The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at the GS-11 level serves primarily in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Tobacco Cessation and uses advanced respiratory therapy knowledge to assess and educate Veterans with chronic pulmonary disease, coordinate individualized pulmonary rehabilitation services, provide evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions, and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to support safe, effective, Veteran-centered care.

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.

Education:

Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Please select the response below, that represents how you meet the education requirement.

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. 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 :

GS-11,

Registered Respiratory Therapist Experience, Licensure and Credential:

Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described as Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care. Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation. Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following

KSAs:

Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for complex respiratory care to develop care plans to provide favorable patient outcomes. Skill in evaluating the efficiency of therapeutic modalities. Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management.

Preferred Experience:

Two years of experience in smoking cessation support, with a proven track record in developing and implementing program initiatives. Demonstrated ability to build and enhance programs to meet organizational goals. Strong computer skills, including the ability to utilize digital tools and systems to support program operations and data management.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ . The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019