This position is located at the Miami VA Medical Center in the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service. The purpose of this position is to fit orthotic devices to patients in need in our Orthotic Lab section, with a specialization in bracing and device fittings. The selectee reports to the Orthotic Lab Supervisor.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Designs and fabricates devices when there are no standard guidelines. Implements training of use of new materials, techniques and applications of new appliances. Instructs resident physicians and other medical staff in the prescription and application of various orthoses. Serves as a technical advisor to physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists and other staff members in the use and application of appliances. Creates custom design and manufacture devices and to make custom shoe modifications as needed to ensure proper compliance of application of prescription. Collaborates with other prosthetic/orthotic lab staff as appropriate. Issues detailed instructions on nonstandard assignments. Assure the proper fit and function of all prescribed appliances, the work of other prosthetic/orthotic lab staff must be of the highest quality. Requests and maintains an inventory of prefabricated prosthetic and orthotic devices to meet anticipated needs of patients and be able to respond with minimum delay to prescriptions from physicians and requests for replacements from veterans. Maintains proper stock levels, not to exceed thirty days, and the requisitioning of supplies and materials. Learns of improved materials and techniques so that the latest and best appliances can be made available to the veteran. Reviews prosthetic/orthotic laboratory inventories when receiving requests for those items in the inventory, determines if any inventory item meets the needs of the patient and requester, and properly documents the transfer from inventory of any item. Ensures that all equipment being returned to stock is properly cleaned and sanitized in accordance with JCAHO standards. Attends clinics and discusses cases assigned with various levels of staff, and attends Amputee Clinic for bracing needs, which is normally handled by our Orthotist/Prosthetist staff. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD08342A Physical Requirements: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, long periods of standing, and long-distance walking from clinic to clinic. The work requires some physical exertion, prolonged periods of standing and working at a variety of machines, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching and stretching to work on devices and appliances and to fit them to the veteran. There may be recurring lifting and moving of moderately heavy supplies and equipment such as wheelchairs and durable medical equipment. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized.

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. Individual Occupational Requirement: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. 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: Designing, repairing, fabricating, fitting and/or dispensing orthotic and/or prosthetic devices; making entries in patient charts to record provision of orthotic and/or prosthetic devices to patient and assisting in the education of patient in use of device; and maintaining appropriate stock level of necessary medical items. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have One full year of graduate education. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination of Experience & Education: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education Beyond the undergraduate level. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Preferred Experience: Certified Orthotic Fitter Medical Terminology Experience Customer Service 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.

Contacts

• Address Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1201 Northwest 16th Street Miami, FL 33125 US
• Name: Hannah Henderson
• Phone: 813-816-7155 X100152
• Email: [email protected]