What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESPIRATORY THERAPIST position at State of Arkansas?
Position Number: 22100776
County: Saline
Posting End Date: 01/05/2026
May be required to work flexible hours, ventilator/trach experience, good communication skills, strong assessment skills.
This is an extra help position.
DAABH
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.
Position Information
Job Series: Licensed Medical Professionals
Classification: Respiratory Therapist – Competitive
Class Code: MLM06C
Pay Grade: MED04
Salary Range: $67,183 - $99,431
Job Summary
The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with breathing disorders and conditions. Working under the supervision of physicians, the Respiratory Therapist provides therapeutic interventions to patients suffering from pulmonary diseases, respiratory distress, and other medical conditions that affect lung function. This position requires the use of specialized equipment, strong critical thinking skills, and the ability to assess and manage respiratory needs in both emergency and routine settings. The Respiratory Therapist ensures that patients receive optimal respiratory care while promoting safety and adherence to established protocols.
Primary Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments, including obtaining medical history, performing physical examinations, and reviewing diagnostic tests to determine the patient’s respiratory condition. Administer respiratory therapies, such as oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, mechanical ventilation support, chest physiotherapy, and other interventions as prescribed. Assist with intubation and extubation procedures as needed, following established protocols. Continuously monitor patients receiving respiratory treatments for changes in their condition, making adjustments to the therapy or treatment plan as needed. Respond to emergency situations, including code blue or respiratory distress calls, to provide immediate respiratory support. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Knowledge And Skills
Strong proficiency in administering respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, ventilation support, nebulization, and pulmonary function testing. Skilled in the operation and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, CPAP/BiPAP machines, and other respiratory support devices. Ability to assess and monitor patients’ respiratory status, interpreting clinical data to guide appropriate interventions and treatments.
Minimum Qualifications
An associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related field.
Licensure/Certifications
Must hold a valid Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, as required by the state of Arkansas. Current certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required. Additional specialized certifications, such as Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care (NPS), Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), or similar credentials, may be preferred. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
County: Saline
Posting End Date: 01/05/2026
May be required to work flexible hours, ventilator/trach experience, good communication skills, strong assessment skills.
This is an extra help position.
DAABH
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.
Position Information
Job Series: Licensed Medical Professionals
Classification: Respiratory Therapist – Competitive
Class Code: MLM06C
Pay Grade: MED04
Salary Range: $67,183 - $99,431
Job Summary
The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with breathing disorders and conditions. Working under the supervision of physicians, the Respiratory Therapist provides therapeutic interventions to patients suffering from pulmonary diseases, respiratory distress, and other medical conditions that affect lung function. This position requires the use of specialized equipment, strong critical thinking skills, and the ability to assess and manage respiratory needs in both emergency and routine settings. The Respiratory Therapist ensures that patients receive optimal respiratory care while promoting safety and adherence to established protocols.
Primary Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments, including obtaining medical history, performing physical examinations, and reviewing diagnostic tests to determine the patient’s respiratory condition. Administer respiratory therapies, such as oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, mechanical ventilation support, chest physiotherapy, and other interventions as prescribed. Assist with intubation and extubation procedures as needed, following established protocols. Continuously monitor patients receiving respiratory treatments for changes in their condition, making adjustments to the therapy or treatment plan as needed. Respond to emergency situations, including code blue or respiratory distress calls, to provide immediate respiratory support. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Knowledge And Skills
Strong proficiency in administering respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, ventilation support, nebulization, and pulmonary function testing. Skilled in the operation and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, CPAP/BiPAP machines, and other respiratory support devices. Ability to assess and monitor patients’ respiratory status, interpreting clinical data to guide appropriate interventions and treatments.
Minimum Qualifications
An associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related field.
Licensure/Certifications
Must hold a valid Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, as required by the state of Arkansas. Current certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required. Additional specialized certifications, such as Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care (NPS), Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), or similar credentials, may be preferred. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $67,183 - $99,431