This position is located in the Prosthetic-Orthotic Laboratory, within the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Department, at the Cincinnati VAMC. The personnel in the lab design, fabricate, repair, modify and fit a wide range of custom, non-custom prosthetic-orthotic devices prescribed by physicians. In this position, the Health Technician will perform fitting and adjustments of off the shelf items and some specific specially ordered items.

Duties

The duties of the Health Technician in this position will include: Measures and Fits Patients: Under the guidance of the Prosthetist/Orthotist, fits clients with devices prescribed by physicians. Measures, fits, adjusts, and repairs appliances, such as corsets, belts, trusses, orthopedic shoes, compression hose or simple braces for cases which require standard custom fitting techniques. Interprets physician prescriptions, measures, fits appliances to clients with a variety of conditions that often require adapting standard techniques. Incumbent will also be responsible for assisting in the fabrication and assembly of components for custom orthotic/prosthetic devices. Administrative Duties: Performs administrative and other duties associated with fitting Prosthetic/Orthotic devices. Documents and records information in computer system through progress notes and the prosthetics computer package as needed, to meet VA, Joint Commission and other accrediting body requirements. Manages scheduling of Veterans in computer. Provides input on products to maintain in inventory. Places orders for inventory or notifies inventory manager when items are needed to be ordered, depending on item and process requirements. This position will not have a credit card. This position requires regular driving from Cincinnati VAMC to outpatient clinics. Therefore, to be eligible, applicants must possess and maintain valid driver's license to complete job requirements. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Orthotic and Prosthetic Fitter)/PD08468A Physical Requirements: Duties require extensive periods of standing and walking. Duties require regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pushing, reaching, carrying supplies and similar activities. Duties require incumbent to be able to lift. Occasionally it may be necessary to lift supplies and objects weighing as much as 35 pounds. Requires use of proper body mechanics.

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. GS-7 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 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: - Possess knowledge of pathology, disease, diagnosis and treatment as it relates to Pedorthics. - Understands all safety issues required in lab machine operation and all potential health hazards when using plastics and chemicals in fabrication of Pedorthtic appliances. - Read and understand prescriptions for accurate application of methods and techniques in the design and construction of Pedorthic devices. - Understands medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology related to foot and ankle. - Operates digital scanner for electronic foot imaging.- Communicates effectively with physicians, allied health professionals, patients and caregivers.- Educates the public and health professionals on available Pedorthic services. OR, Education. Applicants can use one full year of graduate education to meet the requirements for the GS-7 position in this occupational series as well. OR, Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-7 level. 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-7. 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. 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 Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220 US
• Name: Amanda Flores
• Email: [email protected]