Orthotist-Prosthetist

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: A bachelor’s degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program, OR, 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: 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 and 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). Preferred Experience: Dual certified in Prosthetics and Orthotics (CPO) Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 (Entry Level) (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. Assignments at this grade level are entry level trainee in nature where the individual receives developmental assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills, and abilities. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks such as taking measurements, patient communication, and fabrication and fitting of simple appliances. The work is performed under close supervision. GS-7 (a) Experience. One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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. Assignment. Assignments at this grade level represent a developmental level where the individual continues developing the more complex knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare for substantially independent functioning at the GS-9 grade level. The work includes consultation with the physician, therapist, and/or senior orthotist/prosthetist staff members to obtain and understand the prescription; taking measurements for fabrication and fitting for common disability levels including orthoses for the trunk and cervical spine, leg braces, and prostheses for short or long stumps; and fabrication and fitting of those appliances. GS-9 (a) 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, (b) 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. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. 4. Ability to take necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses. (d) Assignments. Employees at this level perform a broad range of orthotic and prosthetic services designing custom devices using standard components to optimize patient performance for difficult and complex but typical conditions. Assignments include clinic attendance to provide information on standard and stock items which are readily available. The work involves identification of the biomechanical condition; explaining procedures to patients to reduce anxiety and gain support and cooperation; detailed patient assessment including conducting gait analysis, range of motion, coordination and balance, and motor skills; interviewing patients for lifestyle assessments; taking necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds; GS-11 (Full Performance Level) (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) 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.; References: VHA 5005, Appendix G32, Orthotist-Prosthetist Qualification Standard. Full performance level: 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: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above the shoulder; Use of fingers; Both Hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (4 hours); Specific visual requirement (See computer, assess fit); Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental Requirements: Dust; Fumes, smoke, or gases; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working with hands in water; Vibration; Working closely with others; Working alone; Desk work-documentation.
This position functions as part of the VISN 20 Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service primarily in the Orthotic & Prosthetic Clinical Service. The Prosthetics and Sensory Aides Service Line in VISN 20 is unique in that it is a fully integrated system at the VISN level. Although our staff are assigned to specific primary duty stations at the facility level, our staff are not employed by that facility and rather work for the VISN.