Orthotist/Prosthetist

Summary

This position functions within the Orthotic-Prosthetic Clinic section of the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. The Orthotist/Prosthetist provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment to meet the needs and goals of the patient.

Qualifications

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
• Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-11: Experience
• Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that 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 experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan
• This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology - anatomy - physiology - biomechanics - kinesiology - physics - and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies
• Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait - range of motion - life style - etc. - for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications - and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions
• Ability to recognize physical abnormalities - deviations - and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications
• Preferred Experience: Dual certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be taken down at any time
• Applications will be reviewed and referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
• Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from other federal agencies should apply under CBST-12965761-26-MJH
• Duties of the Orthotist/Prosthetist may include - but are not limited to: Assists 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
• Consults with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan
• Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan - and any optional plans - to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care
• include disclosure of potential risks/benefits
• Verifies patient care by documenting history - ongoing care and follow-up - using established record-keeping techniques
• Refers patient - if appropriate - to other health care professionals (e.g. - psychologist - therapist - physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice
• Formulates 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
• Identifies appropriate materials - components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength - durability and function as required
• Prepares delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication
• Assesses devices for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery
• Completes fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis
• Educates/counsels patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis
• Develops a plan for patient needs - including patient education and follow-up
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (subject to change based on the needs of the facility) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 580-01229-F
• 580-01230-F
• 580-00232-F
• 580-01231-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.

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