Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, (Lead-RRT)

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead RRTs are found in higher complexity facilities (level 1 and 2) and the lead duties must be regular and reoccurring and must constitute at lead 25% of the duty time.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This position is ONLY open to current and permanent James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (facility employees) and current and permanent VA employees, nationwide. There are no additional area of consideration for this position. First preference will go to James A Haley employees.

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Duties

****Location of this position: James A Haley Veterans' Hospital locations, surrounding community-based outpatient clinics (Lakeland CBOC).

Thorough respiratory care assessment skills to evaluate patients for appropriate needs.

- Ability to speak with providers, patients, caregivers, and family professionally.

Experience with CPRS, Consult package, Microsoft Office Package, ect.

- Assist the Lakeland respiratory supervisor with the day-to-day operations training, competencies, chart reviews assuring quality respiratory services are provided at the: Lakeland respiratory outpatient clinics

- Assist the Lakeland respiratory supervisor assuring clinic utilization is maximized ensuring 30-day access

- Perform pulmonary function testing which includes, but not limited to calibration of equipment, various diagnostic tests including Spirometry, Single Breath Diffusion (DLCO), Plethysmography (VTG), home evaluations/ 6 - minute walk test.

- Proficient at performing arterial blood gases sampling, analysis, interpretation, and intervention.

- Evaluate/monitor patient's response to therapy and recommend changes based on information obtained.

- Assist the Lakeland respiratory supervisor with the development and annual competency reviews /follow policy/procedures.

- Complete consults/clinical procedures for both outpatient staff and patients.

- Exhibits strong clinical skills that improve patient care as well as excellent interpersonal relationship skills in communicating health care information to patients, family, and interdisciplinary health care teams.

- Recognition of the need for medical intervention if patient safety is at risk.

- Travel as needed with the Tampa VA catchment area.

- Requires strong computer skills, entering collecting/downloading data of patients results following procedures utilizing Somnoware, Airview, ROES, software.

- Independently evaluate sleep related breathing disorders patients, and titrate pressures, download data, review compliance and fit patients with appropriate interface devices to achieve the physicians' therapeutic goals.

- Portable Home Sleep Monitor to include assessment, education, equipment setup and downloading patient data.

- Providing TeleHealth services for (CPAP/Home sleep) **This is not a virtual position Telehealth service are provided on site

- The delivery of the complete spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic services provided within respiratory services at the James A Haley VA Hospital.

- Travel as needed within the Tampa VA catchment area.

Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in all patient care areas (in-patient and outpatient). All Respiratory Therapists will have extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors. The Respiratory Therapist is expected to be able to move lift, bend, and stoop while performing duties with equipment, supplies, and patients. Ability to handle varying levels of stress in a positive manner.

All Respiratory Therapists must be able to perform the following physical requirements:

- Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over

- Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over

- Pushing

- Reaching above shoulder

- Use of fingers/ Both hands required

- Walking/ Standing /Kneeling

- Repeated bending

- Climbing, legs only Both legs required

- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously

- Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4

- Both eyes required

- Ability to distinguish basic colors

Work Schedule :Monday-Friday 7:30am to 4pm

Compress schedule, maybe available based on the needs of the service, alternating weekends, holidays, maybe also required.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. See 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) for more information.
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor.
• Licensure. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT.
• Credential. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid, current, unrestricted credential of RRT.

Grade Determinations:

Lead Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12.

Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must:

• Have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. RRTs at this grade level in this assignment have experience demonstrating advanced practice skills and clinical judgment across many areas of respiratory care both inpatient and outpatient.
• Hold an active license and RRT credential.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs:

1. Ability to assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload.
2. Ability to oversee and direct clinical guidance in a manner that assures completion of the workload.
3. Ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds to solve problems and provide conflict resolution.
4. Ability to recommend uncommon or atypical interventions.
5. Ability to recommend ways to improve patient care and operations through independent research and evaluation of new equipment and therapies

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead RRTs are found in higher complexity facilities (level 1 and 2) and the lead duties must be regular and reoccurring and must constitute at lead 25% of the duty time. This assignment may be established as day/evening/night and/or inpatient/outpatient. They ensure work is distributed among employees in accordance with established workflow or job specialization. Lead RRTs assure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload, assess the status, quality and progress of work and make day-to- day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. They provide clinical practice guidance for other respiratory staff and assist with technical work problems not covered by precedents or established policies for non- routine or complex procedures. They assist RRTs in determining treatment options for complex patients. They study the quality and quantity of work and operating effectiveness and take or recommend needed actions. They represent the department at interdisciplinary meetings.

Preferred Experience:

Statement of Preferred Experience and Requirements:

- A Registered Respiratory Therapist as defined by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) with Current State License required.

- Have one year or more of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. It is highly desirable that the candidate possess certification in one or more functional specialties.

- Maintains a current CPR (BLS). Advanced Cardiac Life Support is recommended.

- Maintains current proficiency and competency standards for the outpatient service group.

- All applicants have a sound practical understanding of the daily activities associated with working in an Outpatient Respiratory Care Services Section.

- Proficient in operating all Outpatient Patient Respiratory equipment.

- Thorough assessment skills to evaluate outpatient respiratory /sleep services for appropriate needs.

- Ability to speak with providers, patients, caregivers, and family professionally.

Preferred Experience: Entering collecting /downloading data of patients results following procedures utilizing Somnoware/ ResMed Air view. Independently evaluate sleep related breathing disorders patients, titrate pressures, download data, review compliance and fit patients with appropriate interface devices to achieve the physicians' therapeutic goals. Performing arterial blood gases sampling, analysis, interpretation, and intervention. Performing pulmonary function testing which includes, calibration of equipment, performing various diagnostic tests including Spirometry, Single Breath Diffusion (DLCO), Plethysmography (VTG), MIP/MEP, supine spirometry for ALS/Neuromuscular testing. Virtual CPAP and home sleep appointments. Setting up portable and downloading home sleep results. Unboxing and preparing PAP equipment for daily distribution.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy above the full performance level of this series. The higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and must be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

Physical Requirements:

Physical Standards. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

- Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over

- Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over

- Pushing

- Reaching above shoulder

- Use of fingers/ Both hands required

- Walking/ Standing /Kneeling

- Repeated bending

- Climbing, legs only Both legs required

- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously

- Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4

- Both eyes required

- Ability to distinguish basic colors

- Hearing without aid

Working Conditions: Work is performed in all patient care areas; (in-patient and outpatient):

• In-patient areas of the James A Haley Veterans Hospital are on a 24/7 basis, with staff working within an established group (7:30am-1600pm, 15:30pm-Midnight, 11:30pm-8:00am or approved compressed work schedule). All staff will be required to work weekends and holidays on a fair and equitable basis within a group per the Master and Local agreement. `
• Out-patient areas will be covered on all and extended duty days. Management of staff in the clinics will ensure effective and efficient coverage of areas. Staff will rotate to weekends and holidays as needed after all clinic assignments are covered. HRCP will be covered on all and extended duty days (0600-1800). Management of staff in HRCP will ensure effective and efficient coverage of catchment areas. Staff will rotate On-Call for coverage while office is closed on a fair and equitable basis. All affected employees tour of duty would be adjusted for the purpose of orientation, development, and evaluation.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

RESUME REMINDER-

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE A PHOTO IN YOUR RESUME

Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

Job title Duties: be as detailed as possible

Month & year start/end dates: (e.g. June 2017 to April 2021)

Full-time or part-time status: (include hours worked per week)

Series and Grade: for all Federal positions you have held.

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy.

***We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.***

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.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  
  • Copy of a current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist through the NBRC (The National Board for Respiratory Care)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  
  
  SF-50 Reminder for Federal Employee Applicants- If your most recent SF-50 has an effective date (shown in box 4) within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the 1 full year of specialized experience in your present grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50, prior to your most recent one. The yearly Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50, issued in January, does not prove a full year of specialized experience. Monetary or time off award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted.
  
  Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
  
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  
  • Cover Letter
  • Copy of a current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist through the NBRC (The National Board for Respiratory Care)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  
  Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/09/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12525146.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  
  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Karen McKee
  
  Phone
  
  352-548-6000 X105242
  
  Email
  
  karen.mckee@va.gov
  
  Address
  
  James A Haley Veterans Hospital
  
  13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
  
  Tampa, FL 33612
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Copy of a current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
• Registered Respiratory Therapist through the NBRC (The National Board for Respiratory Care)
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

SF-50 Reminder for Federal Employee Applicants- If your most recent SF-50 has an effective date (shown in box 4) within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the 1 full year of specialized experience in your present grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50, prior to your most recent one. The yearly Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50, issued in January, does not prove a full year of specialized experience. Monetary or time off award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted.

Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:

• Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
• Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
• SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• Copy of a current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT
• Registered Respiratory Therapist through the NBRC (The National Board for Respiratory Care)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/09/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12525146.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Karen McKee

Phone

352-548-6000 X105242

Email

karen.mckee@va.gov

Address

James A Haley Veterans Hospital

13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard

Tampa, FL 33612

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request