Career Center

Summary

The Supervisor Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - serves in the capacity of Clinical Supervisor - in the Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care Service and is responsible for managing all administrative and clinical aspects of the organizational unit. The role involves significant leadership and supervisory duties - overseeing lower-graded associates - ensuring staff development - and maintaining high standards of respiratory therapy through expert knowledge and comprehensive care plans.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be picked and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph above - all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows
• Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist - GS-13: Experience - Licensure and Credential
• Candidates must: Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level
• It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties
• 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 supervise employees
• Ability to assist in establishing a completely integrated program
• Skill in recommending improvements to operations - including new and emerging procedures based on evaluation of data
• Ability to forecast resource needs and to manage fiscal matters
• Skill in problem solving including conflict resolution
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying levels of background
• Knowledge of complex and non-standard examinations - treatments - procedures and techniques
• 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
• This assignment is designated as an RRT Assistant Chief
• They serve as full assistant to a Service Chief in complexity level 1 and 2 facilities
• These facilities may offer specialty care and services and may be affiliated with academic institutions
• Individuals are typically assigned to this position at moderately to highly complex respiratory care services within the organization
• Supervisory RRTs share the full scope of delegated managerial responsibilities and serve as the Acting Service Chief in the absence of the Chief
• They support department functions at the direction of the Chief
• They make decisions affecting staff and other resources with wide latitude of control and independent judgment
• They independently provide respiratory services at all levels of complexity
• They supervise staff members of different levels of assignments and/or occupation
• They provide direction of the program services assigned to them including utilization of resources and budget
• They may develop and initiate new programs - develop policies - protocols and procedures - assure compliance with regulatory requirements and monitor staff performance
• They assist in determining quality assurance and performance data to be collected
• Supervisory RRTs maintain established policies - procedures - protocols and quality assurance programs
• They participate in the development of a department level plan for financial and personnel resources
• They encourage professional development - resolve conflicts which might interfere with the delivery of services - identify continuing education and training needs - create an environment of learning and serve as a mentor to staff
• They attend professional meetings and take responsibility for professional development
• They collaborate with other healthcare team members to generate new ideas for quality improvement with regards to administration and overall function of the department - patient care and accomplishment of facility goals
• They represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings and on facility level committees
• Preferred Experience: Preferred to have leadership experience in respiratory therapy
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-13
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Duties

• The clinical supervisor must perform higher-level duties to ensure continuous quality assurance and coordinate educational and competency training
• The candidate plays a pivotal role in monitoring clinical data - performing therapeutic procedures - and communicating changes in care plans
• The position demands proficiency in performing emergency procedures - maintaining equipment - and participating in quality assurance programs
• This role requires engagement in professional development - interdisciplinary collaboration - and ensuring a safe and organized work environment in compliance with OSHA and JCAHO standards
• Duties: Incumbent will provide advanced respiratory care for adult and geriatric patients - including monitoring and managing patients on mechanical ventilation - assisting with bronchoscopy - and planning and evaluating respiratory care procedures
• Incumbent will collect - review - and evaluate relevant clinical data from the medical records - care team - patient - and patient's family to ensure appropriate care when indicated
• Incumbent will oversee the work of lower-graded respiratory therapists - ensuring staff development - competency training - and adherence to quality standards
• Adjust workload and assign tasks to staff - providing guidance and support as needed
• Incumbent will ensure quality assurance - manage day-to-day operations - maintain respiratory care equipment - and perform chart audits and documentation submissions
• Incumbent will participate in departmental quality assurance and hospital performance improvement initiatives - adhering to all safety protocols and medical center policies
• Incumbent will gather feedback from internal and external stakeholders - fostering open communication and support
• Advocate for and negotiate with various parties to achieve organizational goals
• Incumbent will: Protect sensitive data - follow regulations regarding access to computerized files - and maintain confidentiality
• Incumbent will apply clinical expertise in such a manner as to upgrade patient care where indicated and assist the provider in formulating an appropriate respiratory care plan based upon patient assessment - history - lung auscultation - chest x-ray - pulse oximetry - etc
• Incumbent assembles - checks - and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment
• Incumbent will have the capability to assign duties and responsibilities to staff
• They will provide coverage in those areas that require continuous respiratory presence (MSICU/Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit - IICU/Intermediate Intensive Care Unit - etc.)
• Incumbent will help monitor supplies within the department and orders supplies as needed This role requires a strong mix of clinical expertise - leadership capabilities - administrative skills - and a commitment to high standards of patient care and staff development
• Work Schedule: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm - subject to change Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 640-03600F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized