Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care

**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT & will remain open until 10/27/2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be August 10, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.** Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist GS-12 (a) Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must: i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient. AND ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: . i. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload. ii. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload. iii. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution. iv. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions. v. Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction: a. Sight-corrected to 20/20 vision b. Lifting 30 lbs. c. Pushing 65Ibs. d. Stooping e. Bending f. Prolonged standing and walking g. Two hands with good dexterity h. The physical requirements vary with work assignments. i. Understands and practices safety procedures j. Use of aseptic techniques and required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with patients in isolation Work is primarily performed in patient care areas, in-patient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. Moving equipment and supplies, lifting, bending, stooping, and possible exposure to body fluid is involved. This position has been evaluated as a Level 1 in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definition of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Level 1 Positions in this category require the performance of tasks that are exposed to blood and potentially infectious body fluid.