Respiratory Therapist

Summary About the Position: This position is located at BETHESDA / MONTGOMERY / MARYLAND. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized. Student Loan repayment may be authorized. Advanced Leave accrual may be authorized. Hours of duty are Monday - Friday, 0730-1600. Selected applicant will work with civilian and military respiratory therapists in execution of the position. Duties Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume ventilators for critical care patients. Develops plan for weaning patients from ventilators. Calibrates complex respiratory equipment such as volume ventilators, and co-oximeters to assure accurate performance. Assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of assigned patients using data acquired through physical examination and respiratory monitoring and diagnostic equipment. Determines the effectiveness and or need for change in the therapy being administered. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Personnel Security Investigation is required. Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing. Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. This position may require the incumbent to work during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules. This position may include shift work (evenings, weekends, holidays). This position may require the incumbent to work on call during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules. This position may require the incumbent to work weekends and/or holidays. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. If applicable, applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes setting up respiratory equipment; assessing patients' conditions; and recording patients' treatment. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07). OR Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Respiratory Therapy and/or Respiratory Care. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. This position serves as an outpatient Respiratory Therapist for the Pulmonary Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The incumbent will provide outpatient pulmonary function lab duties to include performing various lung tests like spirometry and diffusion capacity to assess lung function for diagnosis and treatment. Responsibilities also involve preparing patients for tests, explaining procedures and breathing techniques, operating and maintaining testing equipment, meticulously recording results, and collaborating with physicians to provide data for patient care. This position reports to the Chief of Pulmonary Medicine. 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 Review our benefits