Advance Your Career: Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist at the VA

Are you an experienced respiratory therapist looking for a role that combines clinical expertise with leadership? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) at the Salt Lake City Health Care System is currently recruiting for a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve our nation's Veterans while working in a state-of-the-art facility located at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead RRT, you are the backbone of the respiratory care team during your shift. Key duties include:

Workflow Management: Balancing patient acuity with staff competency to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Clinical Leadership: Serving as the charge therapist, resolving clinical issues, and acting as a point of contact for physicians and nursing staff.
Emergency Response: Participating in rapid response and code teams, providing advanced airway and ventilation support.
Mentorship: Providing education and competency validation for new staff and students.
Operational Oversight: Managing equipment maintenance and safety protocols.

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

Active, unrestricted RRT state license.
Successful graduation from a CoARC-accredited program.
U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting 30 lbs and standing for long periods.

Salary Overview

Pay Grade	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-12	$89,508 - $116,342

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with significant benefits, including competitive federal health insurance, a robust retirement savings plan, and generous leave policies. You will also have access to ongoing professional development to stay at the cutting edge of respiratory medicine.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out:

Use the official VA Clinical Resume template.
Clearly document your experience with ventilators and critical care.
Verify all certifications are active.
Submit your application well before the cut-off dates to be considered in the first referral round.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: No, this position does not offer relocation incentives.

Q: Is this a permanent position? A: Yes, it is a permanent position within the Excepted Service of the VA.

If you are a respiratory therapist with the vision to lead and the dedication to provide superior care, the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is the ideal place to elevate your career. Apply today and become part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of Veterans.

Why This Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care Job Matters

Advance your respiratory therapy career with the VA: Lead a dedicated team, impact veteran health, and enjoy the breathtaking lifestyle of Salt Lake City.

Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care Job Overview

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to provide clinical leadership and advanced respiratory care. In this role, you will act as the on-tour charge therapist, balancing patient acuity with team resources while mentoring staff in high-acuity environments. This position is ideal for a clinical professional who is ready to combine expert cardiopulmonary care with operational management at one of the nation's premier teaching hospitals.

Requirements for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care

U.S. Citizenship
Current, unrestricted RRT license from a state
Successful completion of a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to perform physical requirements (lifting 30 lbs, pushing 65 lbs, etc.)
Must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care

One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent
Proven track record in ICU or emergency department respiratory leadership
Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and manage clinical workflows
Experience with advanced mechanical ventilation and emergency airway management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
✓Federal Retirement Programs (FERS)
✓Generous Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
✓Professional Development and Training
✓Career Advancement Opportunities within the VA system

💡 How to Apply Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist-Respiratory Care Job

Create a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
Review the required documents section to ensure your package is complete.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume template.
Upload your resume, license, and any additional relevant certifications.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your clinical experience.
Ensure your license is valid and active at the time of application.
Use the provided standard resume template to ensure your submission meets agency requirements.
Check your application status regularly via the USAJOBS dashboard.
Highlight your experience with complex ventilator management and emergency response in your narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Lead RRT?

The Lead RRT serves as the charge therapist for a shift, coordinating clinical workflows, mentoring staff, and providing advanced respiratory care in critical and acute care areas.

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this is a hands-on, on-site role in a patient care environment and is not eligible for telework or virtual work.

What are the physical demands of this job?

The role involves prolonged standing, walking, lifting up to 30 lbs, and pushing up to 65 lbs. You will also use aseptic techniques and PPE regularly.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is dedicated to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served. As a premier teaching hospital, the system provides integrated, patient-centered care to over 70,000 Veterans. Our staff enjoys a high-complexity work environment that stimulates professional growth while providing excellent work-life balance in the "Silicon Slopes" region of Utah.