Orthotist-Prosthetist

Summary

This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Prosthetist/Orthotist, provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment under supervision and guidance of a supervisory Orthotist Prosthetist

Duties

• General duties includes, but are not limited to: Comprehensive examination of the patient and assessment of their individual needs and desires. Formulation of a treatment plan. Design component selection, measurement/casting of the patient, fabrication, and fitting of the device to the patient. Proper documentation of the patient record. Continuing care and periodic examination of the patient and the orthotic/prosthetic device to assess fit, function and changing needs of the patient. Functions includes, but are not limited to: 1. Performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patients orthotic/prosthetic needs: Review patient's prescription/referral. Communication and documentation on consults to provide detailed information for MSA to use regarding scheduling. Take a comprehensive patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history (including allergies to materials), reimbursement status, patient expectations, and results of diagnostic evaluations. Assist in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination, including manual muscle-testing, gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity and compliance. Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan. 2. Create a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient: Evaluate the findings to determine an orthotic/prosthetic recommendation. Formulate treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort, enhance function and independence, provide stability, prevent deformity, address cosmesis and/or promote healing. Consult with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan. Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome. 3. Perform the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis: Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure. Select appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan. Provide patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment (e.g., diagnostic splint, residual limb shrinker). Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan) 4. Provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis: Solicit subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status (e.g., wear schedule/tolerance, comfort, perceived benefits, perceived detriments, ability to don and doff, proper usage and function, overall patient satisfaction). Assess patient's functional level. Assess patient's skin condition (e.g., integrity, color, temperature, volume). Assess patient's general health, height, and weight, and note any changes. 5. Complies with policies, procedures and regulations regarding human resource management, physical environment management, business/financial management and organizational management: Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC and BOC.) Personnel policies and procedures (e.g., benefits, training, incentives, staff recognition, regular performance appraisals). Policies and procedures governing patient care, rights, and privacy. 6. Participate in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organ…

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. Education: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Board Certification: Candidates must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, Pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. English Language Proficiency: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-05: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-07: Experience. One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-09: Education. Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment. OR Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team. This includes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies. Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. Ability to take necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses. Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-11: Experience. Completion of 1 year…

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/.