The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. This is a trainee position for a Prosthetic Representative within the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). Serves under the Supervisory Prosthetic Representative for the purpose of orientation, learning and experiencing specialized functions specific to the management of Prosthetics Service Line and related programs.

Duties

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a GS-09, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. The duties of the Non-Supervisory Prosthetic Representative Trainee are to administer, supervise, or perform work concerned with rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to Veteran-patients. The trainee will develop intermediate working knowledge and skills in the following technical and administrative areas through orientation visits, instructional objectives, assigned study, and will be involved in a learning/development role in the following areas: Assists with planning, developing, and directing a Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Program at the national, VISN or local level; Assists serving as an advisor to clinicians with regard to selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices involving furnishing information concerning such matters as new developments in the field of prosthetics and sources of supply for such devices; Interpreting prescriptions of clinicians in order to make certain that proper prosthetic devices are selected for, or by, the patients; Authorizing the purchase, fabrication or repair of prosthetic devices; Maintaining continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies, inspecting their facilities and services and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts; Training will expose the incumbent trainee to the full range of Prosthetic Representative duties including data analysis, statistics, budgeting, contracting, procurement, inventory management, human resources, and supervision; The trainee will learn how to: a. Authorize and prepare purchase orders b. Monitor contracts for compliance c. Receive, analyze and process requests for prosthetic equipment and services d. Prepare correspondence including denials and Statements of the Case e. Implement new local and national guidelines, policies and procedures f. Develop tools that allow monitoring of a quality assurance program in conjunction with The Joint Commission, National Patient, National Patient Safety Goals and ABC or BOC Standards g. Validate data h. Determine eligibility i. Conduct home and vendor visits j. Process and authorize service and payment of monthly Home O2 program k. Coordinate Prosthetic clinics including Major Medical and Amputee l. Prepare denials and Statements of the Case m. Prepare and process Auto Adaptive Equipment, HISA and Clothing Allowance benefits n. Procure materials and supplies and maintain an inventory as applicable o. Make and present reports p. Maintain the service in continuous readiness for unannounced surveys q. Develop a partnering relationship with the Union and Veterans Service Organizations Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Telework: Ad Hoc Telework may be authorized. Functional Statement #: 00000 Recruitment/ Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental Level) 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience with Prosthetics specific programs Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Hampton VA Medical Center 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23667 US
• Name: Michael Schultz
• Phone: 804-274-9694
• Email: [email protected]