The Primary Purpose of the Position is to serve in a Prosthetic Representative role is to administer and perform work concerned with rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to disabled patients.

Duties

This work requires the application and interpretation of laws concerning benefits available to disabled Veterans and of the regulations, procedures and practices based thereon and, in addition, a specialized knowledge of the medical and psychological problems directly related to the use of prosthetic devices; and a specialized knowledge and understanding of the fabrication and satisfactory fitting of prosthetic devices. The administrative aspects of the work require an understanding of statistics, budgeting, contracting, procurement, human resources, supervision, the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD), inventory management and a knowledge of the Prosthetic national software package. A Prosthetic Representative must have analytical ability, social awareness, tact and diplomacy, and good communication skills. He/ she must possess knowledge of established management principles, concepts and methodology to identify, analyze and resolve managerial and administrative issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature. The Representative must be able to anticipate the need for action. They must also possess the ability to deal effectively with individuals and groups and to adjust to difficult or stressful situations. Assist Chief of Prosthetics with planning, developing, and directing a Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Program at the El Paso VA Clinic various CBOCs. Serving as a liaison/advisor to clinicians about selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices involving furnishing information concerning such matters as new developments in the field of prosthetics and sources of supply for such devices. Analyzing/interpreting prescriptions of clinicians in order to make certain that proper prosthetic devices are selected for, or by, the patients. Maintaining continuous communications with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies, inspecting their facilities and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts. Participating in investigative / research project studies by selecting patients as pilot wearers of newly developed prosthetic items, evaluating the usefulness of such items and compiling of data. Monitoring the daily operations of the Prosthetic Service and assisting the administrative staff within that Service. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:45 pm Telework: May be available based on the needs of the organization Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Experience and Education. Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below. Experience. One year of creditable experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology; knowledge of accounting methods; ability to research, analyze, comprehend, and apply decisions; basic knowledge of inventory management procedures; ability to use computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheet development, and database management; and ability to work independently and as a member of a team; OR Education. A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business. The 24 semester hours could include but is not limited to any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree; OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Grandfathering Provision. 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). Please see the additional information section below for more information. English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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-5: None beyond the basic requirement. GS-7 Prosthetic Representative Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. Experience includes but is not limited to: The ability to apply and interpret laws concerning benefits available to disabled patients and of the regulations, procedures and practices based thereon and, in addition, a specialized knowledge of the medical and psychological problems directly related to the use of prosthetic devices; and a specialized knowledge and understanding of the fabrication and satisfactory fitting of prosthetic devices. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to understand and apply processes, procedures, regulations, and laws as it applies to purchasing and the provision of prosthetic items/services. 2. Ability to coordinate multiple requests for durable medical equipment (DME), including repairs, services, and benefits. 3. Ability to act as a liaison with and work effectively with health care providers, patients, caregivers and vendors to ensure that the most appropriate device and services are received timely. 4. Ability to monitor contractors and vendors for compliance with contract requirements. GS-9 Prosthetic Representative Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. Experience includes but is not limited to: authorizing and preparing purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies and home medical equipment and repairs; conduct market research, price history review, complete justification for approval and submit to the contracting department; ensure surgical implants are FDA approved. OR Education. Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours of course work related to health care, public administration, or business. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management. 2. Ability to organize, prioritize, and monitor actions to ensure timeliness. 3. Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available. This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors. 4. Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations. 5. Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices. GS-11 Prosthetic Representative Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. Experience includes but is not limited to: working directly with Veterans and clinical teams to assist with applications for benefits related to benefit programs such as automobile adaptive equipment, home improvement and structural alterations, and clothing allowance; ensures devices, equipment and services, are based on the patient's rehabilitative medical needs; works closely with the treatment team in development of prescriptions and provide technical assistance and guidance to assist in planning and coordination to obtain equipment, services and benefits. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to work independently to set priorities; delegate tasks; meet multiple deadlines; analyze organizational problems; and develop and implement effective solutions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity. 2. Ability to work with a team, to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities to effectively complete job duties of assignment, such as distributing workload; and monitoring the accuracy, status and progress of work. 3. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels. 4. Ability to assist in staff development, outcome management, and strategic planning. 5. Ability to act as liaison between staff to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns. 6. Knowledge of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in specialized programs and knowledge of those specific program requirements. Preferred Experience: Prosthetics Program Management knowledge Healthcare/Business field education Procurement experience Advanced customer service skills Leadership experience References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G34 Prosthetic Representative Qualification Standard dated 1/18/2018. 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: Position is relatively sedentary (computer I desk work); however, will involve moving around all areas of the office, stock rooms, warehouse and will include reaching above shoulder, bending, stooping, etc.

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.

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Note: If your school was accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the U.S. Department of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address El Paso VA Clinic 5001 North Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]