Supervisory Registered Respiratory Therapist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Hines (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hines, IL seeks a Chief of Respiratory Care Services to oversee clinical, technical, and administrative functions of the Respiratory Care Department.

This position covers pulmonary function testing, blood gas analysis, therapy, sleep center operations, and equipment issuance, with a focus on quality, safety, and integration into patient care plans. The role requires leadership, licensure as an RRT, and a track record of program management within an academic

Qualifications

• Candidates must have completed a respiratory care program accredited by CoARC or successor.
• Licensure as an RRT in good standing.
• Current unrestricted RRT credential.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategic initiatives to enhance service quality, maintain regulatory compliance, and promote patient safety and satisfaction.
• Establishes and evaluates performance standards and implements evidence-based practices.
• Leads quality assurance programs and participates in hospital committees to ensure Joint Commission readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Healthcare administration

Data analytics

Budget management

EHR systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in respiratory care or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Summary

The Chief of Respiratory Care Services is dedicated to advancing the mission of VA by delivering compassionate - high-quality respiratory care that meets the unique needs of Veterans served by Hines VA. This role encompasses oversight of all clinical - technical - and administrative functions within the Respiratory Care Department - including Pulmonary Function Testing - Blood Gas Laboratory - Respiratory Care Therapy - Sleep Center operations - and the Equipment Issuance Clinic.

Summary

The Chief of Respiratory Care Services is dedicated to advancing the mission of VA by delivering compassionate - high-quality respiratory care that meets the unique needs of Veterans served by Hines VA. This role encompasses oversight of all clinical - technical - and administrative functions within the Respiratory Care Department - including Pulmonary Function Testing - Blood Gas Laboratory - Respiratory Care Therapy - Sleep Center operations - and the Equipment Issuance Clinic.

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
• 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)
• 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: Supervisory Registered Therapist (Chief) - GS-14 Experience - Licensure and Credential - Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level
• It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties such as critical care - pulmonary - education and sleep medicine
• Hold an active license and RRT credential
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities - Skill in implementing patient care and operations change by recognizing opportunities for improvement and analyzing data
• Skill in the development and implementation of appropriate standards of care for respiratory care
• Ability establish a completely integrated program that emulates ""best practice"" and follows national policies
• Ability to supervise employees
• Ability to forecast resource needs to manage fiscal matters
• Education
• It is highly desirable that the candidate possess a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited college or university in respiratory care
• cardiopulmonary science
• or a health-related field
• Preferred Experience: Masters degree in Respiratory Therapy - Healthcare Administration - or related field
• experience in a hospital or clinical setting - preferably within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
• prior experience managing respiratory care programs and leading quality improvement initiatives
• familiarity with Joint Commission - CMS - and other regulatory requirements related to respiratory care
• commitment to patient-centered care principles and evidence-based practice
• experience with budget management - staff scheduling - and performance evaluation
• proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data analytics
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS14
• Physical Requirements: Physical demands may include repetitive body movements including the following: frequent reaching - standing - walking - and lifting of equipment and/or patients to provide patient care
• This position requires extension of the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction including above or below shoulder level - during the provision of patient care - including retrieval of needed equipment - supplies and to make contact with the patient
• This position may require the maintenance of an upright position to perform duties associated with patient care.

Duties

• Develops strategic initiatives to enhance service quality - maintain regulatory compliance - and promote patient safety and satisfaction
• Establishes and evaluates performance standards
• implements evidence-based practices
• and drives continuous improvement efforts to achieve operational excellence
• Collaborates extensively with multidisciplinary teams-physicians - nurses - ancillary staff - and administrative leaders
• Ensures the integration of respiratory care into the holistic treatment plans and supporting positive patient outcomes
• Serves as a trusted subject-matter expert on respiratory care modalities - providing consultation - guidance - and education throughout the hospital
• Responsible for staff recruitment - training - professional development - and performance management - fostering a culture of accountability - teamwork - and clinical competence
• Champions innovation in respiratory technology and therapy - overseeing the selection - maintenance - and utilization of specialized equipment for both acute and chronic patient needs
• Ensures stewardship of resources - budgetary oversight - and regulatory adherence (including privacy of PHI - PII - and VA sensitive data)
• Ensures the department operates efficiently - safely - and in full compliance with VA standards and accreditation requirements
• Leads quality assurance programs - participates in hospital committees - and plays a vital role in preparing the department for Joint Commission reviews and other external audits
• Any clinical duties aligned with the position
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (7:30am - 4:00pm)
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 10357F
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.