This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service .or Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist, provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment. Continuing care and periodic examination of the patient and the orthotic/prosthetic device to assess fit. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

Duties

VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ Major Duties: Review patient's prescription/referral. Take a comprehensive patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history (including allergies to materials), reimbursement status, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations. Assist in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination, including manual muscle-testing, gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity and compliance. Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan. Communicate with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, and any optional plans, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits. Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow up, using established record-keeping techniques. Refer patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals (e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice. Create a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient: Evaluate the findings to determine an orthotic/prosthetic recommendation. Formulate treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort, enhance function and independence, provide stability, prevent deformity, address cosmesis and/or promote healing. Consult with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan. Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome. Develop a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow up. Document treatment plan using established recordkeeping techniques to verify patient care. Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure. Select appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan. Provide patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment (e.g., diagnostic splint, residual limb shrinker). Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan). Implement procedure (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan). Select appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required (e.g., choose ankle or knee joints, feet, knee units; choose material of components, lamination layups). Consult technical component/material resources as required. Modify and prepare patient model for fabrication. Fabricate/assemble prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery (e.g., laminate/vacuum-form, remove socket/ orthosis from model, smooth and finish orthosis/prosthesis, contour side bars to model/delineation, smooth and finish sidebars, bench align components to socket, strap orthosis/prosthesis as necessary, perform final assembly of orthosis/prosthesis for patient fitting/delivery). Assess 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. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected] , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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) Must have 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) Must have a bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. 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. English Language Proficiency: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Grandfathering Provision. Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it. 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) Preferred Experience:Ability to read and analyze prosthetic request forms and prescriptions from physicians, therapist's patients and patient representatives. Knowledge of medical terms used to describe and prescribe equipment. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5- Entry level. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. The work is performed under close supervision. GS-7. 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: 1. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. 2. Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. 3. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. 4. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-9. Experience a) 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, (b) 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: 1. 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. 2. Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). 3. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, lifestyle, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. 4. 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 (Full Performance Level)Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9 that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, APPENDIX G32. ORTHOTIST/PROSTHETIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-667, Dated March 21, 2017.The full performance level of this vacancy is 11. Physical Requirements: A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1201 Northwest 16th Street Miami, FL 33125 US
• Name: Joselyne Figueroa-Cruz
• Phone: 787-600-0438
• Email: [email protected]