Respiratory Services - Clinical Specialist

Position Summary:

Under the leadership of the Respiratory Director and Respiratory Care Manager, the Clinical Specialist is responsible for overseeing the daily clinical practice and competency of Respiratory Therapists, Respiratory Care Assistants, students, and interns within Respiratory Care Services. This role includes continuous monitoring and evaluation of respiratory care practices in collaboration with departmental leadership and the medical team. A key responsibility is ensuring that staff receive the necessary education, resources, and guidance to deliver high-quality care using diverse therapeutic modalities.

The Clinical Specialist manages new employee orientation, coordinates in-service sessions and departmental training, and supports interdisciplinary education as needed. Serving as the clinical expert in respiratory therapy, the incumbent provides guidance to respiratory staff, leadership teams, and ancillary departments. Additional duties include developing, maintaining, and updating respiratory-related protocols, policies, and educational materials, as well as assessing and prioritizing ongoing learning needs within the department.

The position is responsible for the development, interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of hospital-wide and departmental policies and procedures, ensuring full compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and accrediting standards governing pharmacy operations, including but not limited to FDA, CMS, National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), Department of Health, and The Joint Commission requirements. In support of continuous quality improvement, the incumbent identifies and coordinates quality control measures and quality assurance initiatives within assigned areas. This includes the analysis of performance data to guide process improvement efforts, and targeted training activities to enhance safety, compliance, and operational excellence. This position requires exemplary professional communication skills and effective presentation abilities, as the Clinical Specialist acts as a role model for staff.

The role reports directly to the Director of Respiratory Care Services and operates with considerable independence, exercising sound judgment and initiative in carrying out responsibilities.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree - Respiratory Care, Business, Education, Science or other related field. (Required)
• Master's Degree - Preferred

Minimum Required Work Experience

At least seven years of progressively more responsible job related experience in clinical leadership roles in Respiratory Care, such as Department Educator, Supervisor, Clinical Advisor, or Shift Coordinator. Candidate's experience should include Critical Care in a Pediatric environment. (Required)

Required Licenses:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Licensed by the District of Columbia (DOH) Health Regulation and Licensing Administration.

Certifications:

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) - Required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - Required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - Required
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - Required within 180 days
• STABLE Certification - Required within 180 days
• Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (NPS) - Required within 180 days

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of contemporary principles, methodologies, and procedures related to medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment within the designated specialty area.
• Exhibits the ability to effectively supervise, advise, and provide training to clinical professionals and/or students within the area of expertise.
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and effectiveness in all interactions.
• Applies strong analytical and problem-solving skills to support sound clinical and operational decision-making.
• Consistently exercises sound judgment in the management of sensitive and confidential information and in navigating complex or delicate situations.

Functional Accountabilities

Leadership

• Demonstrates advanced consultation skills as an active member of the interdisciplinary care team and serves as a role model in effective conflict management and resolution.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary partners in the planning, execution, and evaluation of system level initiatives; participates in and facilitates multidisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
• Works in partnership with Respiratory Care Services leadership to provide consultation to healthcare providers regarding patient care policies, ensuring alignment with best practices and organizational standards.
• Presents and contributes to continuing education programs for Respiratory Therapists, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, as requested, to support ongoing clinical development and excellence. Education
• Assess the educational needs of Respiratory Care Services and establish priorities accordingly.
• Develop, implement, and facilitate the annual competency program for Respiratory Care Services to ensure ongoing clinical proficiency. * Oversee the orientation program for new staff by monitoring its effectiveness, conducting evaluations, and making revisions as necessary to maintain alignment with departmental standards.
• Coordinate in service education and training sessions, including those provided by external vendors, to support competency maintenance and the introduction of new clinical modalities.
• Create and disseminate educational resources-including memos, presentations, job aids, and other instructional materials-to support staff learning and professional development.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of educational initiatives and implement improvements in collaboration with the Respiratory Care Services Manager and Director.

  Staff Support

• Serve as a clinical expert in Respiratory Care, offering guidance and support to clinicians, patients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary care team.
• Deliver constructive, timely verbal and written feedback to staff during new hire orientation and cross-training activities to support competency development.
• Respond to requests from ancillary departments for respiratory care assistance and address inquiries related to routine clinical practices and procedures.
• Support Operational Leadership in daily shift operations, including emergency response, coordination of internal patient transports, resolution of bedside care concerns, development of shift assignments, and other operational priorities as required.
• Assist in the delivery of frontline respiratory care to patients, ensuring high quality, safe, and timely clinical support. Professional Practice
• Participate actively in Shared Leadership initiatives, contributing to collaborative decision-making and the advancement of departmental goals.
• Ensure that respiratory care practices are grounded in evidence-based standards and consistently reflect current best practices.
• Engage in continuous quality and performance improvement processes within Respiratory Care Services to enhance clinical outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Promote the advancement of the respiratory care profession through active involvement in relevant professional organizations, including the American Association for Respiratory Care.

• Coordinate clinical rotation schedules in partnership with academic institutions, ensuring that learning experiences support both educational and departmental objectives.

Safety

• Continuously validate and verify all information required to support safe, accurate, and well-informed decision making.
• Actively promote a safe environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff by adhering to established safety practices and fostering a culture of vigilance.

• Recognize, address, and report safety concerns or potential hazards in the workplace in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Communication

• Act as a role model for others by communicating responsively and respectfully with patients, families, and members of the health care team.
• Provide constructive, sensitive, and timely feedback to others concerning their performance in verbal and written forms.
• Share pertinent Respiratory updates with staff, department leadership, and applicable care providers on other units.