Respiratory Therapy Supervisor (Departmental Promotional Only)

Full Job Description

San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) is a public hospital and clinic system fully accredited by The Joint Commission.

The Medical Center operates outpatient clinics throughout San Mateo County and an acute-care hospital in San Mateo.

The mission of San Mateo Medical Center is to "Partner with patients to provide excellent care with compassion and respect." As part of an integrated health system, the Medical Center serves the healthcare needs of all residents of San Mateo County, with an emphasis on education and prevention.

SMMC is currently seeking a Respiratory Therapist Supervisor to join our team.

Under general direction, the Respiratory Therapist Supervisor plans, assigns, supervises, coordinates, and evaluates the work of a group of respiratory therapists on an assigned shift.

The incumbent performs respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and conducts clinical evaluations of care; establishes therapeutic objectives and reviews care based on the age and needs of patients; participates in implementing planned changes and activities to improve Respiratory Care delivery; develops and updates work schedules; ensures effective communication between staff and the Clinical Respiratory Manager; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSRespiratory Therapy Supervisor is the full supervisory level in the Respiratory Therapist series.

It is differentiated from the Respiratory Therapist III which is the advanced journey OR lead level of the series.

It is further distinguished for having responsibilities for providing input to management in the selection, training, and evaluation of staff, and working with management on corrective action and other personnel issues.

This is a working supervisor, and incumbents are expected to perform a full range of respiratory care duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceive general direction from the Clinical Services Manager of Respiratory Therapy. Exercise direct supervision over clinical and technical staff.

The ideal candidate for the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor position will:

• Possess strong clinical expertise as a Registered Respiratory Therapist with significant experience providing respiratory care in critical care settings.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities, including coordinating workflow, guiding staff during high-acuity situations, and supporting a collaborative team environment.
• Experience in developing and updating work schedules based upon staffing changes/needs.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with respiratory therapy staff, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care and smooth department operations.
• Be able to assess changing workloads and staffing needs, prioritize tasks, and make sound decisions in both routine and emergency situations.
• Support staff development through training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to respiratory therapy staff.
• Participate in quality assurance, performance improvement, and process improvement initiatives to enhance respiratory care services.
• Maintain a strong commitment to patient-centered care, safety, and compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and clinical standards.

Note: The current vacancy is a Regular, Full-Time position.

Requirements

• Plan, assign, direct and review the work of professional respiratory therapy staff and other staff assigned to the unit on an assigned shift.
• Coordinate work efforts of staff by identifying and prioritizing tasks to be completed; update work schedules based upon staffing changes/needs.
• Evaluate and document employee performance on an ongoing basis, including periodic written evaluations; counsel staff.
• Provide consultation for therapists regarding respiratory care treatment; supervise complex treatment modalities and/or difficult clinical.
• Provide input to management on employee selection, training, evaluation and in addressing personnel issues.
• Support management in the development and implementation of respiratory therapy policies and procedures, training programs; and in preparing reports and correspondence.
• Provide orientation training for new staff; evaluate education and training needs.
• Assess shift operations and fluctuating workloads, maintain workflow and take appropriate actions to meet workload demands, including reassigning staff as necessary.
• Complete and/or facilitate administrative tasks associated with shift operations.
• Ensure appropriate notification, both verbally and in writing, to on-call management.
• Ensure quality of care by attending rounds.
• Perform the full range of respiratory care duties, including all duties of a Respiratory Therapist III.
• May attend and/or lead in-service educational classes.
• Provide patient and family education.
• Ensure compliance and participate in quality assurance programs.
• Participate in and conduct staff meetings.
• Provide on-call services on a designated and/or rotational basis for the 24/7 department.
• Assist management in coordinating coverage for inter- departmental training.
• Assist clinical manager with annual employee performance evaluations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, scheduling, assignment, review and employee training and corrective action.
• Theory, practices and procedures of respiratory care and therapy.
• Emergency medical respiratory care.
• Operation, care and maintenance of respiratory care equipment.
• Principles, methods and techniques of respiratory therapy equipment.
• Principles and practices of CPR, including ACLS and PALS.
• Use, purpose and effect of indicated drugs used in the course of respiratory therapy.
• Policies and practices of recording and maintaining information related to patient care.
• Practices and procedures related to Pulmonary Functions; Arterial Blood Gases, including proper drawing and interpretation; Cardiac Output; Oxygen Consumption; and Electrolytes and nutritional requirements as they impact respiratory therapy.

• Plan, organize, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of others.
• Train staff in work procedures and provide technical assistance to staff.
• Administer and coordinate programs; coordinate individual and group efforts.
• Foresee and analyze operational and/or administrative problems, consider alternatives and recommend sound solutions.
• Provide all facets of respiratory care and diagnostic procedures.
• Make independent judgements in providing appropriate respiratory care.
• Work under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Properly use equipment used in the course of providing respiratory care.
• Assess, evaluate and administer respiratory care drugs.
• Proper handling and routing of defective Respiratory Care Equipment to Biomedical Engineering for service and/or repair.
• Deal tactfully with patients and physicians.
• Assisting in instructing and training others.
• Administering CPR.
• Use computer and other automated equipment.
• Maintain and analyze quality control programs.
• Follow written and oral directions, procedures or instructions.

• Possession of a valid registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Possession of a valid California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license.
• Possession of a valid Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Possession of a valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Possession of National Board of Respiratory Care: RRT-ACCS preferred.

Additional Information

Departmental Promotional Only.

Only current San Mateo County employees in the Health Department with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date may apply.The examination will consist of an interview (weight: 100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position based solely on the information provided in the application materials.

Because of this screening process, all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.

If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.

A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEDeadline to Apply: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:59PM PSTApplication Screening: Week of March 30, 2026Combined Panel/Department Interviews: Week of April 6, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo as an employer is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment.

The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.