Ralph H. Johnson VA medical center is recruiting for a orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist . The 667 series includes positions that administer, supervise, or perform work involving designing, fabricating, or fitting orthotic or prosthetic devices to preserve or restore function to patients with disabling conditions of the limbs and spine, or with partial or total absence of limbs. 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. English Language Proficiency. Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). 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. 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). Grandfathering Provision. Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS 12 Level Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as an orthotist/prosthetist functioning as a full member of the clinical team which includes significant involvement in treatment plan development for the most complex types of conditions. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: For the GS 11 level are listed below: Assignments: This is considered to be the full performance level. The orthotist/prosthetist communicates and interacts with physicians, allied health professionals, patients, and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings, rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular care, podiatry, oncology, etc., as a subject matter expert to develop the orthotic and/or prosthetic treatment plan. The work includes complex patient analyses in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, multiple complex conditions, interrelated conditions, etc.; assessment of the patient for indications/contra-indications and discussion of the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of that plan; consideration of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level is expected to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment- specific KSAs for the GS 12 level are listed below: Knowledge of administrative functions including budget development and management, inventory management, space and workload planning, as well as knowledge of the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD), knowledge of the Prosthetic National Software (PNS) package, Decision Support System (DSS), and knowledge of accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic laboratories and certification requirements for individuals. Ability to analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, Vista, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information. Ability to provide training to orthotists/prosthetists in new technologies and innovations in devices. Ability to manage and supervise employees. (To be used if the assignment is supervisory in nature.) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Adheres to established guidelines and protocols to ensure the confidentiality of patient information. Conducts independent clinical evaluations of patients, assessing factors such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle, particularly for those with multiple health conditions. Participates in the formulation of criteria for prescribing prosthetic and orthotic devices. Engages in communication with physicians and allied health professionals to discuss and evaluate the clinical assessments and care plans of patients. Engages in the fitting, fabrication, adjustment, and repair of custom prostheses and orthoses using a variety of techniques and materials, while also measuring and fitting patients with advanced and innovative prosthetic and orthotic technologies. Takes measurements, creates casts, and performs scans of patients to produce positive molds for custom devices. Capable of preparing negative casts for scanning purposes, utilizing digitizers, Computer aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, and carving tools, as well as pouring plaster or alginate and managing shipping processes. Develops positive molds and executes scans, tracings, and impressions of body segments for lamination and the use of materials such as metal, thermoplastics, thermosetting acrylic or epoxy resins, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and nylon. Conducts biomechanical and bench alignment, as well as the fabrication of metal components for prostheses and orthoses. Ensures compliance with all manufacturer specifications concerning patient safety, laboratory safety, and component safety. Assesses the final product against specifications, including trim lines, contours, quality, aesthetic appeal, and safety. Manages the responsibilities associated with submitting, packing, and shipping items pertinent to the role. Accurately documents workload, procedure coding, progress notes in electronic medical records, and details of appointments and encounters. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in products, procedures, materials, and techniques relevant to their professional practice. Participates in professional development seminars and training sessions provided by manufacturers that pertain to their field of expertise. Completes all mandatory training as required by hospital policies. Operates within the capacity of their professional role. Proficiency in medical terminology, as well as a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and the etiology of diseases, is essential, alongside a grasp of psychological principles and age-related competencies. An understanding of materials science is important, particularly regarding the properties of plastics, composites, metals, and leather, which are frequently utilized in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prescribed prosthetic and orthotic solutions. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, is a fundamental skill required for successful interactions with patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of the intricate and distinctive activities and characteristics associated with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Services, the (Patient Aligned Care Team) PACT Committee, the Amputation System of Care (ASoC), the Regional Amputation Center (RAC), and the Service member Transitional Amputation Rehabilitation (STAR) program. Aids in the planning, development, and management of an Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory and related clinical activities at the national, VISN, or local level. Acts as a consultant to physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the indications and contraindications of prosthetic and orthotic components, as well as prescription criteria. Authorizes the procurement, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic devices. Maintains ongoing communication with manufacturers and suppliers of prosthetic materials, evaluating their facilities and services, and participating in the procurement process for prosthetic appliance contracts. Engages in investigative and research projects by selecting appropriate studies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Available will be determined by Service Provider Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-58288F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized PCS: Not Authorized"]

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