Advance Your Career as a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist at the VA

Are you a seasoned respiratory therapist looking for a role that combines advanced clinical practice with leadership responsibilities? The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, centered at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, is currently recruiting for a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist (GS-12). This is a mission-critical role designed for professionals who are passionate about providing world-class care to America's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead RRT, you will serve as a clinical leader within the Medicine Service. Your daily duties will be diverse, challenging, and essential to patient outcomes:

Clinical Leadership: Assigning personnel and tasks, providing clinical guidance, and resolving conflicts to ensure optimal workload distribution.
Advanced Diagnostics & Therapy: Performing complex pulmonary function testing, ventilator support, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, and managing emergency situations such as 'Code Blue' or Rapid Response events.
Equipment Management: Troubleshooting and calibrating critical care equipment, including ventilators and BiPAP/CPAP systems.
Quality Improvement: Conducting independent research to recommend new therapies and equipment to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:

Requirement	Description
Licensure	Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted state license as an RRT.
Credentials	Must hold a valid, current, and unrestricted RRT credential.
Education	Completion of a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program.
Experience	Minimum one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Language	Must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.

Salary Overview

The GS-12 position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $99,402 to $129,225, based on a yearly pay scale. This reflects the high level of responsibility and clinical expertise required to function at this grade level within the federal system.

Benefits of Federal Employment

Working for the VA provides a robust benefits package that supports both your career and your personal well-being, including:

Federal health insurance options for you and your family.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
A stable, inclusive work environment with a clear focus on the "Whole Health" of both patients and staff.

Application Tips

Competition for high-level VA roles is strong. To ensure your application stands out:

Be Precise: When detailing your GS-11 level experience, provide specific examples of clinical outcomes and leadership initiatives.
Upload Everything: Missing documentation, such as your license or CV, will prevent your application from being considered.
Review the Questionnaire: The USAStaffing questionnaire is a primary tool for determining eligibility. Take your time to answer it thoroughly and honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the work schedule for this position? A: The position follows a Monday through Friday, 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM shift.

Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Q: Can I use foreign education? A: Yes, provided you include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead in a top-tier clinical environment. If you are a committed, high-performing Respiratory Therapist eager to serve those who have served, we encourage you to apply for the Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist position in Cleveland today.

Why This Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Matters

Elevate your respiratory care career as a Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, where advanced clinical expertise meets dedicated service to our nation's heroes.

Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Overview

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our Medicine Service. In this leadership role, you will provide advanced clinical guidance, manage complex respiratory care workloads, and contribute to the high-quality, whole-health care provided to over 111,500 Veterans across 21 counties. This is a vital position at a premier national referral center, offering the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology and participate in cutting-edge research.

Requirements for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

U.S. Citizenship
Completion of a respiratory care program accredited by CoARC or its successor
Possession of a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice as an RRT
Current, valid, and unrestricted RRT credential
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Completion of a background/security investigation
Annual influenza vaccination or approved exemption

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

One year of creditable clinical experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
Advanced proficiency in complex pulmonary function and stress/exercise testing
Demonstrated ability to lead clinical staff and manage complex respiratory workloads
Expertise in performing and troubleshooting polysomnographic studies
Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills in a clinical environment

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
✓Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan
✓Opportunities for professional development and research participation

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

Application Steps for Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documents, including your CV/resume and proof of licensure
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire
Submit your full application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on November 2, 2026
Monitor your email for confirmation and subsequent notifications regarding your application status

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and clearly maps your experience to the clinical competencies required for the GS-12 level
Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous experience; list specific responsibilities and outcomes
Double-check that all required documents, such as SF-50s or transcripts, are uploaded correctly
Preview the questionnaire before starting the application to understand the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) requested
Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly for status updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Lead RRT at the VA?

The Lead RRT provides clinical guidance to staff, manages complex respiratory care workloads, performs advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and helps improve operations through independent research and evaluation.

Is a security clearance required for this position?

This position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk and does not require a formal security clearance, though a background/suitability investigation is required.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, although this announcement is open to internal agency candidates, the VA welcomes qualified applicants dedicated to serving our Veterans.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is a massive, multi-faceted organization that operates 18 sites of care, including a 597-bed tertiary medical center. Joining this team means working in a "Whole Health" environment where clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate service converge.