Orthotist-Prosthetist

Veterans Health Administration • Battle Creek, MI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. Under the supervision and guidance of a supervisory Orthotist-Prosthetist, the incumbent provides appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment. The work includes examining patients, assessing individual needs and goals, formulating treatment plans, selecting designs and components, measuring or casting, fabricating and fitting devices, documenting care, and providing continuing follow-up to assess fit, function, and changing patient needs.

The Orthotist-Prosthetist develops and implements treatment plans in coordination with patients, caregivers, physicians, and other health care professionals. The role includes conducting clinical assessments, preparing patients for procedures, selecting materials and techniques, and delivering appropriate services, which may include device fabrication. The incumbent also follows applicable policies, laws, regulations, and professional standards, and participates in continuing education, training, research, and professional activities. The full performance level is GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• 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 post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
• Foreign graduates must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent verified by an independent credential evaluation company, with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics.
• Current board certification as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist by ABC or BOC, with compliance with the certifying body's continuing education requirements.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-07, one year of creditable orthotist/prosthetist experience equivalent to the next lower grade, plus the specified knowledge of medical terminology and related sciences, psychology and age-related competency, materials science, hand and power tools, and oral and written communication.
• For GS-09, 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 required core competencies, or one year of qualifying experience equivalent to the next lower grade; also requires the specified clinical, HCPCS, patient-analysis, and measurement/casting/scanning abilities.
• For GS-11, one year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade in a hospital setting, plus the specified advanced knowledge and abilities for complex cases, treatment-team participation, innovative device design, and recognition of potentially life-threatening abnormalities or complications.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and, if selected, complete applicable background/security, onboarding, identification, and drug-screening requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Physical ability to exert up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or 25 pounds frequently, including moving equipment and assisting with moving clients; the role also entails reaching, frequent standing and walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, hands-on contact with veterans, speaking, hearing, near and far vision, balancing, frequent knee bending, occasional kneeling and crouching, occasional pushing and pulling, and occasional carrying.

Responsibilities

• Review patient prescriptions and referrals and communicate and document consult information for scheduling.
• Obtain comprehensive patient histories, including medical and diagnostic information, previous orthotic or prosthetic use, work and vocational activities, allergies, expectations, and reimbursement status.
• Conduct diagnosis-specific functional clinical examinations, including manual muscle testing, gait assessment, and evaluation of sensory function, cognition, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity, and compliance.
• Consult with health care professionals and caregivers to help develop patient treatment plans.
• Evaluate clinical findings and recommend orthotic or prosthetic treatment, goals, and expected outcomes.
• Consult with the physician or referral source to modify a prescription or treatment plan when necessary.
• Identify materials, designs, and components to support the anticipated treatment outcome.
• Explain procedures, potential risks, and expected time requirements to patients, families, and caregivers.
• Select appropriate materials and techniques to implement treatment plans and provide preparatory care, such as diagnostic splints or residual-limb shrinkers.
• Prepare patients for procedures, including taking impressions, digitizing, delineating, or scanning.
• Design, measure or cast, fabricate, fit, and provide orthotic and/or prosthetic devices as required.
• Obtain patient or caregiver feedback about wear schedule, tolerance, comfort, perceived benefits and detriments, donning and doffing, proper use and function, and overall satisfaction.
• Assess patients' functional level, skin condition, general health, height, and weight, and note changes during continuing care.
• Document patient care and periodically evaluate devices to maintain and document optimal fit and function.
• Follow applicable federal and state laws, regulations, professional and ethical guidelines, and organizational policies concerning patient care, rights, privacy, personnel, facilities, finances, and organizational management.
• Participate in consumer and nongovernmental organizations to promote professional competency and development.
• Provide education to residents, students, and trainees.
• Participate in product development research, clinical trials, and outcome evaluation studies.
• Attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team; at the GS-11 level, participate fully and influence treatment-plan development.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and other conditions.
• Selected applicants may request and receive approved credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal service or military service; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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