Registered Respiratory Therapist Job in Grand Junction, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12701018-25-CC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $108,479.00 to $141,029.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/24/2025 Close Date 3/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Grand Junction, CO


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 (one to five years) are determined by the VHA EDRP program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is ONLY open to current, permanent VA Western Colorado Health Care System Employees, VA Employees Nationwide, and all other Federal Employees.

Duties

  • Develops and implements polices and guidelines, make recommendations about new and emerging modalities, perform complex analytical analysis.
  • Builds clinics, clinical grids, and perform competency checks with staff.
  • Performs arterial blood gases and able to recognize critical results and alert physician and RN within established Laboratory Policy.
  • Assesses patient's respiratory status using data acquired through physical observation and clinical analysis of blood gas data, chest xrays and electrocardiograms to determine the effectiveness of therapy and to make recommendations to physicians regarding changes in treatment.
  • Leads in-service respiratory teaching and training, maintaining a close relationship with other disciplines and students who may rotate through the health care facility.
  • Assumes responsibilities to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and evaluate programs involving respiratory care for the benefit of patients and the other disciplines within the health care facility.
  • Works with telehealth and the CBOC's making sure testing and studies are acceptable.
  • Educates staff and keeps in contact with outreach clinics on new processes and improvements.
  • Creates clinics, grids, consults, and note templates along with closing clinics in a timely manner.
  • Performs competencies with staff to ensure quality of tests.
  • Performs as a team leader and educator to the Inpatient and outpatient RRT Staff.
  • Follows Respiratory Driven Protocols to provide a consistent procedure for respiratory therapists in partnership with physicians to manage invasive mechanical ventilation.
  • Serves as the day-to-day shift leader.
  • Oversees the workflow of the outpatient and inpatient staff and helps where it is needed when issues arise.
  • Ensures work is distributed among employees in accordance with established workflow or job specialization.
  • Provides clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff and assist with technical work problems not covered by precedents or established policies for nonroutine or complex procedures.
  • Assists RRTs in determining treatment options for complex patients.
  • Sets up, monitoring, and troubleshooting all modalities of home ventilators (invasive and non-invasive) and oxygen delivery systems.
  • Sets up and changes oxygen delivery devices and assures proper delivery of ordered liter flow or concentration.
  • Consults with healthcare team when patient conditions require additional oxygen requirements.
  • Maintains knowledge of respiratory drugs, appropriateness of therapy, patient's response to therapy, adverse drug effects, and proper drug dosage.
  • Follows the National Directive for the Home Oxygen Program and participates in committees associated with the program.
  • Coordinates with Prosthetic Services and Vendor to ensure patient receives appropriate equipment services.
  • Performs oximetry testing, exercise and resting, titrates oxygen liter flow for appropriate saturations and reports in main computer system.
  • Partners/coordinates with VA Contracting Officers as well as external vendors and suppliers of VA services to include home oxygen services.
  • Treats acute complications during pulmonary function testing.
  • Calibrates and troubleshoots pulmonary function testing equipment.
  • Maintains and performs quality controls, biologic testing, and machine maintenance logs according to the ATS standards.
  • Develops and implements policies and guidelines following ATS standards, makes recommendations about new and emerging modalities.
  • Oversees the Cardiac Event Monitor program and reports.
  • Performs Cardiac Monitoring with Zio Patch with proper placement and performs teaching to the patient regarding testing and equipment.
  • Sets up and assists physician in the performance of exercise tolerance tests (Cardiac Stress Tests).
  • Performs pulmonary function testing including routine spirometry, flow volume loop and pre- and post-bronchodilator and diffusion studies.
  • Maintains understanding of the PACT ACT and Burn Pitt Registry and requirements.
  • Performs basic HST and communicates tests to Pulmonary Physician for interpretation.
  • Conducts chart reviews as a member of the RCT team in triaging consults, ordering sleep tests, and utilizing community care resources.
  • Performs instruction for hook up of overnight oximetry testing for patient and/or patient caregiver; downloads data from oximetry, cleans the equipment, interprets oximetry test and reports findings.
  • Sets up PAP therapy on patients, completes the order in the computer system, places supply orders, and performs downloads relaying findings.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 4:30 pm flex schedule
Telework: Not Authorized
Functional Statement #: 55011-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact Jillana.Martinez@va.gov, 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.
  • 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

Basic Requirements:

United States 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.

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).

Education Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.

AND

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.

AND

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.

Grade Determinations:GS-12

Experience- Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
  • GS 11 Assignments. This assignment is the full performance level. RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty. They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management. RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new 9 policies, procedures or protocols.
AND

Hold an active license and RRT credential.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing.
  • Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.
  • Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing.
  • Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
  • Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.
Preferred Experience: Has maintained a PFT machine according to ATS guidelines and requirements. EKG experience and knows basic rhythm knowledge. Holds a RPFT or CPFT credential.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Work is primarily performed out-patient care areas, but can be both inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs.).

Additional information

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.

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.

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:

  • License
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


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
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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 03/26/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12701018.

  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.

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

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
VA Western Colorado Health Care System
2121 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
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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