Title: Respiratory Therapist

State Role Title: W49233

Hiring Range: $33.68/HOUR

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Hiram Davis Medical Center

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/hwdmc/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

HWDMC is a 94-bed medical facility that provides acute medical diagnosis, skilled, intermediate and long term care to individuals receiving services in facilities operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, as well as individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities within the community. We have been awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-Star Rating. We are dedicated to providing outstanding treatment and improving our patient’s and resident’s health and quality of life. This commitment means that we strive to be a leader in medically complex care and to ensure our team is comprised of well-trained and patient-centered staff and providers.

Hiram W. Davis Medical Center is currently recruiting a Part-Time Respiratory Therapist to provide comprehensive acute and chronic respiratory care and vital support services to patients and residents experiencing various types of breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions, while working collaboratively as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team to systematically improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, discharge planning, patient ground transport assessment , and endure optimal respiratory function. Based on clinical expertise and evidence-based guidelines, the Respiratory Therapist conducts thorough assessments, develops personalized treatment plans. provides bedside care including, but not limited to airway clearance therapy, humidity therapy, aerosol therapy, high flow oxygen therapy, and educates patients, residents, and staff of respiratory health management. This multifaceted role encompasses critical emergency response capabilities, long-term chronic disease management protocols, and proactive preventive care measures.

Job Duties:
Respiratory Care
• Performs complex respiratory care procedures including tracheostomy tube changes, advanced airway management, bronchoscopy support, and chest tube management
• Administer breathing treatments and medications
• Monitor vital signs and oxygen levels
• Conducts comprehensive pulmonary function testing and interprets results under CMO direction
• Performs patient assessments and implements therapeutic interventions including:
o Medical gas therapy and humidity therapy
o Aerosol therapy with and without medications
o Airway clearance techniques
o Vascular catheter management
• Assists with cardiology procedures including ECG and catheterization labs
• Manages acute and chronic respiratory conditions in collaboration with the medical and nursing staff
• Assists with sleep apnea interventions
• Conducts blood gas analysis and other relevant laboratory testing
• Assists with patient transport both within and outside the hospital
• Provides disease management and discharge planning
• Engages in advanced care planning and end-of-life discussions
• Documents all respiratory care services in clinical records and Avatar system
• Collaborates with medical and nursing staff to optimize respiratory care
• Monitors and completes routine functional test of all respiratory related equipment and devices. Provides a regular report to QAPI and Medical Executive Committees.
• Oversees respiratory care and collaborates with nursing staff as needed.
• Provides respiratory care recommendations to medical staff based on assessment and evaluation.
• Offers respiratory care guidance to nursing staff based on patient evaluation.
Performs spirometry testing for patients with COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions

Minimum Qualifications

- Graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy program and experience in administering respiratory therapy treatments.
- Licensed by the state of Virginia as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
- Licensed to drive in Virginia

Essential Skills and Competencies for Respiratory Therapists:
Clinical expertise is fundamental, encompassing proficiency in tracheostomy/Tracheotomy management, respiratory care procedures, chest physiotherapy, breathing treatments, and arterial blood gas analysis and interpretation.
Patient care skills are crucial, requiring strong assessment and monitoring capabilities, quick emergency response abilities, and experience working with diverse patient populations across various care settings.
Professional requirements include maintaining current state licensure and relevant certifications (RRT, CRT), along with comprehensive knowledge of infection control protocols, safety procedures, and understanding of HIPAA regulations and healthcare compliance.
Communication and teamwork are essential, demonstrated through excellent verbal and written communication skills, effective collaboration with healthcare team members, and strong documentation abilities for patient records and care plans.
Technical proficiency rounds out the skill set, including experience with medical equipment and monitoring devices, knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems, and the ability to maintain and troubleshoot respiratory equipment

Additional Considerations

Registration by the National Board of Respiratory Therapy Inc is preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A fingerprint-based criminal history check and reference checks are required for the selected candidate for this position. Under Virginia Code §37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific “barrier” crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending “barrier” charges.

DBHDS facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated against COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits, and continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination programs to staff, residents/clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre-employment process. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS, to get their Certificate of Disability. To obtain a Certificate of Disability go to: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (804)524-7600 for assistance.

DBHDS is an equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resource Department

Phone: 804-524-7437

Email: HiramHR@dbhds.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.