Prosthetic Representatives perform the work of rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to disabled patients. The work may include planning, developing, and directing a prosthetic and sensory aids program. The Prosthetic Representative works with Veterans, caregivers, vendors, and the clinical team to ensure the right devices, equipment, services, and benefits are matched with patient rehabilitative and medical needs.

Duties

The Prosthetic Representative specializes in specific programs such as the Home Improvement and Structural Alterations benefit, Automotive Adaptive Equipment, Clothing Allowance and Home Oxygen. The Prosthetic Representative works directly with Veterans and clinical teams to assist with applications and answers related to the benefit programs. They develop and monitor quality improvement metrics to ensure the program is functioning in accordance with all established guidelines. They have a full working knowledge of national, VISN, and facility contracts that apply to Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services and responsible for providing management with documentation pertaining to contract compliance issues or concerns. The employee ensures requests for items or services are complete and received in accordance with established timeframes. Work may include authorizing and preparing purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies, and home medical equipment and repairs. For orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, they may conduct market research, price history review, complete justification and approval, and submit to the contracting department. They ensure correct Healthcare Common Procedure Codes are entered into the appropriate database(s). They collaborate with clinical staff when devices and equipment requires repair or replacement takes necessary actions to resolve issues.

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: Must meet one of the following: 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 24semester 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. GS-5 GRADE REQUIRMENTS: None beyond the basic requirement. GS-7 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: 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. GS-7 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 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Must meet one of the following: Experience: Must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education: Education equivalent to 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 in course work related to health care, public administration, or business. The 24 semester hours may 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. GS-9 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 prostheticdevices. GS-11 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Experience: Must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. GS-11 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. (See paragraph 2.g. above) Preferred Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: Reviewing reports and statistical data daily and discussing concerns with appropriate parties; Applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues and problems of a procedural and factual nature. Providing customer service to patients and staff by resolving problems or complaints; Explaining References: VA Handbook 5005-94 Part II Appendix G34 Prosthetic Representative Qualification Standard GS-0672 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-5 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job including their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers.

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/.

Contacts

• Address Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Leslie Hawkins
• Phone: 210-439-6422
• Email: [email protected]