Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

About the role

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

What you will do

• The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (Lead RRT) will oversee work of lower graded associates to achieve department and facility goals.
• He/she will also oversee staff development and learning including competency training.
• The incumbent must have demonstrated expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment, and procedures in regards to the treatment of patients, and proper knowledge of PFT's, Sleep Medicine, Home O2 and Bronchoscopy.
• They must have the ability to assume responsibility, plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate programs involving Respiratory Care.
• The Incumbent is assigned to serve as Lead Therapist and is administratively responsible for the quality assurance activities, coordination of all educational and competency training as well as the day-to day operations.
• Will provide direct patient care across all clinical functions of the respiratory therapy department.
• Using patient assessment and clinical data, the Lead RRT develops appropriate care plans and evaluates whether expected outcomes are met.
• This role involves ongoing consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Major duties include but are not limited to: The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (Lead RRT) provides direct patient care across all clinical functions of the respiratory therapy department.
• Using patient assessment and clinical data, the Lead RRT develops appropriate care plans and evaluates whether expected outcomes are met.
• The role requires ongoing consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care.
• A core responsibility of the Lead RRT is managing and maintaining patient airways and ventilation through appropriate mechanical and therapeutic methods.
• Lead RRT performs complex respiratory care procedures, including implementing respiratory protocols, administering respiratory modalities and medications, and providing supplemental oxygen therapy.
• Responsibilities include monitoring critical systems, utilizing advanced mechanical ventilation modes,.
• Based on patient response and clinical assessment, the Lead RRT recommends alternative treatment options when appropriate.
• At the advanced performance level, the Lead RRT independently performs therapeutic modalities in inpatient and outpatient settings and demonstrates expert knowledge of respiratory therapy techniques, equipment, and procedures.
• The role includes knowledge of Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), including spirometry, lung volumes, bronchoscopy, Sleep Medicine and Home O2.
• The Lead RRT functions as a lead in pulmonary diagnostics, overseeing the work of lower-graded staff and providing training, competency assessments, and professional development.
• Duties include coordinating daily operations, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, maintaining laboratory records, and performing equipment quality control.
• In addition to pulmonary diagnostics, the Lead RRT serves as a PAP and sleep technician, performing assessments, physiologic monitoring, testing, and management of sleep-related breathing disorders in PAP clinics, sleep clinics, and sleep laboratories.
• The therapist assists with bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and induced sputum collection, and performs arterial blood gas sampling and analysis.
• The Lead RRT maintains comprehensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary diseases such as asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and pleural effusion, along with strong skills in patient assessment, equipment operation, troubleshooting, infection control, and safety.
• Work Schedule: 12 hour shifts Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 662-10880F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact ***, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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 coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) PCS Orders Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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. 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. 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.