Duties
VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ
Lists the major duties and responsibilities of the position:
This individual will act as a liaison between the patient and/or caregivers, VHA clinicians, private practice physicians, prosthetic, HBPC and pulmonary/respiratory personnel, contracted vendors, equipment manufacturers and all governing bodies as to the administration of this program. Has daily interaction with Prosthetic, Pulmonary and Respiratory personnel which is a combination of level 1 and level 2 VAMC facilities.
In establishing this liaison, they are responsible for ensuring an understanding of all program expectations as they relate to:
- The role and responsibility of the prescribing clinicians.
- The responsibility of the prosthetic staff in the provision of this service.
- The patient/caregiver's responsibilities of equipment operation, care and required follow-up outpatient treatment.
- The vendor responsibility to the patient, VHA in compliance to the contracted services and JC standards.
- The vendor and the manufacturer of equipment as it may relate to new models, product recalls and preventative care and maintenance of equipment.
- Medical Center, Network Prosthetics and VISN Quality Management/Performance Improvement Committee requirements.
- Communication, compliance, and reports to VHA, JC and other governing bodies.
- The incumbent is responsible for participating regularly in all Network 2 Prosthetic QM/PI Conference calls. They are to participate in the role of a technical expert and when necessary participate in monitoring required indicators or taking result-oriented action in the resolution of problems.
- They are responsible for conducting home visits to evaluate patient needs and to validate vendor compliance to the contract as a regular part of the VISNs QM/PI program. In addition, the incumbent is to routinely conduct home visits to respond to confirmed patient complaints.
- The incumbent is responsible to respond to program problems at any Upstate medical centers served by Network Prosthetics. These meetings may be to evaluate faulty equipment, program deficiencies and program non-compliance as it may relate to VISN polices or Joint Commission Accreditation. Handles a variety of complex problems, some of which can be anticipated, but are recurring in nature. Ingenuity and judgment are required to plan work, deal with factors not easily evaluated, interpret results, draw conclusions, and take or recommend action. Solutions to problems often require coordination with other departments. He/she is expected to provide written reports identifying problems and resolutions of the same.
- This employee will conduct yearly inspections of the contracted vendor's establishment. The inspections will address the vendors Joint Commission program compliance. This will include but not be limited to the inspection of the premises, Department of Transportation (DOD) logs of vehicle used in transporting oxygen, employee education files and the quality management policy, notes, and minutes.
- The incumbent will regularly assist the Network Prosthetics and VISN Logistics as a technical expert in reviewing any oxygen and respiratory contracts and will act as the COR of the Home oxygen contract. These responsibilities include the following:
- The incumbent must maintain a current COR certification.
- Keep accurate and current records for current contract and all contract amendments.
- Sponsor all new contract RRT employees for their PIV credentials.
- Maintain contractor employees training and credentials.
- Responsible to arrange and conduct quarterly VISN 2 home oxygen committee meetings and report minutes to all VISN 2 VAMC's.
- Instructs and trains all contractor RRTs in use of VISTA and CPRS Systems. Develops curriculum and provides all training materials.
- Reviews and cosigns contractor RRT clinical notes in CPRS.
- Prepares detailed contract reports evaluating Upstate home oxygen contract management. Participated in all Joint Commission evaluations for all Upstate VISN VAMC's. Accompany all JC surveyors on clinical patient visits for the Upstate Home Oxygen Program. Utilize clinical expertise and technical knowledge while meeting face to face with JC surveyors.
- Process's all Home Oxygen consults to assure that the Prescribing physician has filled out the Consult with the appropriate equipment and that the patient meets Home Oxygen Criteria. Responsible for approving all Home Oxygen Upstate Travel requests and ensures patients have adequate equipment for the duration of their travel.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630
Telework: Not Eligible
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 11817-F
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.
- 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. 5
- 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.
- RTs must provide care only under the close supervision of an RRT.
- Temporary RT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
- English Language Proficiency: Prosthetic Representative must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.j.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12
- 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. The following certifications are desirable but not required:
- 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.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-13
- Experience, Licensure and Credential: Candidates must:
- Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. ii. Hold an active license and RRT credential.
- Certification. Candidates must hold a certification from one of the programs they are responsible for overseeing.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
- Skill in complex respiratory care in all inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Skill in monitoring production and performance priorities and standards.
- Ability to develop policies and guidelines.
- Ability to manage patient care programs to make recommendations to improve patient care and operations.
Preferred Experience: Five years of VA Respiratory Therapy
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS12 to GS13.
Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
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/.
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
- 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 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
- License
- 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 02/26/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12690530.
- 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.
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.