RRT - Respiratory Therapy - Full Time - Nights

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Functional Title: Respiratory Therapist

Job Title: Respiratory Care Prac II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Respiratory Therapy

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Shift: Regular Night

Additional Shift: Nights (Third)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Facility Location: Denton State Supported Living Center

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

The Respiratory Care Practitioner II, Respiratory Therapist, performs highly complex (senior level) respiratory therapy work tailored to the complex medical needs of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) residing at the State Supported Living Center. Oversees and coordinates the scheduling of respiratory care activities, treatments and equipment with internal and externals providers. Conducts respiratory therapy assessments, diagnostics and specimen collection as ordered by the physician and within the scope of licensure and expertise. Communicates and documents results. Performs respiratory treatments tailored to the complex medical needs of individuals with IDD, exercising independent clinical judgment in evaluating respiratory status and determining appropriate interventions within scope of practice. Consults with physicians, monitors, reports and documents patients’ response to therapy. Provides clinical leadership for respiratory therapy services and serves as the primary subject matter expert for respiratory care across the SSLC, providing education and training to various staff, individuals and Legally Authorized Representatives (LARS). Provides mentorship and technical guidance to Respiratory Care Practitioner I staff and other clinical personnel, as assigned by the supervisor. Manages and monitors respiratory therapy equipment, maintains adequate supplies, performs routine cleaning and maintenance and coordinates advanced repairs. Collaborates with others, attends Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings, makes recommendations and participates in quality assurance and improvement activities. Develops, implements, and maintains respiratory therapy policies and procedures, and ensures compliance with regulations. Participates in emergency resuscitation efforts, assists in the management of critical incidents, and assists with emergency response activities. Works under limited supervision of a physician, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May be assigned to work the night shift.

Oversees and coordinates the scheduling of respiratory care activities, treatments and equipment use for assigned residents, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy (CPT), suctioning, tracheostomy care and changes, CPAP/BiPAP therapy and ventilator. Coordinates services with durable medical equipment (DME) providers, hospice care teams, and Medicare suppliers to ensure continuity and timeliness of care, as needed.

Conducts respiratory therapy assessments. Reviews documentation, results of diagnostic testing, and current symptoms. Coordinates and performs electrocardiograms including scheduling, execution, and notification of physicians regarding results. Performs arterial puncture for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis within scope of licensure and facility protocols. Completes specimen collection tasks to ensure timely collection of specimens as ordered by the physician(s) and/or as required. Documents results in the electronic health care record and communicates orally as needed.

Implement consistent treatment protocols as directed by physician orders to improve or maintain the individual’s respiratory health risk status or respiratory level of function. Performs respiratory treatments tailored to the complex medical needs of IDD and in compliance with orders from a Physician or Nurse Practitioner. Exercises independent clinical judgment in evaluating respiratory status and determining appropriate interventions within scope of practice. Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures, including the application of oxygen and compressed air. Performs respiratory physiotherapy techniques, including postural drainage and percussion. Assists in the development and revision of respiratory treatment protocols in collaboration with physicians and advanced practice providers.

Consults with physicians, nursing staff, and other medical staff to monitor and report the individual’s condition, status, progress and responses as related to current treatment procedures. Monitors patients’ responses to therapy by reviewing vital signs and measuring and analyzing arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes. Monitors the condition of the resident prior to administering medication when indicated. Completes required documentation in the electronic health record and prepares daily clinical reports as required.

Provides clinical leadership for respiratory therapy services and serves as the primary subject matter expert for respiratory care across the SSLC. Provides mentorship and technical guidance to Respiratory Care Practitioner I staff and other clinical personnel, as assigned by the supervisor. Serves as the education and training specialist for respiratory therapy services. Conducts comprehensive training for new hires, including nurses and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), on respiratory care practices and equipment usage. Educates staff on recognizing and responding to respiratory distress. Trains licensed professions in the use of medical equipment. Provides instruction on the proper use, care, and maintenance of respiratory equipment, including oxygen tanks and concentrators, suction machines, air compressors, CPAP/BiPAP/ventilator units, and nebulizers to those authorized to operate the equipment. Performs annual competency assessments for nursing staff related to respiratory therapy procedures and equipment. Provides technical assistance in artificial ventilation and tracheostomy care and in conducting pulmonary function tests. Monitors staff performance to ensure knowledge and skill for quality-of-care purposes and to ensure that others are able to demonstrate the skill they are expected to perform.

When applicable, such as for off-campus visits and transitions, performs competency-based training for legally authorized representatives (LARs) on respiratory care practices such as abdominal breathing exercises and breathing techniques, and using cleaning equipment to prevent infections. Manages and monitors respiratory therapy equipment, including setup, adjustment, troubleshooting, and coordination of annual preventive maintenance inspections with biomedical contractors. Orders, tracks, and maintains adequate inventory of respiratory medications, oxygen, and supplies to meet resident care needs. Creates and approves purchase orders related to respiratory therapy equipment and supplies, ensuring fiscal responsibility and uninterrupted service delivery. Performs routine cleaning and basic maintenance of department equipment to prevent infection and ensure proper function. Coordinates advanced repairs and preventive maintenance with Biomedical Services.

Assists physicians, registered therapists, nursing staff and other medical professionals in the assessment and updates of respiratory conditions of individuals. Collaborates closely with physicians, nursing staff, case management, and pharmacy teams to determine appropriate respiratory care plans and treatment interventions. Attends Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings for specific individuals receiving respiratory care therapy. Acts as the primary information source for reporting respiratory condition and therapeutic progress to the IDT. Makes recommendations regarding optimal respiratory treatment schedule, required rest periods between activities, meals and treatments and any necessary respiratory exercises to assist with overall lung health.

Develops, implements, and maintains respiratory therapy policies and procedures in alignment with regulatory requirements and clinical standards. Ensures ongoing compliance with applicable state, federal, and organizational regulations governing respiratory care services.

Participates in quality assurance and improvement activities. Analyzes respiratory care outcome data to identify trends, recommend system improvements, and mitigate clinical risk. Monitors individual respiratory treatment programs and collects data to ensure consistency and efficacy of the treatment program. Monitors staff performance to ensure knowledge and skill in respiratory care for quality assurance purposes. Assists in developing and implementing in-service training programs to address deficiencies and improve quality.

Participates in emergency resuscitation efforts within scope of licensure and training. Assists in the management of critical incidents for individuals served. Assists with emergency response activities, including organizing and participating in mock codes, performing emergency resuscitations, and, when needed, assisting the safety officer or other assigned staff in maintaining AEDs and emergency carts throughout the facility.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

Knowledge of respiratory therapy principles and techniques

Knowledge of respiratory equipment maintenance and cleaning

Knowledge of respiratory physiotherapy techniques

Skill in the operation, maintenance, and repair of respiratory therapy equipment

Skill in the operation of computers and applicable computer software, including an electronic health record

Advanced skills in ventilator management, patient assessment, and operation of respiratory adjuncts and selection

Skill in developing and implementing policies and procedures

Skill in analyzing data

Ability to provide respiratory therapy care to individuals with complex medical conditions, cognitive and behavioral health issues

Ability to provide technical assistance and to both clinical and nonclinical staff and to individuals with a variety of skills and abilities

Ability to write accurate and concise clinical documents, to prepare reports, to maintain records, and to communicate effectively at all levels within the facility

Ability to participate in emergency resuscitation efforts and emergency response activities

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be certified as a respiratory care practitioner by the State of Texas Medical Board. Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT) issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care is preferred.

Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy degree is required; Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) is preferred.

Experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner is required; Experience treating people with Intellectually and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is preferred.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.