Clinical Service Leader - Respiratory Therapy - Adults

Position Overview

Under the general direction of the Manager (or Designate), the incumbent is responsible for:

• Overseeing the daily clinical service delivery and environmental/operational issues in the designated service area to ensure optimum client care in a safe therapeutic environment.
• Providing guidance to respiratory therapists and support staff within the designated service area through clinical leadership, mentoring, supervision, education, evaluation, and research.
• Contributing to the delivery of quality respiratory therapy services by examining, developing, refining and evaluating the body of knowledge and clinical practices and assisting in program planning and development.
• Assisting in performance appraisals and recruitment, as well as coordinating clinical work schedules, caseloads and service rotations.
• Maintaining a partial clinical caseload within the established standards of care.

Experience

• Minimum of five years' recent, relevant Respiratory Therapy experience is required.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Entry-to-practice academic credential in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited Canadian program or a MARRT approved equivalent if internationally educated is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or another field of study with a relevant major is preferred.
• Training in fiscal and human resource management preferred.
• Knowledge of integrated hospital information systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of computers required.
• Complete certification as a Certified Respiratory Educator required. If the successful applicant does not have the Certified Respiratory Educator certification, a commitment to enroll and successfully complete this certification within two (2) years from date of hire as a condition of employment, is required.
• Certification as an instructor in at least one of: Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Trauma Life Support or Certification as an Asthma and/or COPD Educator preferred.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Current registration with the MARRT is required.
• Current registration/membership in the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) is required or an equivalent professional organization, as determined by the employer, for therapists not eligible for CSRT registration.
• Current certification in basic CPR required. Certification as a BCLS instructor is preferred.

Qualifications and Skills

• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Indigenous language and/or knowledge in Indigenous customs, traditions and values.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to initiate and support change.
• General knowledge of the regulations and scope of practice documents that guide the practice of respiratory therapy and relevant support workers.
• Ability to critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge to practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and role-modelling skills.
• Good organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to function creatively and with minimal direction.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice.
• Working knowledge of research/program evaluation methodology.
• Ability to function within a computerized environment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time without resting.
• Must demonstrate the use of safe and effective body mechanics while working with clients.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity are required.
• Ability to stand and walk and perform manual ventilation with one or both hands for prolonged periods.
• Ability to run to emergencies.
• Ability to lift heavy medical equipment including measuring devices, monitors, D and E size gas cylinders and other equipment (weighing up to 15 pounds/6.8 kg).
• Ability to push wheeled medical equipment.
• Ability to move H and M size gas cylinders (weighing 66 to 100 pounds/30 to 45.5 kg).
• Ability to assist with the positioning of clients.
• May be required to occasionally work extended hours.
• May be required to work a variety of shifts including weekends.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, blood and body fluids, radiation, toxic materials, noise, allergens, physical and emotional stress, etc.
• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated clients/staff/visitors.