Register Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary) Job in New York, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12733767-25-MTP Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $104,436.00 to $135,773.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/3/2025 Close Date 6/20/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
New York, NY


Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.



Duties

The primary responsibilities and functions performed by the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)- Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) in the New York Harbor VAHCS encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and provision of patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. This includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation.

Duties and Responsibilities, include but are not limited to the following:

  • The primary responsibilities and functions performed by the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) in the New York Harbor VAHCS encompass diagnostic evaluation, assessment, and provision of patient care services to both inpatients and outpatients. This includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation.
  • The incumbent must develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine which include recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information.
  • The Incumbent contributes ideas, plans and information to improve outpatient respiratory services.
  • The incumbent must develop skills through literature review of pulmonary medicine which include recognizing reproducibility of maneuvers and preliminary interpretation of diagnostic information.
  • The incumbent administers routine and special pulmonary function testing.
  • The Incumbent adheres to established standards of practice and exercises sound clinical judgment.
  • Performs diagnostic evaluation including; Spirometry Before and After Bronchodilator, Lung Volume Determinations, Diffusing Capacity Determination, Slow Vital Capacity measurement, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation, and measurement of Airway Resistance and Conductance, arterial blood gas interpretation - this includes patient instruction, testing, equipment/computer setup and interface, troubleshooting, and preliminary interpretation
  • Monitors and evaluates patient performance during procedures and evaluates' response to PFT and recommends changes based on information obtained
  • Provides patient with clear, concise instructions and coach the patient to achieve the best, reproducible results
  • Plans, provides and maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and families
  • Provides consult service at the request of nursing staff or physician
  • Provides recommendations to the physician based on assessment/evaluation of patient
  • Maintains knowledge of emergency airway management, pulmonary pharmacology and oxygen administration
  • Recognizes changes in patients' condition and responds appropriately and communicates with other members of the healthcare team when changes in condition occur
  • Ensures equipment and supplies are available for use
  • Participates in Continuous Improvement initiatives, monitors compliance within the PFT clinic area
  • Resolves technical work problems with the aid of references, such as manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other reference sources
  • Provides accurate, legible and complete documentation of patient care delivered and response to therapy
  • Provides quality control oversight to the personnel performing spirometry in the CBOCs
  • Acts as liaison to providers for testing performed, equipment, supplies and requests for special services
  • Recommends changes in the PFT Lab to improve services and patient care
  • Assists with completion of department paperwork
  • Assists in planning and implementing effective educational programs for in-services, orientation, continuing education, and other personnel training in the PFT Lab
  • Performs Home Oxygen Assessments when covering CPAP clinic, supports CPAP clinic and serves as Registered Respiratory Therapist to meet departmental needs.
  • The incumbent is under the administrative supervision of the Chief of Respiratory Care and the Medical Director of the Sleep/Pulmonary Physician. Work assignment will depend on our outpatient schedule appointment and walk-in patients. The incumbent is responsible for receiving and completing consults, seeing all scheduled patients and coordinating with the scheduler.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 11356F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contac the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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: To qualify for appointment as an RRT, all applicants must possess the following:
  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information.
  • 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. Incumbent must hold a CPFT orRPFT.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS. All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements above in paragraph 4 a-g and all basic qualification requirements defined in the specific assignment. All positions must be designated in one of the approved title or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. The following assignments are advanced assignments. These advanced specialty assignments are limited in number and cannot be used for all or the majority of the staff/employees in the service/unit. The designated specialized areas in respiratory care include pulmonary, polysomnography and a combination of pulmonary/polysomnography. These three advanced specialized assignments are established for facilities where the structure and patient care supports the need for the assignment(s). The duties and responsibilities assigned to these positions are the full scope of the duties defined under the RRT, GS-11 full performance level assignment in conjunction with the duties defined below for the specialty. These specialized assignments are completed under the general supervision of a physician medical director who is qualified to supervise the RRT. Individuals assigned to one of these positions will use the designated title as shown below.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary).

Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT orRPFT

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.
  • Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab.
  • Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures.
  • Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.
  • Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.
  • Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures.
  • Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.
Assignment. 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. RRTs at this grade level in this position compare and evaluate indications and contraindications for complex pulmonary function testing (PFT) and recognizes normal/abnormal results. They perform bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies. They monitor patients and recognize and initiate interventions for complications of testing. They perform an initial quality review of test results and ready them for physician interpretation and determine whether the patient meets the criteria for termination of testing. RRTs conduct quality control reviews of all tests performed and all pulmonary diagnostic equipment. They maintain lab records. They train and assess staff competencies in performing simple spirometry.

References: VA Handbook 5005 PART II APPENDIX G11The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://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://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Certification
  • RRT Credentials
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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 06/20/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12733767.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Maria Pelow
Address
VA NY Harbor Healthcare System
423 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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