Registered Respiratory Therapy Job in Miami, FL

Vacancy No. CBTC-12593103-25-JF Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $92,619.00 to $120,401.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/29/2024 Close Date 11/8/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Miami, FL


Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for the Pulmonary Section serves primarily in the outpatient pulmonary services including the pulmonary function testing laboratory and bronchoscopy suite. The RRT performs diagnostic tests on patients to assess potential pulmonary conditions. These tests can include spirometry, diffusion testing, lung volumes, airway resistance, respiratory muscle forces, bronchial provocation testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. For Internal announcement ( Status Candidate) please apply using Vacancy CBTC-12593102-24-JF.

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

  • The incumbent performs a variety of activities regarding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the pulmonary laboratory. This includes the operation, calibration, and maintenance of commonly used instruments such as computerized pulmonary function testing equipment, and oximeters.
  • The incumbent is proficient in the execution of standardized pulmonary function tests such as forced and slow vital capacity, flow volume loops, measures of airway resistance, functional residual capacities, maximum voluntary ventilation. The incumbent is proficient in bronchoscopy support, and arterial blood gas draw.
  • He / She operates exercise equipment (treadmill, bicycle ergometer). Performs and calculates diffusing capacity by steady state and single breath methods. Performs studies of lung mechanics, which Include the use of a body plethysmograph, sensitive pressure and flow recorders and multichannel electronic recorders for precise measurement of airway obstruction, thoracic gas volume, compliance, and other parameters.
  • The Incumbent operates a computerized system for the measurement of lung volumes, air velocity indices, anatomic dead space, nitrogen washout curve, single breath nitrogen study for determination of closing volume. The incumbent checks off the status of the control point and keeps a constant check on the current balance.
  • The incumbent is expected to have knowledge of the physiologic principle of each test, as well as the technical skills. He/she effectively instructs patients as to when and how to perform breathing exercises.
  • He/she performs bronchoprovocation testing utilizing a variety of medications or methodologies.
  • They monitor for complications of this testing and initiate interventions prior to notifying the supervising Pulmonary Physician.
  • Because of the complexity of the physiologic studies, the technician must become involved in all phases of the work so that he/she can not only perform the studies but also have a clear under standing of their significance to enable him/her to interpret and apply findings to the overall picture. The incumbent prepares and prints the results of PFTs for the clinician to
  • interpret including performing an initial quality review of test results.
  • The incumbent is expected to be in close communication with the clinicians if he/she estimates that a patient requires clinical attention. This includes notification of significant abnormal tests or need of additional studies.
  • The incumbent should be proficient in recognizing if a patient requires immediate attention by a clinician. The incumbent should actively involve patient education while performing PFT-related duties.
  • He/she must be able to perform existing procedures and to adapt to newer techniques, with minimal supervision. He/she must be able to perform calibration maintenance and minor repairs,
  • accurately calculate and tabulate the results and maintain laboratory records and files.
  • The incumbent is responsible for maintenance of expensive and delicate equipment and maintaining liaison with Supply Department, Biomedical Section, and vendors for necessary adjustments and repairs.
  • The incumbent actively determines the need for new equipment and space. The incumbent orders supplies, equipment, and repairs. He/she must communicate with
  • the Pulmonary Service leadership when there is a malfunction of equipment and be involved in the communication with other departments and/or contractors to coordinate repairs.

Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 30825F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jamie Wunsch / Jamie.Wunsch@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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.
  • 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


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.


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.
  • 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. Additional certification of CPFT or RPFT is desirable, but not required. Willingness to work towards obtaining CPFT or RPFT if not already certified.
  • 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 Determinations:

Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.

Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidate must have:

a. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level.
b. Hold an active license and RRT credential. Certification. Incumbent must hold a CPFT or RPFT.

In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
a. Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing to include but not limited to cardiopulmonary stress testing, exercise testing, metabolic testing, bronchoprovocation testing and shunt testing.
b. Ability to establish a quality control program related to pulmonary function lab.
c. Skill in analyzing physiologic specimen and information from basic diagnostic procedures.
d. Skill in assessing for signs and symptoms of adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.
e. Skill in determining appropriate intervention for adverse actions to medications and or testing procedures.
f. Ability to provide training in advanced pulmonary function procedures.
g. Ability to provide clinical consultation in advanced pulmonary function procedures.

This vacancy is above the full performance level GS-12.

Physical Requirements: All respiratory therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The respiratory therapist is expected to be able to move, lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Respiratory therapists must demonstrate the ability to handle stressful, challenging situations in a positive manner.

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

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.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Resume



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.

  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • 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 11/08/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12593103.

  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

Joselyne Figueroa-Cruz
Address
Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1201 Northwest 16th Street
Miami, FL 33125
US
Learn more about this agency

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.