Registered Respiratory Therapist (Educator)

Description:

As a educator, this incumbent provides staff orientation and education on a wide variety of equipment and topics, including but not limited to, evidence based respiratory practice, clinical guidelines, clinical procedures, protocols, equipment, research, emerging knowledge from publications, standards of care, regulatory standards, Cerner electronic health record training and writing and maintaining departmental policies. They develop and plan formal curriculums and clinical training programs.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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.
• 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.

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. (a) Experience, Education, Licensure and Certification. Candidates must:
i. Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level,
ii. Hold a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care, cardiopulmonary science or a health-related field and
iii. Hold one of the education certifications for pulmonary disease for Patient Educator OR a certification for adult critical care specialist for Staff Educator.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of instructional techniques to educate respiratory therapists in proper performance of respiratory processes and procedures.
ii. Ability to educate individuals of varying backgrounds.
iii. Skill in training RRTs, other staff and/or patients/caregivers on existing and newly acquired equipment, therapies and medications.
iv. Ability to determine the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs.
v. Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies and simulations relative to respiratory care.

Preferred Experience: Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience in managing or coordinating educational programs. Experience in supervising and mentoring students, new graduates, or less experienced therapists preferred. Familiarity with current respiratory therapy guidelines and protocols. Proficiency with respiratory therapy equipment, electronic health records (EHR), and other relevant healthcare technologies. Ability to utilize educational technology tools effectively, such as learning management systems (LMS) and simulation-based training. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster professional relationships and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with advancements in respiratory therapy and healthcare education.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, climbing (legs only), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to see computer/monitor screens, both eyes required, hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include silica, asbestos, etc., fumes, smoke, or gases, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work.