This position is located at the Miami VA Medical Center in the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service. The purpose of this position is to fit orthotic devices to patients in need in our Orthotic Lab section, with a specialization in bracing and device fittings. The incumbent reports to the Orthotic Lab Supervisor.

Duties

Duties of the position include but are not limited to: Measures, design, fabricate, fitting, alteration and repairs of such orthopedic appliances, assistive devices, orthopedic shoe modifications and orthotic supports that are prescribed for veterans. Design and fabricate devices when there are no standard guidelines. Instructs resident physicians and other medical staff in the prescription and application of various orthoses. Serves as a technical advisor to physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists and other staff members in the use and application of appliances. Custom designs and manufacture devices to make custom shoe modifications as needed to ensure proper compliance of application of prescription. Issue detailed instructions on assignments that are of a nonstandard nature. Assures the proper fit and functions of all prescribed appliances, and work of other prosthetic/orthotic lab staff must be of the highest quality. Requests and maintain an inventory of prefabricated prosthetic and orthotic devices lo meet anticipated needs of patients. Responds with minimum delay to prescriptions from physicians and requests for replacements from veterans. Maintains proper stock levels, not to exceed thirty days, and the requisitioning of supplies and materials. Other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: M-F 8am-4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Orthotic Fitter)/PD08342A and PD08342A Physical Requirements: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, long periods of standing, and long-distance walking from clinic to clinic. The work requires some physical exertion, prolonged periods of standing and working at a variety of machines, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching and stretching to work on devices and appliances and to fit them to the veteran. There may be recurring lifting and moving of moderately heavy supplies and equipment such as wheelchairs and durable medical equipment.

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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): Specialized Experience: 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. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-07 grade level: 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: measuring, designing, fabricating, fitting, altering and repairing orthopedic appliances, assistive devices, orthopedic shoe modifications and orthotic supports; instructing physicians and other medical staff in the prescription and application of various orthoses; requesting and maintaining an inventory of prefabricated prosthetic and orthotic devices to meet anticipated needs of patients. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have One full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field directly related to the work of the position to be filled. OR, Combination of Experience & Education: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education. (Transcript required).To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-07. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Orthotic Fitter Certificate holder Preferred Ability to read and analyze prosthetic request forms, prescriptions/consults from physicians, therapist's, and patient representatives. Knowledge of medical terms used to describe and prescribe prosthetic and orthotic items. Have hands on experience fitting OTC orthopedic items, ie: wrist splints, ankle supports, neck collars, back supports, shoes, compression garments, etc. Experience assisting practitioners in prosthetic Lab procedures Inventory management experience. 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.

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.

Contacts

• Address Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1201 Northwest 16th Street Miami, FL 33125 US
• Name: Hunter Hobbs
• Phone: 615-983-3252
• Email: [email protected]