A Career of Service: Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist at the VA in Buffalo
Are you a dedicated Respiratory Therapist looking to combine your clinical expertise with a meaningful mission? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Buffalo, New York, is currently seeking a talented Registered Respiratory Therapist to join their healthcare team. This is a unique opportunity to provide critical care to the men and women who have served our nation. As a VHA professional, you will work in a supportive, mission-driven environment where your daily efforts directly impact the health and recovery of our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), you are a key member of the medical team. Your duties will be diverse and highly clinical, including:
- Conducting patient assessments and chart reviews to formulate effective respiratory care plans.
- Monitoring and maintaining advanced mechanical ventilation systems.
- Performing diagnostic procedures such as arterial blood gas analysis and basic spirometry.
- Collaborating with physicians and other clinical staff to optimize patient outcomes.
- Providing patient education on respiratory health and chronic conditions.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Focus Area | Required Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-07 | Developmental | Entry-level clinical competencies |
| GS-09 | Intermediate | Specialized experience or Master's degree |
| GS-11 | Full Performance | Advanced independent practice |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold a current, unrestricted state license and valid RRT credential.
- Must have graduated from a CoARC-accredited program.
- Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass background and physical screenings.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $57,331 to $106,161 per year, commensurate with your qualifications, grade level, and experience. Federal positions also come with comprehensive benefits that contribute to your long-term financial and personal well-being.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for an array of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and sick leave.
- Federal pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
Application Tips
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly outline your clinical duties in your resume. Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous responsibilities.
- Organize Your Documents: Ensure your RRT credential and state license are readily available in the required format.
- Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the questionnaire to ensure you are accurately claiming any relevant veteran preference.
Serving our nation’s Veterans as a Registered Respiratory Therapist is a rewarding career path that challenges your clinical skills while honoring those who have sacrificed so much. If you are ready to make an impact in the Buffalo community, apply today through the USAJOBS portal and take the next step in your professional journey.
Why This Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Matters
Make a life-changing difference for those who served. Join our respiratory care team in Buffalo as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and provide expert, compassionate clinical support to our nation’s heroes.
Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join the Veterans Health Administration in Buffalo, New York. In this role, you will play a critical part in the medical team by managing, treating, and evaluating patients with cardiopulmonary needs. Whether working in inpatient or outpatient settings, your expertise will directly contribute to the quality of life for our Veterans, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.
Requirements for Registered Respiratory Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Completion of a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license as an RRT
- Valid, current, and unrestricted RRT credential
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Completion of a background/security investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Respiratory Therapist
- Experience performing therapeutic modalities for adult and geriatric patients
- Proficiency in airway management, mechanical ventilation, and arterial blood gas analysis
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with physicians and healthcare teams
- Previous experience with outpatient respiratory care and patient education
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Supportive, mission-centered work environment
💡 How to Apply Registered Respiratory Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Respiratory Therapist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Prepare your resume, RRT credential, and state license documentation.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, including all required documents, before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume regarding your clinical experience and competencies.
- Ensure your state license and RRT credential are current and clearly uploaded.
- Double-check that all required documentation is attached before submitting.
- Utilize the USAJOBS status tracker to monitor your application progress.
- Clearly explain any volunteer or clinical rotations if you are a newer graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Respiratory Therapist at the VA?
You will function as a vital member of the medical team, assessing patients, developing respiratory care plans, and providing both emergency and ongoing support for patients with complex cardiopulmonary conditions.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is a patient-facing clinical role that requires on-site presence at the facility.
What grades are available for this position?
This position is advertised from GS-07 to GS-11, depending on your experience, education, and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
What is the work schedule like?
*A: The role involves shifts during the week, on weekends, and holidays, with potential rotations between afternoon and overnight shifts to ensure around-the-clock care.*
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
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 borne the battle. The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing a wide range of services to millions of Veterans. Choosing a career with the VHA means joining a team that values compassion, integrity, and excellence in healthcare.