Prosthetic Representative

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. Experience and Education. Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below. (1) Experience. 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 (2) Education. 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. 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. Physical Requirements. Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job including their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. 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: You must submit your transcripts for qualifying education (Bachelors Degree) GS-5 Prosthetic Representative (Entry Level): (a) Experience or Education:None beyond the basic requirement. GS-7 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental Level): Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:1. Ability to understand and apply processes, procedures, regulations, and laws as it applies to purchasing and the provision of prosthetic items/services.2. Ability to coordinate multiple requests for durable medical equipment (DME), including repairs, services, and benefits.3. Ability to act as a liaison with and work effectively with health care providers, patients, caregivers and vendors to ensure that the most appropriate device and services are received timely.4. Ability to monitor contractors and vendors for compliance with contract requirements. GS-9 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental level): Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education. Education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or Master’s or equivalent graduate 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 may 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. and Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:1. Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management.2. Ability to organize, prioritize, and monitor actions to ensure timeliness.3. Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available. This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors.4. Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations.5. Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G34 Prosthetic Representative Qualification Standard. 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-07 to GS-09 with promotion potential to the GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The position is organizationally located in the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service in Philadelphia, PA. Prosthetic Representatives perform the work of rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to disabled patients.