Orthotist-Prosthetist

Summary

The position of Orthotist/Prosthetist is located at the Baltimore VA and functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.

Duties

• VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ Major Duties include but are not limited to: Comply 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, NCOPE, ABC and BOC.) Demonstrate proper documentation of patient history and financial records by using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care and other pertinent information Communicates roles and expectations of employers and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, associates, technicians and office staff (e.g., publications, seminars, case studies) Participates in education for residents, students and trainees Participate in product development research, clinical trials and outcome evaluation studies Participates in/with consumer organizations and non-governmental organizations to promote competency and enhancement of orthotic/prosthetic profession Provides continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis Performs the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis Creates a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: AD-HOC ONLY, as determined by the agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 512-00229-F, 512-00230-F, 512-00231-F, 512-00232-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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. 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. 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). See the Additional Information section for more Grandfathering information. Grade Determinations: GS-05 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-07 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience. One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-05, to include: receiving developmental assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills, and abilities, receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks such as taking measurements, patient communication, and fabrication and fitting of simple appliances. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 1. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. 2. Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. 3. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. 4. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-09 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience/Education. 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. Experience at the GS-07 level include: knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases, as well as 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 and ability to communicate orally and in writing. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 1. 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. 2. Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). 3. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life st…

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/.