This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.
Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (Lead RRT) will oversee work of lower graded associates to achieve department and facility goals. He/she will also oversee staff development and learning including competency training. The incumbent must have demonstrated expert knowledge of respiratory therapy methods, equipment, and procedures in regards to the treatment of patients, and proper knowledge of PFT's, Sleep Medicine, Home O2 and Bronchoscopy.
They must have the ability to assume responsibility, plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate programs involving Respiratory Care. The Incumbent is assigned to serve as Lead Therapist and is administratively responsible for the quality assurance activities, coordination of all educational and competency training as well as the day-to day operations. Will provide direct patient care across all clinical functions of the respiratory therapy department.
Using patient assessment and clinical data, the Lead RRT develops appropriate care plans and evaluates whether expected outcomes are met. This role involves ongoing consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care. Major duties include but are not limited to: The Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (Lead RRT) provides direct patient care across all clinical functions of the respiratory therapy department.
Using patient assessment and clinical data, the Lead RRT develops appropriate care plans and evaluates whether expected outcomes are met. The role requires ongoing consultation with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care. A core responsibility of the Lead RRT is managing and maintaining patient airways and ventilation through appropriate mechanical and therapeutic methods.
Lead RRT performs complex respiratory care procedures, including implementing respiratory protocols, administering respiratory modalities and medications, and providing supplemental oxygen therapy. Responsibilities include monitoring critical systems, utilizing advanced mechanical ventilation modes,. Based on patient response and clinical assessment, the Lead RRT recommends alternative treatment options when appropriate.
At the advanced performance level, the Lead RRT independently performs therapeutic modalities in inpatient and outpatient settings and demonstrates expert knowledge of respiratory therapy techniques, equipment, and procedures. The role includes knowledge of Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), including spirometry, lung volumes, bronchoscopy, Sleep Medicine and Home O2.
The Lead RRT functions as a lead in pulmonary diagnostics, overseeing the work of lower-graded staff and providing training, competency assessments, and professional development. Duties include coordinating daily operations, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, maintaining laboratory records, and performing equipment quality control.
In addition to pulmonary diagnostics, the Lead RRT serves as a PAP and sleep technician, performing assessments, physiologic monitoring, testing, and management of sleep-related breathing disorders in PAP clinics, sleep clinics, and sleep laboratories. The therapist assists with bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and induced sputum collection, and performs arterial blood gas sampling and analysis.
The Lead RRT maintains comprehensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary diseases such as asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and pleural effusion, along with strong skills in patient assessment, equipment operation, troubleshooting, infection control, and safety. Work Schedule: 12 hour shifts Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 662-10880F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@VA.GOV, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
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/.
LIZBETH.TORRES@VA.GOV · (415) 221-4810 X24760
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $111896 – $145468/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-12.
This position is open under the 'Fed Excepted' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-29 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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