: frequent reaching, standing, walking, and lifting of equipment and/or patients to provide patient care. This position requires extension of the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction including above or below shoulder level, during the provision of patient care, including retrieval of needed equipment, supplies and to make contact with the patient. This position may require the maintenance of an upright position to perform duties associated with patient care.