Registered Respiratory Therapist (Program Coordinator) Job in Garner, NC

Vacancy No. CBTA-12765549-25-GGB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $110,266.00 to $143,352.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/18/2025 Close Date 7/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Garner, NC


Summary

The incumbent demonstrates the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the following duties within the scope of Respiratory Care. A Respiratory Therapist may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below. Essential functions may change from time to time to reflect the current trends within the field of respiratory therapy, and to meet the cardio[1]pulmonary needs of the patients served.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current permanent Durham VAHCS employees only.

Duties

Area I: Pulmonary Functions
1. Performs basic spirometry, pre/post bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion, plethysmography, MIPs/MEPS, and other diagnostic procedures in the lab or at bedside, including adequate coaching, recognition of improperly performed maneuvers, corrective actions, and interpretation of test results.
2. Compare's and evaluates indications and contraindications for advanced pulmonary function tests and possess the ability to recognize both normal and abnormal results.
3. Calculations, notes, and reports all pulmonary function test results for physician interpretation.
4. Performs quality controls, specimen analysis, daily maintenance and troubleshooting for all pulmonary function testing equipment.

Area II: Home Oxygen, Non-Invasive, and Invasive Ventilation
1. Evaluates the indications and contraindication for home oxygen.
2. Explains to patient the importance of following prescribed flow rates.
3. Performs arterial sampling for blood analysis.
4. Completes assessment through direct contact, chart review, and other means as appropriate.
5. Obtains social, behavioral, and occupational history and other historical information that is relevant for the prescription of home oxygen.
6. Reviews and interprets arterial blood gases and related laboratory tests.
7. Conducts, reviews, and interprets six-minute walk tests and pulse oximetry.
8. Evaluates the need and use for PAP devices, non-invasive ventilation devices with appropriate mask
interfaces, and invasive ventilation devices via tracheostomy.
9. Coordinates with approved vendor for oxygen equipment needs and non-invasive/invasive ventilation equipment needs.
10. Ensures vendor assesses the home environment and identifies risk factors.

Area III: Home Sleep Testing
1. Programs home sleep testing equipment with patient's demographic data.
2. Instructs/assists patient with completing Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
3. Measures patient's neck with disposable tape measure and obtains patient's weight.
4. Informs patient that testing equipment must be returned within 2 days of receiving and have patient sign VA Government Property Loan Form.
5. Reviews with patient a video for use of home sleep testing equipment and answers questions.
6. Asks patient to perform a return demonstration for use of equipment.
7. Informs patient of date and place to return equipment.
8. Completes note in EMR and attaches CPAP clinic for acknowledgement.
9. Scans and emails copy of Epworth Sleepiness Scale to CPAP clinic.

Area IV: Support Functions
1. Fully completes all consults in a timely manner.
2. Assists MSAs s appropriate for patient scheduling.
3. Contacts patients as necessary to facilitate scheduling of appointments.
4. Assists with the orientation of new employees for this role.
5. Complies and reports quality data for areas of responsibility as appropriate.
6. Maintains proper stocking of supplies for all assignment areas.
Area V: Leadership
1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing at varying levels, both internal and external to the organization
2. Skill in communicating data, policies, and regulations
3. Ability to develop resource material
4. Ability to establish a completely integrated program that emulates "best practice" and follows national policies.
5. Develops and regularly reviews policies and procedures; ensures that this program remains in compliance with existing VA policy and regulations and JCAHO standards.
6. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of all the program activities through standard and innovative techniques.
7. Maintains statistical and patient data. Monitors individual performance standards and completes retrospective audits.
8. Serves as liaison between the department and its clinical consumers (i.e., nursing service, administration and other support services).
9. Formulates evaluation of equipment needs, preventive maintenance and organization of expendable and non-expendable equipment and supplies related to the program.
10. Manages all clinical aspects of the program
11. Advise leadership on policy implications, key issues, relationships to both internal and external interest groups and recommended course of action.
12. Maintain interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals.
13. Coordinates and negotiates resolutions to complex problems and reports progress and resolution of problems in achieving goals and objectives to higher levels of management.

Area VII: Emergency Care
1. Performs basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support according to AHA guidelines.
2. Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to retain certification as per associated guidelines as stated above.
3. Performs endotracheal intubation.
4. Performs as a member of the rapid response team (medical emergency team).
Area VIII: Health Policy
1. Adhere to regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, Hazmat, Joint Commission).


Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600

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 trial 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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS.

To qualify for appointments 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. People 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. People 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.

(1) 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.
(a) VHA may waive the RRT credential requirement for people 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.
(b) 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. (c) RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
(d) 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. The Human Resources (HR) Office staff will provide RTs, in writing, the requirement to
1) obtain their RRT credential.
2) the date by which the RRT credential must be acquired; and
3) the consequences for not becoming RRT credentialed by the deadline. The HR Office staff must provide written notices to selectees prior to entrance on duty date and maintain a copy in the electronic Official Personnel Folder.

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.

Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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 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 titles or parenthetical title, as described below and duties must meet the definition of the assignment:

GRADE DETERMINATIONS.

Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment in paragraph 3 above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.
Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have:
i. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential as well as a CPFT or RPFT credential.. The following certifications are desirable but not required:
RPSGT.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing.
ii. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.
iii. Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing.
iv. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data.
v. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.
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. RRTs at this grade level in this position are designated for complexity level 3 facilities only. In addition to the assignments of the full performance level position, incumbents are also responsible for performing home sleep testing, home oxygen evaluations and ordering, patient instruction on sleep disorders and use of therapeutic equipment along with a combination of the duties from the following assignments below as Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary), Registered Respiratory Therapist (Polysomnography) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (Pulmonary/ Polysomnography) under paragraphs(6)(a)-(c) and (7). This assignment is not appropriate and cannot be used in facilities designated at complexity level 1 and 2 (see assignments below beginning in paragraphs (6)(a)-(c) and (7) for facilities designated as complexity level 1 and 2).

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

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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: 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 07/28/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12765549.

  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

Gary Byles
Address
Durham VA Medical Center
508 Fulton Street
Durham, NC 27705
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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