Registered Respiratory Therapist

30 Day Hiring Model

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination faster assessments and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent predictable and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.

What Applicants Can Expect

• Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes Human Resources will quickly review applications issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.
• Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer applicants should be prepared to complete required steps such as fingerprinting and background check credentialing and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones including referral tentative offer and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with the use of medical oxygen gas and administration of oxygen delivering devices humidification and aerosol may include but are not limited to:

• Administration of medication(s) to the pulmonary system and document each procedure electronically.
• Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) and bronchopulmonary drainage cough and breathing exercises.
• CPAP/BiPAP Therapy and document in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
• Spirometry and documents in CPRS.
• Arterial puncture and blood gas (ABG) analysis interpretation and recommendation of therapy.
• Participate in maintaining and quality controls of ABG machines in accordance with CAP.
• Intubation of airway using critical thinking skills and recognizes changes in patients condition & responds appropriately (Outof-Operating Room Airway Management - OOORAM Compliant).
• Recognize need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk.
• 24-hour Emergency Department coverage attends all rapid response and code arrests.
• Ventilator set-up and management until transport team arrives.
• Familiarize self provides care according to established policies procedures and protocols.
• Initiates new therapy efficiently and accordance with policy.
• Reports problems following the departmental chain of command.
• Participates in orientation and training of new employees students and other members of the healthcare team.
• Documents all medications administered and procedures performed in Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) CPRS and Event Capture.
• Patient/family education regarding testing or therapy.
• Follow HIPPA Guidelines regarding patient privacy and patient safety guidelines.
• Additional duties as needed and as assigned by the Chief of Respiratory Care Services.

Work Schedule: 6:00pm - 6:30 am (night shift - weekends holidays and rotating shifts.)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• 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 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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 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.

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.
• English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

Grade Determinations:

Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-11

• Experience Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
  • One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
  • 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 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 Standards.

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).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 50-100 lbs.). Prolonged extensive or considerable standing/walking. Lifts positions pushes and/or transfers patients. Assists with lifting and moving patients. Lifts supplies/equipment. Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies. Manual dexterity and mobility. Intermittent exertion when performing treatments. Considerable reaching stooping bending kneeling and crouching.