State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Department of Veterans Affairs this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor for respiratory therapists and/or technicians engaged in administering basic types of respiratory therapy and performing routine related technical work.

Receives general direction from an employee of higher grade.

Leads respiratory therapists and/or technicians and other staff as assigned.

Plans unit work and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; establishes and maintains unit procedures; provides staff training and assistance; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; acts as liaison with operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures; administers more difficult types of therapy (i.e. mechanical artificial ventilation) and various basic types of respiratory therapy (i.e. intermittent positive pressure breathing therapy) and aerosol, sputum induction and postural drainage treatments; records treatments on patient charts; sets up, operates and monitors all ventilatory support; performs diagnostic testing for cardiopulmonary pathology including blood gas analyses and pulmonary function testing; participates in resuscitative efforts; clean, sterilizes, assembles and performs minor maintenance on therapeutic equipment; may make recommendations on policies or standards; may prepare reports and correspondence; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of equipment, procedures, techniques and terminology used in respiratory therapy and related diagnostic testing; considerable technical knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology and pathology; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to work therapeutically with patients; ability to safely and effectively administer routine respiratory therapy; some supervisory ability.

One (1) year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes.

Candidates will be required to take a physical examination to demonstrate sufficient physical strength for efficient performance of duties.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and/or adjust equipment and patients and may have some exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases, uncooperative or abusive patients and moderately disagreeable conditions.

Classified/Non-Examined

(17)-Laboratory/Scientific Services

(10)-HEALTH NONPROF(NP-6)

(3)-Technician

FK 20

This replaces the existing specification for class of Lead Respiratory Therapist in Salary Group FK 20 approved effective October 28, 2016. (Revised to modify content per 1199 contract negotiations) Final No. 22-067

05/01/2022