Orthotist-Prosthetist

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Orthotist-Prosthetist works primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the Baltimore VA. The role provides orthotic and prosthetic services, including assessment, treatment planning, device fabrication where appropriate, fitting, and continuing patient care. The position also supports education, research, professional standards, and collaboration with patients and health care teams.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is limited to ad hoc arrangements as determined by agency policy; the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-05 through GS-11. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a 1- or 2-year trial period.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must meet one education pathway: a bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program; or a bachelor's degree or higher in any major plus a postgraduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Applicable VHA employees may qualify under the grandfathering provision.
• Must hold current board certification as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist from ABC or BOC and meet the certifying body's continuing-education requirements. Technician, pedorthist, assistant, or fitter certification does not satisfy this requirement.
• GS-05: No experience beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-07: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-05, including developmental assignments and training in tasks such as taking measurements, patient communication, and fabrication and fitting of simple appliances; must demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, disease etiology, psychology and age-related competency, and fabrication materials, as well as ability to use hand and power tools and communicate orally and in writing.
• GS-09: Qualify through either education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics, with the background demonstrating GS-09 core competencies; or one year of experience equivalent to GS-07 providing orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Required abilities include clinic and treatment-team participation, HCPCS knowledge, clinical analysis of patients with complex but typical conditions, and obtaining measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds.
• GS-11: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level providing orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting, including clinic and treatment-team participation, relevant clinical knowledge, HCPCS knowledge, patient analysis for complex conditions, and obtaining measurements, casts, or scans. Must demonstrate ability to participate as a fully contributing treatment-team member with considerable influence on treatment plans; assess patients with a wide range of complex conditions and design unique or innovative devices; and recognize potentially life-threatening physical abnormalities or complications.
• Applicants awaiting completion of education or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• Must complete a background/security investigation, online onboarding, and required application documentation; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of recent clinical experience providing direct patient care in both prosthetics and orthotics, ideally with a diverse and medically complex patient population.
• Proficiency in patient assessment, device design, fitting, and follow-up care using advanced materials and technologies.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, educating patients and families, and using electronic health records.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards and commitment to serving Veterans.

Responsibilities

• Comply with policies and regulations covering human resources, the physical environment, business and financial management, and organizational management.
• Follow applicable federal and state laws, regulations, professional standards, and ethical guidelines, including those identified for FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, NCOPE, ABC, and BOC.
• Document patient histories and financial records using established record-keeping practices to verify care and other relevant information.
• Communicate employer and employee roles and expectations, documenting them to support a professional, cooperative work environment and improve patient care.
• Participate in continuing education and provide education to health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, associates, technicians, and office staff.
• Participate in education for residents, students, and trainees.
• Participate in product development research, clinical trials, and outcome evaluation studies.
• Participate with consumer and nongovernmental organizations to promote competency and advancement of the orthotic-prosthetic profession.
• Provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluations to maintain and document optimal orthosis or prosthesis fit and function.
• Perform procedures needed to deliver orthotic and prosthetic services, which may include fabricating devices.
• Develop comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic treatment plans aligned with patient needs and goals.
• Attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team; at higher grade levels, contribute substantially to treatment-plan development.
• Assess patients, including analyses such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle, and take measurements, casts, or scans to create orthoses or prostheses.
• Recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions that may have life-threatening implications.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; eligibility depends on position type and other applicable conditions.
• Annual leave accrual based on years of federal service, with possible approved credit for prior work or military service experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level