**Purpose:** Directs all operational activities related to Respiratory Care Services for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Plans and evaluates the operations of the department consistent with the strategic plans and objectives of the hospital. Develops and oversees respiratory care student education. **Responsibilities:** + Ensure that the department is in compliance with the standards and regulations established by national and state organizations, including those required by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). + Manage personnel functions including interviewing, selection of new personnel, performance review, competency validation, promotion, disciplinary actions as well as staff professional development and continuing education. + Plan, allocate and authorize budgeted funds for clinical and program needs. + Develop and maintain effective communication and cooperation with the Medical Director and Medical Staff as well as Nursing and Ancillary Services. + Operate within defined fiscal parameters relative to patient volume and acuity. + Maintain high quality of patient care through utilization of quality assurance monitors, state of the art equipment, development and revision of policies and procedures, and elimination of ineffective modalities of care. + Engage staff in the development and support of a department philosophy and goals consistent with UPMC. + Effectively communicate the mission and philosophy of UPMC and clinical administration. Convey a positive approach in communicating management decisions. + Analyze and control the financial performance of the department to ensure optimal efficiency and resource utilization within an established budget. + Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required + AMA-approved BS degree in Respiratory Therapy or BS in related or relevant field of study 5 years of clinical respiratory care experience including experience in a management/leadership role required + Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required + Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required + Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required + Respiratory therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC guidelines **Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:** CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire + Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) + Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) + Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) + Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal + Act 33 with renewal + Act 34 with renewal + Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal **UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran**