Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part
• See 38 U.S.C. 7407(a) for more information
• 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j
• 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: In addition to the basic requirements, you must meet the following grade requirements
• GS-11 Registered Respiratory Therapist
• You must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 level
• Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: Responsible for the following under general guidance in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings
• RRTs obtain, interpret and analyze physiological specimens and data
• They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty
• They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient through the use of appropriate mechanical means
• RRTs assess and evaluate patients to determine and recommend intervention to develop and implement a plan of care, such as, implementing protocols, intubation, monitoring critical systems and uses advanced modes of ventilation
• They provide outpatient services such as home ventilators, PAP therapy, oxygen therapy and COPD care
• AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate 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 efficacies of therapeutic modalities
• Skill in performing advanced airway and ventilation management
• References: VA Handbook 5005/141 Part II Appendix G11
• Registered Respiratory Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0601
• 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.