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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

The Lead Therapist, under the direct and indirect supervision of the Operations Manager or administrative supervisor, facilitates and assists with all levels of Respiratory care provided to patients within the unit or practice location. The Lead Therapist will assist Clinical Respiratory Therapist with day-to-day problem solving and will facilitate communication between care team providers. He/She coordinates, elevates and resolves problems and conflicts as they occur. The Lead Therapist assumes shift accountability for patient flow, matching patient needs with available resources, and elevates patient safety concerns/situations as well as any other situation that is unable to be resolved during the shift. The Lead Therapist leadership role is critical to improving the quality of care provided on the individual unit/practice setting. In addition to these responsibilities, the Lead Therapist may assume all or partial staff therapist responsibilities. The Lead Therapist is the first level of administration assigned to the unit in the absence of the Respiratory Operations Manager. The Lead Therapist participates in Peer Interviewing and Peer Evaluation. The lead Therapist is included in worked hours per patient day (WHPPD) and is assigned by self to direct patient care assignment as unit need indicates. The Lead Therapist assists in the advancement of the professional practice environment by communicating the NGHS strategic direction and focusing on activities that support the strategic direction. Provides Respiratory involvement support for VOICE and the NDNQI quality teams including supporting team members in their professional participation. Assists with overall clinical governance and other projects as assigned. 

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in the state of Georgia.

• Educational Requirements: Associates Degree

• Minimum Experience: Five (5) years of acute care or greater experience as an RRT in a hospital acute care setting

• Other: Therapist should have Respiratory Therapy training through an accredited school and successful completion of examination

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Bachelors Degree

• Preferred Experience: One (1) year of supervisor/specialty experience

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Meets all certification requirements defined by unit (i.e., BLS, NRP, PALS)

• Demonstrates strong clinical expertise and judgement

• Demonstrated leadership/Management skills and abilities

• Strong Computer skills (computer systems defined by unit)

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Leadership Responsibilities: Understands/recognizes individual strengths and weaknesses and is willing to seek out other experts on their team when necessary. Accepts responsibility for achieving objectives through individual work activities and the outputs of the care team. Coordinates activities of patient care team on the unit. Functions as part of the leadership team directly accountable to the Operations Manager. Stays focused on the patient care, remains informed about the status of all patients. Collaborates with other health care disciplines/departments to maintain communication and provide optimal level of patient care. Provides guidance to staff members and provides feedback to the Operations Manager and/or Respiratory supervisor on staff performance. Oversees completion of unit specific administrative tasks (e.g., PI audits, code carts, bed meetings). Serves as a role model to other employees and consistently demonstrates skills and characteristics the organization values.

• Clinical/Technical- represents responsibilities of lead Therapist directly related to patient care or the technical aspects required to work on that unit. Assesses patient acuity. Assists with plans for changes in staffing or an influx of admissions or disleads. Assists staff in completing their work. Functions as a clinical resource (knowledge of key equipment and patient care deliverables for that assigned patient population(s).

• Critical Thinking competencies-represents responsibilities of the lead Therapist to demonstrate effective decision-making and problem-solving involving both clinical and operational issues on their unit. Anticipates patient needs, staffing requirements, assess/evaluate care delivered and adjusts to clinical and operational information. Handles stress and manages crisis situations efficiently and effectively. When crisis occurs, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the care team and demonstrates the ability to make or adjust assignments. Uses critical thinking to troubleshoot and think ahead. Analyzes errors, takes accountability, and finds ways to help the staff improve performance through process improvement initiatives.

• Organizational competencies-represents responsibilities of lead Nurse to understand and operate in the organizational environment as well as in the larger organization. Triages, coordinate multiple tasks, and manages unit with multiple interruptions. Prioritizes workload and directs unit activities in organized manner. Prioritizes workload and directs unit activities in organized manner. Proactively anticipates needs and makes adjustments to accommodate needs. Uses resources effectively. Is able to see the big picture and make correct decisions based on this understanding. Maintains appropriate and timely communication with the administrative supervisors.

• Human Relations competencies- represent responsibilities of the lead Therapist to interact effectively with other personnel to accomplish requirements of patient care as well as complete assigned administrative activities. Maintains accessibility/visibility on the unit- rounding with staff, Managers, or physicians if necessary. Has Influence over the atmosphere of unit in positive manner. Demonstrates respect with all levels of patient care team. Treats patients with care and respect. Draws on the strengths of each staff member to foster teamwork and administrates effective patient care. Performs other duties as assigned.

Area/Unit Specific Essential Tasks and Responsibilities-Shift Lead Responsibilities 

• Lead Duties: Responsible for maintaining and directing shift duties on a day-to-day basis. Works with shift personnel to facilitate departmental harmony. Participates in required shift meeting/huddles. Ensures that all paperwork is completed at shift end. Assists department Operations Manager/Director with work schedules, disciplinary actions, and assigned projects.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Constantly 66-100% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65%

• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals. 

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.