Respiratory Therapy Clinical Specialist

Overview

UnityPoint Clinic

Respiratory Therapy Clinical Specialist

Pulmonology Clinic - Waukee Med Park

Waukee, IA

Monday-Friday 7 : 30AM-4PM or 8AM-4 : 30PM

Full-time + benefits

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few :

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

The Respiratory Therapy Clinical Specialist NE provides clinical expertise, education, competency oversight, and quality improvement support for the Respiratory Therapy department. Under the direction of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and in collaboration with the Medical Director, this role develops and evaluates staff and patient education programs, performs and supervises diagnostic respiratory testing including ATS-standard pulmonary function testing (PFT), and supports high-quality patient care. The position also acts as a clinical resource for staff and providers and may assume Lead responsibilities when needed.

Education & Clinical Support

Develops, implements, and evaluates patient and staff education and competency programs.

Provides onboarding, coaching, and ongoing clinical guidance for employees.

Ensures timely completion of annual education and competency validation.

Collaborates with physicians and leadership in developing policies, protocols, and best practices.

Supports direct patient care and assists with staffing needs.

Serves as an educational resource to other departments and affiliated sites.

Diagnostic Testing & Quality Improvement

Performs and oversees pulmonary function testing and other diagnostic respiratory procedures.

Ensures accuracy, quality, and compliance with clinical standards and ATS guidelines.

Manages scheduling, workflow, and quality assurance reporting for diagnostic services.

Audits documentation, staff performance, and adherence to protocols.

Identifies improvement opportunities and leads or supports performance and quality initiatives.

Leadership & Departmental Support

Acts as a clinical expert and role model for the department.

Provides input on staff development needs and performance evaluations.

Serves as a liaison for physicians, patients, families, and interdisciplinary partners.

Assists with timekeeping accuracy, staffing adjustments, and resource utilization.

Supports initiatives related to safety, patient satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program - Required

Graduate of a CoARC-approved Respiratory Care program - Required

Work Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of clinical respiratory care experience, including three (3) years in a hospital setting - Required

Experience with diagnostic testing and education - Preferred

Licenses & Certifications

Current Respiratory Care Practitioner licensure in state(s) of practice - Required upon hire

RRT credential through NBRC - Required upon hire

Mandatory Reporter - Required within 90 days

Basic Life Support (BLS) - Required within 90 days

CPFT or RPFT certification - Preferred within 1 year

COPD / Asthma Educator certification - Preferred within 1 year

Strong communication, collaboration, leadership, and customer service skills.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and manage competing priorities.

Proficiency in problem-solving, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making.

High adaptability and professionalism with a commitment to patient-centered care.

Technical aptitude and ability to learn new systems efficiently.

Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and cultural backgrounds.