SUMMARY

The position is in the Operative Care Service serving the Respiratory Therapy Service line as the Supervisor of Registered Respiratory Therapists which will equally split and perform administrative and clinical therapy duties within the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center. The Supervisory RRT will provide education training, coordinate activities related to respiratory care, assign and explain work requirements to other RRTs, and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings.

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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency. RRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, of VA Handbook 5005.
Education (Submit documentation): Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
Licensure (Submit Documentation). 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 (Submit Documentation). 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.
Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education, credential or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.
Grade Determinations: Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-13

EXPERIENCE, LICENSURE AND CREDENTIAL. CANDIDATES MUST-DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED:

i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Itis highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties.
ii. 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:
i. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program.
ii. Ability to recommend improvements based on evaluation of facility operations.
iii. Ability to supervise employees.
iv. Ability to manage the fiscal aspects of the functions supervised.
Assignments. 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. Supervisory RRTs manage and supervise the respiratory department which includes, at a minimum, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff, resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment, evaluating new procedures, products and equipment, reviewing and recommending new and emerging procedures, providing instruction and training to new staff, interviewing candidates for positions, recommending selections, advancements and promotions, taking disciplinary action when necessary, providing guidance in more complex and non-standard cases and budget management. They represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings and on facility level committees. They conduct audits of inpatient and outpatient records to ensure appropriate documentation of plan of care, assessments, therapy, procedures, clinical outcomes and patient safety. They provide information to the Chief to ensure appropriate care and compliance with regulatory standards. Supervisory RRTs maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives and quality assurance programs. They assist in determining quality assurance and compliance data to be collected. They attend professional meetings and professional development events and monitor the technical and clinical competence of all personnel working in the department through appropriate training, review of results and quality control checks. They evaluate the effectiveness of new procedures and equipment. They investigate quality and quantity of work problems and operating effectiveness and take needed action.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 13.
Physical Requirements: The work requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. The therapist must frequently bend, reach, stoop, and stretch to set up and take apart respiratory equipment, position patients, push/pull moderately heavy objects (50 Lbs. or greater) such as mechanical ventilators. The work requires above average dexterity and agility to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures in confined areas of the intensive care unit.

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/.

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.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Plans work schedules and the sequence of operations, and recommends and implements changes in organization or work assignments to improve work, services, job satisfaction, etc. Also, recommends and justifies to higher authority. In addition, develops and reports to higher level requirements based on anticipated workload and productivity capability of the section.

• Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures.
• Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds.
• Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies, and medications.
• Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs.
• Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies, and simulations relative to respiratory care.
• Plans and participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated

DUTIES

Major duties include but are not limited to:
The supervisor assumes responsibilities of the Assistant Chief Therapist or Chief Therapist in their absence. He/she is responsible for the overall educational program for the specific area of (patient, staff, or combination) Respiratory care. They participate in the department’s quality assurance program, especially with respect to identifying opportunities for improvement and developing quality and performance assessment tools. The incumbent represents the department at interdisciplinary meetings. Supervisor has full responsibility supervising at least seven employees (full-time equivalent) whose work involves providing respiratory and related care.
Typically, duties and responsibilities will include:

Plans work schedules and the sequence of operations, and recommends and implements changes in organization or work assignments to improve work, services, job satisfaction, etc. Also, recommends and justifies to higher authority. In addition, develops and reports to higher level requirements based on anticipated workload and productivity capability of the section.

• Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures.
• Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds.
• Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies, and medications.
• Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs.
• Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies, and simulations relative to respiratory care.
• Plans and participates in the audit of respiratory care, recommending changes where indicated.

The Registered Respiratory Therapist Supervisor/Supervisor is responsible for:

• Responsible for independently administering respiratory therapy to patients.
• Conducts Research for new and/or approved concepts for providing improved Respiratory care.
• Set up and monitor respiratory equipment such as mechanical ventilators for critically ill patients.
• Initially and continually assesses the cardiopulmonary status of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination, respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
• Develops care plans for intensive care patients and enforces guidelines of the care plans.
• In cases of cardiac arrest, assist with airway management and institution of mechanical ventilation using manual ventilation to restore patient ventilation and instituting cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocol according to the organization’s standards and procedures.
• Draws arterial blood samples from patients through arterial punctures or arterial line.
• Acts as a preceptor in orientation of new Respiratory Therapy employees and provides orientation for other selected personnel to the section.
• Records treatment, findings, and progress pertinent to patient care.
• Assures quality and performance outcomes are met.
• Plan work assignments and suggest changes to improve work, services and job satisfaction.
• Ensures correct use of equipment and helps determine equipment needs as well as troubleshoots equipment; assists in the ordering of supplies and records of supplies to ensure adequate patient care, resources, and smooth and timely operation of the department.
• Cleans and calibrates respiratory equipment, he/she evaluates new equipment and adjuncts for the delivery of respiratory care.
• Participates in supervisory monitoring, staff competencies, staff counseling, discipline, and evaluations. Covers for Assistance Chief therapist or Chief therapist, performs all working supervisors respiratory care procedures throughout the medical center, to include therapeutic aerosols, metered dose inhalers, oxygen therapy, ventilator management, complex Respiratory modalities, arterial blood gases, and breathing exercises.
• Follows up with Quality Assurance Programs within TJC guidelines.
• Works closely with the Infection Control department standards in evaluating and applying guidelines for reducing infection rates in patients receiving acute and general respiratory care.
• Assures Respiratory Service and hospital SOP and policies are understood by the staff.
• Make sure to maintain BLS and ACLS certification, to maintain the CPR standards of the respiratory staff and other hospital disciplines when appropriate.

Work Schedule: 12am - 8am, Monday through Friday
Functional Statement #: 30877F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Not authorized

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 (VA)
• License
• Must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/18/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12769973.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package