Summary
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 (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Duties
This position provides VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) Geriatric and Extended Care (GEC) with Respiratory Therapy functions specific to Home Based Primary Care(HBPC), which includes the Home Oxygen Program, bedside spirometry, BiPAP/CPAP and home ventilators and other respiratory related Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in the patient's home. The respiratory therapist is a key team member in caring for Veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Drive to patient homes (home visits) to evaluate compliance, environment and safety per VA requirements. Perform home visits to all ALS patients who live in the catchment area. Plan the driving route for home visits for maximal efficiency and patient satisfaction. Keep accurate patient lists as per HBPC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Perform home Oxygen Program Perform bedside Spirometry and Negative Inspiratory Force (NIF) Instrument calibration. Spirometry with and without bronchodilator evaluation. Perform NIF/MIP/MEP. Perform peak flow. Calculate the results of the above pulmonary function tests. Entry of Pulmonary Function Testing data for pulmonary physician interpretation into the patient's electronic medical record. Evaluates patient reactions and data and makes decisions on what actions to take to remedy difficulties to improve accuracy of techniques or to control or compensate for adverse reactions. Verify that BiPAP/CPAP and ventilator equipment is in working order. Notifies vendors of any equipment issues while always ensuring patient safety. Notifies vendor of needed replacement units or supplies. Enter electronic patient data, documenting all procedures performed. Administers a variety of therapeutic respiratory therapy treatments. Performs bedside diagnostic tests to assess the respiratory status of patients. The RRT provides regular on-going in home quality oversight of the VA contracted provider and coordinates with the VA contracting officer if deficiencies are detected. Work Schedule: Monday Through Friday 08:00am - 04:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00678-F EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact: VHAV21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Requirements
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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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/.
How you will be evaluated
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.