Orthotist-Prosthetist

Summary This position functions primarily in the Rehabilitation & Technology Section of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service. The Orthotist/Prosthetist provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices & treatment by comprehensive examination of the patient & assessment of their individual needs & desires; formulation of a treatment plan; designs/selects, measures/casts the patient, fabricates & fits the device to the patient; documents & continues care with periodic examination. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Board Certification: Candidates must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. English Language Proficiency: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-05: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-07: Experience. One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-09: Education. Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment. OR, Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team. This includes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies. Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. Ability to take necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses. GS-11: Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan. This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications, and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions. Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Continuation of Major Duties Section: Modification and preparation of patient model for fabrication. Assessing device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior-to patient fitting/ delivery (e.g., torque values, patient weight limits). Assess/align orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort. Provide gait training /functional-use training. Ensure that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed. Complete fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis (e.g., convert test socket to definitive orthosis/prosthesis). Educate/ counsel patient and/ or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/ prosthesis (e.g., wear schedules, therapy, other instructions). Reassess orthosis/ prosthesis for structural safety prior to patient delivery (e.g., screws tightened, cover attached). Document treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan. Provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/ prosthesis: Solicit subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status e.g. wear schedule/tolerance, comfort, perceived benefits, perceived detriments, ability to don and doff proper usage and function, overall patient satisfaction). Assess patient's functional level. Assess patient's skin condition (e.g., integrity, color, temperature, volume). Assess patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes. Assess patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes (e.g., family status, job, and or caregiver). Assess fit of orthosis/ prosthesis with regard to strategic contact (e.g., three-point force systems, total contact) to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals. Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to anatomical relationships to orthosis/ prosthesis (e.g., trim lines, static/dynamic alignment) to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals. Formulate plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis based on findings; inform patient and/or caregiver of plan to modify orthosis /prosthesis. Make or delegate modifications to orthosis/ prosthesis (e.g., relieve pressure, change range of motion, change alignment, change components, add pressure-sensitive pad). Assess modified device for structural safety, and· ensure that manufacturers' guidelines (e.g., torque values, patient weight limits) have been followed. Evaluate modifications to orthosis/ prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met. Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications. Document all findings and actions and communicate with appropriate health care professionals (e.g., referral sources, colleagues, supervisor) to ensure patient status is updated. Complies with policies, procedures and regulations regarding human resource management, physical environment management, business/ financial management and organizational management: Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., FDA.ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC and BOC.) Personnel policies and procedures (e.g., benefits, training, incentives, staff · recognition, regular performance appraisals). Policies and procedures governing patient care rights and privacy. Demonstrates proper documentation of patient history and financial records by using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care and other pertinent information. Communicates roles and expectations of employer and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care. Participate in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research, and organizational affiliations: Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, associates, technicians, and office staff (e.g., publications, seminars, case studies). Participates in education for residents, students, and trainees. Participates in product development research, clinical trials, and outcome evaluation studies. Participates in/ with consumer organizations and nongovernmental organizations to promote competency and enhancement of orthotic/prosthetic profession. Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The incumbent will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position. Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Read more Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.