Respiratory Care Practitioner I-IV & Respiratory Therapist Per Diem Pool I-IV

Job Description:

Respiratory Care Practitioner I-IV & Respiratory Therapist Per Diem Pool I-IV

Description

Description

THE POSITION: The Ventura County Health Care Agency is seeking dedicated Respiratory Care Practitioners to join the Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital. Opportunities are available at the Respiratory Care Practitioner I (Trainee), II, III, and IV levels and Respiratory Therapist Per Diem Pool (PDP) I, II, III IV levels. This flexibly staffed series provides a structured career path for respiratory care professionals seeking to advance from foundational clinical practice to highly specialized neonatal and pediatric critical care.
Respiratory Care Practitioners/Respiratory Therapist PDPs provide respiratory therapy services to neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients in a variety of clinical settings, including the Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Depending on assignment and level, incumbents perform respiratory assessments, administer therapeutic treatments and medications, manage advanced airway and ventilatory support, educate patients and families, collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and respond to emergency situations requiring advanced life support.

The level at which an individual is appointed is based on qualifications, experience, demonstrated competencies, and the operational needs of the Health Care Agency.
CAREER PROGRESSION:
Respiratory Care Practitioner I (Trainee): This is the training-level classification in the series involving a twelve-week structured training program under immediate supervision. After the initial training period, incumbents transition to close supervision while continuing to develop clinical competencies through on-the-job instruction. Employees are expected to progress toward full competency and advancement to the Respiratory Care Practitioner II level upon successful completion of the training period.

Respiratory Care Practitioner II: This is the entry-level classification within the series. Incumbents independently perform standard respiratory therapy procedures in adult critical care, emergency, and pediatric settings while continuing to develop advanced clinical skills. Employees may receive specialized training within the NICU or PICU in preparation for advancement to the journey level.

Respiratory Care Practitioner III: This is the journey-level classification within the series. Incumbents independently perform advanced respiratory care procedures within either the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), coordinate staff assignments during assigned shifts, assist with complex clinical cases, and receive specialized training in advanced airway management procedures.

Respiratory Care Practitioner IV: This is the advanced journey-level classification within the series. Incumbents are qualified to independently provide advanced respiratory care within both the NICU and PICU and may transition between specialty units during a shift based upon operational needs. Employees at this level demonstrate advanced clinical expertise, provide guidance to staff, and manage the most complex respiratory care cases across specialty populations.

PAYROLL TITLE AND APPROXIMATE SALARY:
Respiratory Care Practitioner I: $31.57 Hourly
Respiratory Care Practitioner II: $34.01 - $47.61 Hourly
Respiratory Care Practitioner III: $36.56 - $51.18 Hourly
Respiratory Care Practitioner IV: $39.32 - $55.04 hourly

Respiratory Therapist - PDP I: $36.55 Hourly
Respiratory Therapist - PDP II: $40.20 Hourly
Respiratory Therapist - PDP III: $43.86 Hourly
Respiratory Therapist - PDP IV: $47.48 Hourly

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

DEPARTMENT/AGENCY: Health Care Agency - Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and may require travel to Santa Paula Hospital

Respiratory Care Practitioner I-IV and Respiratory Therapist - PDP I-IV are represented by the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Per Diem Pool, Intermittent, and Extra-Help vacancies within the Health Care Agency.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
OPENING DATE: July 6, 2026
CLOSING DATE: July 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Examples Of Duties

Examples Of Duties - Regular Positions
Respiratory Care Practitioner I-II:
Incumbents perform a variety of respiratory therapy duties, including, but not limited to:

• Performs general respiratory therapy and procedures in Adult ICU including but not limited to medical gas, humidity, aerosol, bronchial hygiene, airway management, and mechanical ventilation therapies in accordance with departmental protocols and procedures.
• Assesses, plans, and provides individualized patient care by gathering information through direct contact, chart reviews, and other sources, and communicates findings to the healthcare team.
• Administers Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) (II only) in emergency situations, ensuring optimal patient care and adherence to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.
• Administers respiratory medications and treatments including oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, and various respiratory care equipment, ensuring proper dosage and application based on patient needs and physician orders.
• Performs oxygen and equipment rounds, troubleshoots and maintains equipment, and ensures proper preparation, cleaning, sterilization, and repair as required.
• Performs pulmonary function studies and arterial punctures, analyzes the data, and evaluates results to inform patient care decisions.
• Attends in-service educational classes.
• Advises physicians, medical supervisors, and medical staff regarding clinical problems or patients requiring further evaluation.
• Documents and maintains respiratory care procedures in patient medical records.
• Provides patient and family education, including instruction on the operation of respiratory equipment and understanding of therapy procedures.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and adherence to management and respiratory therapy rules, regulations, policies, and procedures commonly implemented in healthcare facilities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

In addition to the above duties, Respiratory Care Practitioner II:

• May participate in and receive training on more complex procedures in the NICU or PICU which provides the experience necessary for advancement to Level III.

In addition to the above duties, Respiratory Care Practitioner III:

• Receives structured training and supervised practice to learn and perform high-acuity intubation and airway management procedures for infants, children, and adults.
• Performs specialized respiratory care duties independently within the NICU or PICU, demonstrating advanced training and proficiency in critical care practices.
• Coordinates and monitors staff assignments during assigned shifts to ensure efficient workflow, continuity of care, and adherence to established protocols.
• Assists staff with complex treatment modalities and difficult clinical cases, exercising clinical judgment and providing guidance as appropriate.
• Assists staff during all high-risk deliveries and C-sections (NICU).
• Assists in C-sections with zero risk factors (PICU).

In addition to the above duties, Respiratory Care Practitioner IV:

• Independently performs advanced respiratory care duties within both the NICU and PICU, demonstrating specialized expertise and proficiency, including high-acuity intubation and airway management procedures for infants, children, and adults.
• Assists staff with the most complex treatment modalities and difficult clinical cases, exercising clinical judgment and providing guidance as appropriate.

Examples Of Duties - Per Diem Pool Positions:
Respiratory Therapist - PDP I-IV:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Under physician orders, performs the full scope of respiratory care procedures, such as interviewing patients, performing limited physical examinations, and conducting diagnostic tests;
• Responds to all patient care-related codes that are called out on the overhead paging system;
• Provides instruction to patients and families in the operation of respiratory equipment and procedures to gain cooperation, allay fears, and maximize effectiveness;
• Maintains patient records, billing documentation, and/or test documentation;
• Assesses patients forappropriate treatment, monitors patients, and reassesses patients to evaluate treatment and any needed adjustments, communicating any recommendations to physicians;
• Administers treatments and medications involving oxygen, oxygen mixtures, aerosol medications, and various respiratory care equipment;
• Trains non-respiratory care hospital staff in procedures relating to respiratory therapy that are shared responsibilities or for cross-discipline training as needed;
• Performs preventive maintenance of equipment, including mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and aerosol generators; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION (REGULAR AND PDP POSITIONS, ALL LEVELS): Possession of current Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the State of California Board of Respiratory Care (the license number must be included in the application).
EXPERIENCE - REGULAR POSITIONS:
Respiratory Care Practitioner I:
No experience required

Respiratory Care Practitioner II:
Successful completion of one (1) year as a Respiratory Care Practitioner I (Trainee) for the Ventura County Medical Center OR One (1) year of responsible experience providing general respiratory care in a critical care hospital setting.

Respiratory Care Practitioner III:
Two (2) years of experience providing general respiratory care in a critical care setting within an acute care hospital, including demonstrated proficiency in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) and one (1) year experience in either a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) OR
Two (2) years of experience providing respiratory care in a critical care setting within an acute care hospital exclusively in a NICU or PICU, including demonstrated proficiency in advanced neonatal or pediatric ventilatory management.

Respiratory Care Practitioner IV:
Three (3) years of combined NICU and PICU respiratory care experience, including at least one (1) year in each unit. Must be able to work in both units during a shift and provide adult care as needed. Experience includes independently performing advanced respiratory care, including high-acuity intubation and airway management for infants, children, and adults OR
Five (5) years of respiratory care experience within an acute care hospital, including two (2) years in the NICU or two (2) years in the PICU. Candidates must be willing to complete one (1) year of cross-training in the alternative unit (NICU or PICU). Upon successful completion of training, incumbents must be able to work in both units during a shift and provide adult care as needed. Experience includes independently performing advanced respiratory care, including high-acuity intubation and airway management for infants, children, and adults.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - REGULAR POSITIONS:
All Levels: Must have a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which includes CPR training by date of hire.
Respiratory Care Practitioner I-IV

Must possess and maintain valid certifications (Levels II-IV), or obtain within (1) year of employment (Level I):

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Respiratory Care Practitioner III-IV

• Must be willing and able to coordinate staff assignments during the assigned shift to ensure efficient operations and adherence to protocols.

EXPERIENCE - PDP POSITIONS:
Respiratory Therapist PDP I:
No experience is required.

Respiratory Therapist PDP II:
One (1) year of critical care experience.

Respiratory Therapist PDP III:
Two (2) years of critical care experience.

Respiratory Therapist PDP IV:
Three (3) years of critical care experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - PDP POSITIONS:
All Levels:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate by date of hire.
• Must possess (or obtain within six (6) months of employment) and maintain a valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certificate.
• Must possess (or obtain within six (6) months of employment) and maintain a valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate.
• Must be willing to work various shifts and/or weekends.
• May be required to rotate between Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital.

Desired (all PDP levels):

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• The operating principles, methods and techniques, care and maintenance of the most commonly used types of respirators and respiratory therapy equipment including medical gas, humidity, aerosol therapy, bronchial hygiene, airway management, and mechanical ventilation therapies;
• Etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and associated comorbidities;
• Theory, practices, and procedures of respiratory care and therapy;
• Management and respiratory therapy rules, regulations, policies, and procedures commonly found in health care facilities;
• Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) (Levels II-IV) according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines;
• Departmental protocols and procedures for the safe and effective administration of medications;
• Policies and practices for recording and maintaining patient care information accurately and securely;
• Techniques for performing, analyzing, and assessing bedside pulmonary function studies and arterial punctures.

Skill in:

• Providing respiratory care services and performing diagnostic procedures;
• Making independent clinical judgments;
• Working under pressure while applying life-saving measures;
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting respiratory therapy equipment;
• Assessing and administering respiratory medications;
• Handling defective respiratory equipment appropriately.

Ability to (all levels):

• Administer skilled respiratory therapy treatments;
• Set up, assemble, and adjust respiratory therapy equipment;
• Develop an understanding of hospital routines;
• Work effectively with medical staff;
• Communicate with patients;
• Interact tactfully with patients and physicians;
• Work under pressure;
• Maintain quality control programs;
• Follow written and oral directions.

Ability to (Respiratory Care Practitioner Level III and IV only):

• Exercise clinical judgment in modifying treatment approaches within the NICU or PICU;
• Learn and perform high-acuity intubation and airway management;
• Work independently within specialty units;
• Educate and train medical staff;
• Coordinate staff assignments.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Y our application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 10, 2026.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at hr.venturacounty.gov. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 677-5184 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources - Health Care Agency, 646 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA 93003.
Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - Qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - Qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to the written examination.

Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, and driving record may be required for this position.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Erin Niemi at [email protected] or by telephone at (805) 654-2568.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ,UPT, UWS

Closing Date/Time: 7/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$65,660.40 - $114,485.90 Annually