The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To function as an Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist-Prosthetist at the full performance grade level. Will primarily provide custom designed, fabricated, modified, and fitted orthoses and prostheses assessments and services for the disabled patients' unique needs, desires· and the provider's prescription.

Duties

Reviews patient's prescription/referral. Takes patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations. Consults with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition. Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits. Verifies patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established recordkeeping techniques. Refers patient, if appropriate, to higher level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice or privileging. Consults with higher-level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist to clarify or with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan. Identifies material, design and components to support anticipated outcome. Develops a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow-up. Informs patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure. Provides patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment. Prepares patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan. Selects appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required. Prepares delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication. Modifies and prepare patient model for fabrication. Fabricates/assembles prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery. Assesses device(s) for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery. Assess/aligns orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort. Provides gait training /functional-use training. Ensures that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed. Completes fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis. Educates/counsels patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis. Documents treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan. Solicits subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status. Assesses patient's functional level. Assesses patient's skin condition (e.g., integrity, color, temperature, volume). Assesses patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes. Assesses patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes (e.g., family status, job, caregiver). Assesses fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to strategic contact (e.g., three-point force systems, total contact) to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals. Makes specified modifications to orthosis/prosthesis. Evaluates modifications to orthosis/prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met. Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications. Documents all findings and actions and communicate with appropriate health care professionals to ensure patient status is updated. Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines. Communicates roles and expectations of employer and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care. Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, associates, technicians, and office staff. 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: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact David L. Billingsley Jr., [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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: Citizenship United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. 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. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. 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 Grade Determinations: GS-5 (Entry Level) - Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Assignments at this grade level are entry level trainee in nature where the individual receives developmental assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills, and abilities. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks such as taking measurements, patient communication, and fabrication and fitting of simple appliances. 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: Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-9 Education. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. 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. Assignments. Employees at this level perform a broad range of orthotic and prosthetic services designing custom devices using standard components to optimize patient performance for difficult and complex but typical conditions. Assignments include clinic attendance to provide information on standard and stock items which are readily available. The work involves identification of the biomechanical condition; explaining procedures to patients to reduce anxiety and gain support and cooperation; detailed patient assessment including conducting gait analysis, range of motion, coordination and balance, and motor skills; interviewing patients for lifestyle assessments; taking necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds; recognizing physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions; fabricating, fitting, and evaluating these custom devices; and maintenance of the patient's record. The work may include use of Computer Assisted Design/Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level 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: 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. Assignments. The work includes complex patient analyses in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, multiple complex conditions, interrelated conditions, etc.; assessment of the patient for indications/contra-indications and discussion of the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of that plan; consideration of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level is expected to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Preferred Experience: Certified Orthotist & Prosthetist References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/91 PART II APPENDIX G32 Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted)

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Contacts

• Address Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
• Name: Rochelle Ishem
• Phone: (405) 456-1000 X65769
• Email: [email protected]