Orthopedic Technician

Veterans Health Administration•Mather AFB, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Orthopedic Health Technician (OHT) works in the Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics, which are organizationally responsible to the Orthopedic Division of the Department of Surgery. This journeyman technician provides direct patient care to patients requiring casts, braces, splints, and traction at Sacramento VAMC outpatient, emergency department, operating room, and inpatient locations. The position also provides staffing support for the Podiatry clinic as workload permits and is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to apply and remove casts. The technician applies knowledge of infection-control and safety practices, sterilization procedures, reusable medical equipment maintenance, and methods and materials used to make casts and braces. The role requires recognizing and reporting obvious abnormalities during procedures, using proper body mechanics, and using VistA, Windows NT, compatible personal computers, and the CPRS electronic medical record. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation/recruitment incentives, a Critical Skills Incentive, and permanent change-of-station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-6, applying the knowledge, methods, and techniques of orthopedic technician work.
Specialized experience examples include assisting physicians with special casts such as body casts and spicas; setting up and maintaining a sterile field for minor orthopedic procedures; comparing clinic schedules with availability of bone films; making inpatient rounds; checking orthopedic equipment and performing safety checks; and providing feedback to nurses and area leadership.
For current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade rules: 52 weeks at GS-6 for a GS-7 position, with supporting SF-50 documentation.
U.S. citizenship.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Successful completion of applicable background/security investigation and onboarding requirements.
Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position must submit to urinalysis; refusal results in denial of employment.
Participation in seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs is required for applicable VA health care personnel, subject to legally required accommodations.
Competencies assessed include Interpersonal Effectiveness, Medical Information, Reading, and Writing.
Physical ability to hold a patient's extremity steadily for up to one hour; work at a computer terminal; and tolerate prolonged standing and holding surgical instrumentation in operating-room or treatment-room settings.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care to patients requiring casts, braces, splints, and traction in outpatient, emergency department, operating room, and inpatient settings.
Provide staffing support for the Podiatry clinic as workload permits.
Operate and maintain equipment used to apply and remove casts.
Follow OSHA bloodborne-pathogen safety standards and universal precautions to protect patients and self from infection.
Clean and sterilize instruments and maintain reusable medical equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions to help prevent the spread of infectious and contagious diseases.
Apply methods and techniques for developing casts and braces, selecting appropriate materials, and using related tools and equipment.
Recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
Use proper body mechanics to maintain the safety of patients and self.
Use VistA, Windows NT, compatible personal computers, and the CPRS electronic medical record.