Respiratory Therapist III (Temporary w/o Benefits); REC NO: KCH 23-108

DATE POSTED: 01/13/2023

JOB TITLE: Respiratory Therapist III (Temporary w/o Benefits)

RECRUITMENT NO: KCH 23-108

JOB LOCATION: KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL – Respiratory Therapy

SALARY RANGE: $31.69/hour (SR20, BU13) +$4.65 Shortage Differential

JOB DUTIES: The Respiratory Therapist III works in the respiratory therapy unit and exercises considerable independent clinical judgment in applying scientific knowledge and theory to practical respiratory care problems in accordance with physicians’ orders. The position is responsible for independently administering respiratory tests and treatment to patients with respiratory diseases and disorders including cases involving critically ill, pediatric, and neonatal patients.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed by children (birth -17 years), adult (18-65 years), and geriatric (65 years plus) patient groups.  The position may be required to work on shifts, including evenings, and weekends and holidays.

MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK SHIFTS AS NECESSARY BASED ON HOSPITAL OPERATIONS; SERVICES ARE PROVIDED 24/7.

THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE: Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Please note that unless specifically indicated; the required education and experiences may not be gained concurrently. In addition, qualifying work experiences are based on a 40-hour work week.

EDUCATION:

• Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy form a school of respiratory therapy approved at the time of graduation by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Substitutions allowed: An associate degree in respiratory therapy from a program approved at the time of graduation by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, (CoARC), or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and two (2) years of professional experience as a Respiratory Therapist under medical supervision may substitute for a baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy.

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of professional experience as a Respiratory Therapist under medical supervision. The experience must have equipped the applicant with a full professional understanding of the evaluation, testing, and treatment of respiratory therapy problems and the ability to develop and modify individual patient care plans.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is required within six (6) months of employment.

LICENSURE: 

• A valid license with the State of Hawaii as a Respiratory Therapist at the time of appointment.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of respiratory therapy; respiratory therapy treatment procedures; operation of respiratory therapy equipment; monitoring patients; charting observations, evaluation and testing procedures, treatment techniques including use and modifications of appropriate therapy equipment, performing or participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and methods of instructing patients and/or family members.  Ability to independently apply the principles, methods and techniques of respiratory therapy; select and use evaluating and diagnostic procedures effectively; prepare treatment plans; deal effectively with patients and other individuals; operate standard respiratory therapy equipment and make minor adjustments and repairs; keep records and prepare reports and instruct patients and others in the application of respiratory therapy procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be physically able to perform, efficiently and effectively, the essential duties of the position which typically require the ability to read without strain printed material the size of typewritten characters, glasses permitted, and the ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, or the ability to compensate satisfactorily. Must be able to bend, kneel, carry, lift, push/pull, reach, sit, and stand adequately throughout the day and ambulate from unit to unit freely. Ability to work different shifts and may work longer than eight

(8) Hours a day. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Forms & Documentation: Evidence of the appropriate training (e.g., official transcript or degree) to be given credit for education and/or experience. A legible photocopy will be accepted; however, Kona Community Hospital reserves the right to request an official copy.

All West Hawaii Health Care Facilities are Nicotine Free

An Equal Opportunity Employer

ALL JOB VACANCIES WILL BE POSTED FOR A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) CALENDAR DAYS

For an application packet, click on the links below. For additional information, call (808) 322-4458 or e-mail Recruiting/Employment.

• Application Form (PDF) 
• Drug Screen Authorization Form (PDF)
• Licensure information
• Request for Administrative Review (PDF)

Applications are also available at:

Kona Community Hospital Human Resources Office 79-1019 Haukapila Street Kealakekua, HI 96750 Phn:  (808) 322-4458 Fax:  (808) 322-5870

Kohala Hospital Human Resources Office P. O. Box 10 Kapaau, HI 96755 Phn:  (808) 322-4458 Fax:  (808) 322-5870

Kona Community Hospital is a 94-bed full-service acute care hospital with 24-hour emergency services, proudly serving the West Hawaii community. For nearly 100 years we have been caring for the people of West Hawaii. Adding more and more services, we have constantly improved our abilities to serve our residents and visitors whenever they are in need. We are your friends and neighbors, here to help through trying times and happy moments, through crisis and celebrations. As your community hospital, you can count on us. We take pride that every patient that comes through our door is treated like “ohana.”

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES MAY CONTACT THE RECRUITMENT OFFICER AT (808) 733-4162, (TTD/TTY), or E-mail: konajobs@hhsc.org TO DISCUSS SPECIAL NEEDS IN APPLYING.

Application hours are: Monday to Friday (except holidays) 8:00 – 10:00 am and 1:00- 3:00 pm at which time applicants are able to complete an application and have their application reviewed by the facility Human Resources Office.  Only applicants that have been through a Human Resources (HR) applicant screening process will be considered for an interview with a hiring manager.  Applications for announcements with a deadline date must be on file no later than the last day to file applications.  Applications for announcements with “Continuous Recruitment until Needs are Met” will be accepted as long as there are vacancies.  Inactive/filled announcements will be taken off the HHSC website.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE: Possession of the required amount of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. Overall paid or unpaid experience must have been of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of this position. Provide a detailed description of your duties and responsibilities. If you worked on a part-time basis, indicate the average number of hours worked per week. Please note that experience will be based on a 40-hour workweek.

Note: We will not postpone the recruitment process because of your failure to provide accurate and complete information concerning your qualifications.

MERIT OR CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM: Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements, including education, experience, other public employment requirements for State Civil Service employment, and HHSC Standards of Fitness. Only those applicants that are scheduled for an interview with the hiring manager will be contacted. Applications will be kept active for six (6) months.

CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. and at the time of appointment intend to reside in the State of Hawaii during the course of employment with the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE: If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214 and/or other substantiating documents specifying the periods of your service.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be able to physically and mentally perform efficiently the duties of the position. Qualified applicants with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the advertised position are encouraged to apply. The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is committed to making reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Applicants seeking reasonable accommodation should be ready to discuss the accommodation sought so that a determination can be made that such accommodation is reasonable and would not cause the employer undue hardship.

MEDICAL/PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT: Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment physical examination, which includes drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, two-step tuberculosis (TB) screen.  The cost for physical examinations, except the cost for drug screening, shall be borne by the applicant and not the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:  COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment for Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.  After receiving a conditional offer of employment, all prospective new HHSC employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  New employees are required to provide confirmation

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT: Offers of employment will be conditioned on the results of a complete physical examination, which includes a drug screening. For certain job categories, applicants may be referred to an HHSC-designated physician, rather than the applicant’s personal physician of choice. The cost for all physical examinations, except the cost for the drug screening, shall be borne by the applicant and not the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation shall bear the cost of the drug screening.

CRIMINAL/BACKGROUND, CREDENTIALING CHECKS: Applicable checks will be conducted periodically and any associated costs may be borne by the applicant. If a job offer is made or employment is begun prior to completion of all applicable checks, any offer of employment or continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory return of all required checks.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications are available at the Kona Community Hospital, Human Resources Office, 79-1019 Haukapila Street, Kealakekua, HI 96750 or Kohala Hospital, P. O. Box 10, Kapaau, HI 96755. You can call (808) 733-4162, (Voice/TT), e-mail: konajobs@hhsc.org or visit our website at www.hhsc.org. Application hours are: Monday to Friday (except holidays) 8:00 – 10:00 am to 1:00 – 3:00 pm at which time applicants are able to complete an application and have their application reviewed by the facility Human Resources Office. Only applicants that have been through a Human Resources (HR) applicant screening process will be considered for an interview with a hiring manager. Applications for announcements with a deadline date must be on file no later than the last day to file applications. Applications for announcements with “Continuous Recruitment Until Needs are Met” will be accepted as long as there are vacancies. Inactive/filled announcements will be taken off the HHSC website.

 STEPS TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW, SUBSEQUENT APPEALS: If you do not agree with a decision made by the Employment Office as to your non-qualification or non-selection for a position, you may complete a Request for Administrative Review form (available on the HHSC website) or you may submit a written request within twenty (20) days from the date of your sent notice to the Regional Chief Executive Officer/Designee. Your letter requesting the Administrative Review must include 1. The job title(s) and recruitment number(s), 2. the specific reason(s) you are requesting the review noting if there is a statute or rule violation, and 3. any additional information you want to submit to substantiate your request. If you do not submit your request within the twenty (20) days deadline, no Administrative Review will be conducted. Since the Administrative Review is a prerequisite to subsequent steps, failure to utilize this process will make you ineligible for subsequent appeals. The administrative review, formal complaint and/or appeals hearing will not necessarily postpone the recruitment process and/or rescind a selection.

If you do not agree with the Administrative Review, you may file a Formal Complaint and then, if you are still not satisfied, you can appeal to the HHSC Merit Appeals Board.