Registered Respiratory Therapist - Recruitment Incentive Approved

Duties The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
This is an open continuous announcement until December 29, 2023.
Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
Major Duties: The Registered Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the delivery of the entire spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory therapy services in a safe and competent manner.
Safely and accurately initiates mechanical ventilation and makes suggestions on advanced modes of therapy Manages non-invasive ventilation.
Performs advanced airway management.
Recognizes the need for emergency measures in the most critically ill patient and performs accordingly Demonstrates competency in artificial airway management Accurately verifies orders and acts in a timely matter and consults with providers and other healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care Utilized patient assessment skills when monitoring for abnormalities Performs various tests and procedures to measure and calculate respiratory function Operation and maintenance of the blood gas machines, ability to perform and document equipment calibration and quality control as indicated in the pulmonary section ABG lab policy.
Operation of all respiratory equipment and is the subject matter expert for the rest of the facility.
Pay: GS 5: $37,696 - 49,009/year GS 7: $46,696 - 60,703/year GS 9: $57,118 - 74,250/year GS 11: $69,107 - 89,835/year Work Schedule: To be discussed during interviews Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation Incentives: A relocation incentive is authorized for highly qualified federal employee applicants.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications 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.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The accrediting body for respiratory programs at colleges and universities.
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.
Exception.
RT positions will be designated only to individuals who are in the process of obtaining credentials to become an RRT.
These individuals will only be hired on a temporary appointment as provided below.
VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified and pending completion of prerequisites for RRT credential.
Individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, are fully licensed by their state and are working toward completion of their RRT credential may be given a temporary appointment as an RT.
The temporary appointment is made under the authority of 38 U.
S.
C.
7401(a)(1)(B) for a period not to exceed one year from date of employment.
Candidates must hold an active, current, full and unrestricted RRT credential and be licensed to hold a position at or above the GS-07 level.
RTs may only be temporarily appointed at the GS-05 level and may not be promoted/converted to a higher-level position as an RRT until the RRT credential is received.
Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Failure to Obtain Credential.
In all cases, RTs must actively pursue meeting national prerequisites for the RRT credential from the first day of their appointment.
Failure to become credentialed within one year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 RT series and may result in termination of employment.
Loss of Licensure, Certification or Credentials.
An employee in this occupation, who fails to maintain the required certifications, RRT credential or license must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in the termination of employment.
Once credentialed, licensed or certified, RTs/RRTs must maintain a full, valid and unrestricted license, credential and certification to practice respiratory care.
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 outlined previously, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignments.
Creditable Experience.
Experience is only creditable if credentialed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or RRT, the experience is in respiratory care, pulmonary function testing or polysomnography and directly related to the position being filled.
To be creditable, the candidate's experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) associated with current practice in paid employment as a CRT or RRT.
Respiratory Therapist, GS-05.
Experience.
None beyond the basic requirements.
Education and Licensure.
This level assignment is designated as temporary for individuals who have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor, acquired the CRT credential, licensed by their state and are working towards obtaining RRT credential.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-07 Experience, Education, Licensure and Registration.
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess their RRT credential.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.
In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to perform therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
Skill in analyzing physiological specimens obtained to include arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, End tidal Co2 (ETCo2) monitoring, basic spirometry and other basic diagnostic procedures.
Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals for respiratory care to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
Ability to perform basic airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-09 Experience or Education, Licensure and Credential.
Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level; OR A Master of Science degree in respiratory care AND a license AND an RRT credential.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.
In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in performing therapeutic modalities related to respiratory care.
Ability to collaboratively consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to help provide favorable patient outcomes.
Skill in assessing oxygenation and ventilation.
Ability to perform airway management to include artificial airways and mechanical ventilation.
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.
Preferred Experience: NBRC RRT, ACLS/ALS, BLS References: VA Handbook 5005/141 PART II APPENDIX G11 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 5 to GS 11.
Physical Requirements: In the role of respiratory therapist, the work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and moving moderately heavy equipment or assisting patients.
The work requires the employee to demonstrate agility and dexterity.
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here: https://ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.
V.
, and/or supporting documentation will be verified.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.
g.
, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.
g.
, professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.
g.
, on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Transcript VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Licensure.
Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions must possess and maintain a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT Credential.
Valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) *Recommended* Written Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) - See "Qualifications" section of announcement Professional Certification Proof of Marriage Status Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/29/2023 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12145326.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.
usajobs.
gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information Jessica Echlin Phone 651-405-5661 Email Jessica.
Echlin@va.
gov Address Fargo VA Medical Center 2101 Elm Street Fargo, ND 58102 US Next steps Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Transcript VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Licensure.
Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions must possess and maintain a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT Credential.
Valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) *Recommended* Written Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) - See "Qualifications" section of announcement Professional Certification Proof of Marriage Status Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency This announcement is open to the public and employees of other Federal agencies.
Current, permanent VA employees should apply to announcement CBSY-12145325-23-JE