Registered Respiratory Therapist

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service as a Respiratory Therapist and provide life‑saving respiratory care, patient education, and advanced cardiopulmonary services in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

• Provide respiratory therapy assessment, treatment, and monitoring services for patients across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and critical care settings.
• Administer oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, airway management, ventilator support, and other respiratory care modalities.
• Perform blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and other diagnostic procedures to evaluate respiratory status.
• Respond to respiratory emergencies and provide critical care support, including CPR, airway management, and ventilator management.
• Educate patients, families, and staff regarding respiratory treatments, equipment use, and disease management.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and infection control standards.
• Document care provided and participate in quality improvement and respiratory care program activities.

Required training for GS‑4: 2‑year accredited associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. For GS‑5: 4‑year bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. For GS‑7–GS‑8: at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (e.g., ventilator management, emergency inhalation therapy) or equivalent graduate education.

Active, unrestricted registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and a state license. Experience with complex respiratory equipment, blood gas analysis, and critical care settings.

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males.
• Must pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Completion of a federal background investigation within five calendar days of issuance.
• Compliance with IHS Employee Immunization Policy regarding vaccine‑preventable diseases.
• Physical demands: walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending during patient assessment and treatment.
• Real  if  required for identification.

On‑call hours or standby duty may be required. Probationary period may apply. This position is covered by the Federally‑insured Bargaining Unit and may require a 6‑month service agreement. Promotion potential to GS‑8 is at management’s discretion.

As a federal employee, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and paid leave.