This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The GS-11 Orthotist/Prosthetist is considered Full Performance and has a minimum of one year experience at or equivalent to the GS-9 Orthotist/Prosthetist level. Orthotist/Prosthetist provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment.

Duties

VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ Performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patients orthotic/prosthetic needs: - 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. 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. - Must maintain certification or licensure through a recognized accreditation body (e.g. American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics or Board or Certification/Accreditation) 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. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-9 Grade Level: 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 In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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, life style, 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 Grade Level (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. 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, lifestyle, 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. Preferred Experience: Ideal candidates should be fully certified/licensed in both Orthotic and Prosthetic disciplines by either the American Board for Certification in O&P (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) at the time of on-boarding. Ideal candidates will have three years or more working experience as fully certified/licensed O&P professionals. Professionals with under three years of fully licensed/certification may also be considered. In depth knowledge of foot and knee issues and geriatric care preferred. Experience working with electronic health record programs desired. 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: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - 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 San Francisco VA Medical Center 4150 Clement Street San Francisco, CA 94121 US
• Name: Amanda Bodkin
• Phone: 6789245700 X573355
• Email: [email protected]