This position is for a Health Technician (Pedorthist) to support the clinical and administrative functions of the Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Orthotic, Prosthetic, and Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System, physically located in St. Cloud, MN. The employee will independently manage the comprehensive pedorthic patient care for the prevention or amelioration of painful, unusual, complex, and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle.

Duties

RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES ARE AUTHORIZED FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES GS-07, it is a developmental position leading to a GS-08, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. Major duties include but are not limited to: Manage comprehensive pedorthic patient care, such as the provision of therapeutic shoes, prefabricated orthoses below the knee, partial foot prostheses, and foot orthoses. Interpret consults as submitted by VA clinicians, ensuring the legal requirements governing eligibility and entitlement to prosthetic and orthotic devices are met. Perform patient screenings relative to the prosthetics program. Research and explore options for commercially available pedorthic devices that will optimize treatment goals of patients. Advise on the benefits and risks associated with different styles of pedorthic devices. Formulate treatment plans based upon a comprehensive assessment to design interventions that will alleviate limitations and enhance function. Implement treatment plans by doing such tasks as taking scans/impressions/measurements to ensure proper fit and function; determining appropriate fabrication process; using anthropometric tools to determine the correct therapeutic shoe size and style; and evaluating the fitting of pedorthic items, verifying they meet specifications of the prescription. Create a follow-up treatment plan for proper usage, function, and patient satisfaction. Document workload, procedure coding, progress notes, appointments, and encounters for patient care. Maintain inventory and stock levels of materials and supplies related to pedorthics in the clinic and laboratory setting. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Pedorthist/PD23483A Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit Position: Yes - AFGE Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
• For the GS-08: National certification, in good standing, is required by the American Board for Certification (ABC) in Pedorthics and/or the Board of Certification (BOC) in Pedorthics, or as an Orthotist or Orthotist-Prosthetist.
• Pre-employment physical examination may be required.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirement for 0640 Series: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled - Health Technician (Pedorthist). GS-07 grade level (Developmental): One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: performing patient screenings relative to a prosthetics program; advising on the benefits and risks associated with different pedorthic devices; assisting with formulating and implementing treatment plans for patients; and utilizing various software systems for tasks such as inventory management and reordering. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Analysis and Problem SolvingAttention to DetailCustomer ServiceRequirements Analysis Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The Certified Pedorthist position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, short to long periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, crawling, reaching above shoulders, and long-distance walking may be required. Other physical demands will include but not limited to; bending, kneeling, some lifting (not to exceed 50 Ibs.) and working with power tools and equipment. Work Environment: The Certified Pedorthist's work environment includes a clinical setting with an area to evaluate, fit, measure, and repair pedorthic appliances. A laboratory setting with equipment to modify, fabricate, and adjust pedorthic devices is also part of the work environment. Appropriate professional dress, which may include lab coats, is required. Additional locations would include hospital rooms, CLC units, Community Based Outpatient Care (CBOC) facilities, long term care centers, and/or specialty clinic offices where patient care may also be provided. Occasional travel may be required for the incumbent to attend continuing education or seminars, or to travel to a CBOC. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, following local and national guidelines. Patient care work environment will be located in an area to fit measure and repair prosthetic and sensory aid appliances. Work may also be performed in a variety of settings including wards, State Veteran Homes or other Nursing Homes, the homes of veterans and in adapted vehicles where PPE may be required for patient assessment. The prosthetic/orthotic laboratory work environment includes a variety of machines and power tools, which may expose the incumbent to dust, noise and potential injury. The incumbent will ensure that all machine safeguards are in place and properly used at all times. Toxic and caustic fumes and materials are handled in the Prosthetic/Orthotic Lab. PPE must be used. The incumbent will ensure that gloves, hearing protection and proper dust masks are used when needed.

Education

There is no educational substitution for the GS-07 grade level

Contacts

• Address St Cloud VA Medical Center 4801 Veterans Drive St Cloud, MN 56303 US
• Name: Timothy Ries
• Phone: 605-336-3230 X7700
• Email: [email protected]