The Prosthetic Representative ensures all prosthetic services are carried out in accordance with established policies, practices and goals of the Manchester and Bedford VA Prosthetic Service. The prosthetic activity ensures that veterans are eligible and entitled, examinations are conducted, medical determination and treatment plans are agreed upon, identification and authorization documents are issued, vouchers for care and prescriptions are reviewed and payments are authorized.

Duties

Determines the eligibility and entitlement of one receiving prosthetic appliances or services based upon a highly complex array of factors. Provides liaison support and assistance with eligibility, entitlement, procurement, and delivery of prosthetic/orthotic appliances. Applies VA policies, regulations, applicable Federal statutes, and contracting procedures governing the prosthetic / or orthotic program. Counsels beneficiaries (including home visits to severely disabled patients who are unable to travel to the facility) concerning their eligibility to receive prosthetic/orthotic appliances, devices, accessories, repairs, replacements, spares, and related training. Provides assistance to the medical staff with prescription, acquisition, use, care, and replacement of various types of prosthetic and orthotic appliances and sensory aids required in affecting the disabled patient's rehabilitation. Assures that each patient for whom prosthesis is authorized is evaluated and the prosthesis issued is correct for that individual. Inspects and evaluates artificial prosthesis and other custom-fitted devices for which replacements have been requested, and authorizing replacement of identical appliances when no medical problem is evident. Authorizes the issuance of spare appliances when indicated and when no medical problem is evident. Critically evaluates custom-fitted appliances prior to delivery to patients, and recommending acceptance or rejection of such items to prescribing physicians, clinic teams, or special committees. Delegates as Accountable Officer and approving official for the purchase of prosthetic/orthotic items or services. If indicated to reduce delivery time for prosthetic appliances, takes action to affect a beneficiary service contract for purchase, delivery, setup, instructional use, and recovery of major medical equipment. Assists in establishing formal systematic follow-up procedures to review all pending orders. Advises physician on procedures for providing prosthetic appliances or services to patients based on federal, state, and local laws. Serves as coordinator and technical advisor of Prosthetics to local orthopedic and prosthetic clinic teams, amputee clinic teams, HISA Committees, multi-disciplinary Oxygen team, and Major Medical Equipment Committees, rendering technical and administrative assistance with the examination and prescription of prosthetic and orthotic appliances for patients. Establishes and manages essential records and record keeping systems, preparing workload data and periodic management activity assessments. Maintains familiarity with overall VA policies, programs, and range of benefits potentially available to eligible veterans and their families. Carries out functions and duties of the position that are in accordance with standards and program criteria set forth by the Joint Commission, Quality Assurance, or other auditing or accrediting bodies. Assists with the purchasing processes of the service. This includes assisting with purchases and planning /assigning the work, setting priorities and deadlines. Assures safe working conditions and the use of appropriate safe equipment. Participates in investigative/research project studies by selecting patients as pilot wearers of newly developed Prosthetic/Orthotic items, evaluating the usefulness of such items. Monitors, completes and/or assists with special and recurring administrative reports and correspondence according to VA requirements in a timely manner. Often it is necessary to interact with staff from other services to provide accurate data analysis or administrative programs. Assists with surveys of existing /proposed utilization of space, finances, supplies, equipment and personnel to identify problems; analyzes data and makes recommendation based upon findings. Maintains cost effective measures to assure maximum use of any budgetary support given to service; coordinates equitable distribution and efficient use of funds. Conducts studies relating to organization, job or functions to analyze problems which impede administrative functions and the delivery of prosthetics care, makes recommendations to the Prosthetics Service Chief with comments and decisions that will ultimately resolve problems. Develops and composes local administrative procedures and directives, coordinating the procedures across service lines and assuring compliance with VA policy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Preferred Experience: Knowledge of prosthetic regulations and policies. Experience with prosthetic purchasing. Experience with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.). Experience with VA supply chain and contracting to include the generic inventory package and FORCE submissions. Knowledge of 1358, 2237 submissions and utilizing IPPS for payments.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. b. Experience and Education. Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below. (1) 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 (2) 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. c. 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. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: (1) GS-5 Prosthetic Representative (Entry Level) (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirement. (b) 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. At this level, the Prosthetic Representative receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks. The work is performed under close supervision. (2) GS-7 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental Level) (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) Assignment. At this level, responsibilities include interaction with Veterans, caregivers, and clinical staff by answering questions related to benefit programs such as automobile adaptive equipment, home improvement and structural alterations, and clothing allowance programs. (3) GS-9 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental level) (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) 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. (c) 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 prosthetic devices. (d) Assignment. The employee ensures devices, equipment, and services, are based on the patient's rehabilitative and medical needs. They work 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. (4) GS-11 Prosthetic Representative (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. (b) 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. (c) Assignment. Work at the full performance level is performed independently and with minimal supervision. Prosthetic Representatives provide oversight, administration and coordination for a number of services including but not limited to procurement, clinical services, customer service/reception, inventory management associated with medical, rehabilitative, and durable medical equipment devices; home durable medical equipment delivery/setup/installation; visual or hearing devices; assistive technology; and orthotics/prosthetics. The Prosthetic Representative assists with management and oversight of contract programs such as home oxygen, durable medical equipment, and eyeglasses. They are responsible for the administration of benefit programs, such as home and structural alterations, automobile adaptive equipment, and clothing allowance. The Prosthetic Representative is aware of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in order to obtain specialized service programs.

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/.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to experience gained in conventional United States programs.

Contacts

• Address Manchester VA Medical Center 718 Smyth Road Manchester, NH 03104 US
• Name: Jonathan Montgomery
• Phone: 734-905-2529
• Email: [email protected]