Prosthetic Representative

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. Experience or Education. One year of creditable experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology; knowledge of accounting methods; ability to research, analyze, comprehend, and apply decisions; basic knowledge of inventory management procedures; ability to use computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheet development, and database management; and ability to work independently and as a member of a team; OR A bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business. The 24 semester hours could include but is not limited to any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree; OR Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to experience gained in conventional United States programs. Grandfathering Provision. 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: For the GS-11: In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled is required. Experience includes working directly with clinical teams to assist with applications for benefits related to benefit programs such as automobile adaptive equipment, home improvement and structural alterations, and clothing allowance programs; ensures devices, equipment, and services, are based on the patient’s rehabilitative and medical needs; work closely with the treatment team in development of prescriptions and provide technical assistance and guidance to assist in planning and coordination to obtain equipment, services, and benefits; conducts home visits, in collaboration with other healthcare providers to determine if requested equipment is appropriate or can be installed in the home; familiar with national contracts that apply to Prosthetics and Sensory Aids, and responsible for providing documentation pertaining to contract compliance issues or concerns; works with clinical staff to create quality improvement reports; work closely with the clinical teams to assist in identifying products available on contract that meet the medical needs of patients; apply and educate others about national directives, policies, procedures and regulations; analyze and interpret data for trends and provide guidance to improve quality assurance, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to work independently to set priorities; delegate tasks; meet multiple deadlines; analyze organizational problems; and develop and implement effective solutions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity. 2. Ability to work with a team, to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities to effectively complete job duties of assignment, such as distributing workload; and monitoring the accuracy, status and progress of work. 3. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels. 4. Ability to assist in staff development, outcome management, and strategic planning. 5. Ability to act as liaison between staff to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns. 6. Knowledge of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in specialized programs (Prosthetic implants (biological and non-biological); Blind Rehabilitation Center; Orthotic and Prosthetic Laboratory; Poly-Trauma Level I Center; Spinal Cord Injury Center) and knowledge of those specific program requirements. Preferred Experience: One year of creditable purchasing experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, utilizing a government purchase card. Two years of creditable customer experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the health care industry. 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Light to moderate lifting (up to 44 lbs); Light to moderate carrying (up to 44 lbs.); Reaching above shoulders; Use of Fingers; Approximately one hour of walking and/or standing; .25 hours of Kneeling, repeated bending, climbing (legs only); Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Near vision correctable at 13″ to 16″ to Jaeger 1-4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Prolonged period of sitting (6-8 hours).
Prosthetic Representatives perform the work of rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to disabled patients. The work may include planning, developing, and directing a prosthetic and sensory aids program. The Prosthetic Representative works with Veterans, caregivers, vendors, and the clinical team to ensure the right devices, equipment, services, and benefits are matched with patient rehabilitative and medical needs.