This position is organizationally aligned to the Respiratory Care Unit, Medicine Service, at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital - a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility. The primary purpose of this position is to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated respiratory care program. 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. 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: GS13 Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. 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 assist in establishing a completely integrated patient care program. ii. Ability to organize work, delegate tasks, evaluate performance, manage fiscal matters and meet multiple deadlines. iii. Ability to supervise and manage subordinate employees. iv. Skill in interpersonal relationships including conflict resolution. v. Ability to establish and monitor standards and priorities for production and patient care. vi. Skill in recommending improvements to operations based on evaluation of data. References: VHA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS13. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. ["Recommends improvements based on evaluation of facility operations, supervises and manages subordinate employees, and manages the fiscal aspects of the functions supervised. The incumbent can organize work, delegate tasks, evaluate performance, assist in managing fiscal matters, and meet multiple deadlines. The incumbent can establish and monitor standards and priorities for production and patient care and recommends improvements to operations based on evaluation of data. Has expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment, and procedures. Services are performed in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), Joint Commission Standards and policies and procedures of the Hines VA. The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this position. The incumbent should be aware that changes in required functions of the position may necessitate him/her to perform related major and minor duties not mentioned below. Supervisory Duties: a. Manages and supervises all aspects of in-patient respiratory care including clinical practice, program management, education, human resources management, and the supervision of the service. b. Supervises, assists, and advises all respiratory staff members which includes, at a minimum, assigning and evaluating the work of the staff, managing staff schedules, and approving leave requests. c. Recommends and implements changes in organization or work assignments and responsibilities to improve work, services, and job satisfaction. d. Assumes responsibility that respiratory care services will be delivered to patients on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week if applicable. e. Assesses and evaluates staff qualifications and competency upon employment and on an ongoing basis. f. Supervises the care and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment. Maintains current inventory of all equipment utilized, assumes responsibility of care and procurement of same. Determines safety and efficiency of equipment using medical center safety policies and OSHA as a reference. g. Collaborates with Biomedical Engineering to establish procedures for control of medical equipment. h. Assumes responsibility for implementation of infection control measures in respiratory care and pulmonary function testing areas. i. Maintains interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals, coordinates and assists in resolving issues. j. Resolves problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment. k. Reviews and recommends new and emerging equipment and procedures. l. Provides instruction and training to new staff. m. Oversees staff development, learning, and competency training. Ensures employees complete all requires Medical Center education and training. (other duties as assigned) Clinical Duties: a. Reviews, collects and evaluates relevant clinical data. b. Formulates an appropriate respiratory therapy plan based upon patient assessment. c. Communicates orally and in writing, changes, adjustments and recommendations with other healthcare team members. d. Provides effective education and training to patients, students and co-workers as appropriate. e. Performs both fundamental and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for adult and geriatric patients. Examples include but not limited to: Arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy assistance, pulmonary rehabilitation, endotracheal intubation, oxygen administration etc. f. Performs emergency and acute respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with hospital and respiratory department guidelines. g. Actively participates in departmental quality assurance and hospital-wide organizational performance improvement activities. (other duties as assigned) Work Schedule: M-F 7:30am -4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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