Orthotist-Prosthetist

Veterans Health Administration • Vero Beach, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist/Prosthetist provides appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment based on a clinical assessment of each patient's needs and goals and a physician's prescription. The role includes patient evaluation, treatment planning, device design and fabrication, fitting, delivery, follow-up care, and documentation. The practitioner communicates with patients and caregivers about recommended care, procedures, risks, benefits, and device use; collaborates with other health care professionals; and refers patients to a higher-level practitioner when needs exceed scope of practice or privileging. The position also includes education for patients, caregivers, trainees, and health care professionals, as well as participation in continuing education.

The vacancy is at the GS-11 full-performance level. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with agency policy, and the position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and approval. A pre-employment physical evaluation is required, and the position requires a 1- or 2-year trial period.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• 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.
• Current board certification as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist from ABC or BOC, with compliance with the certifying body's continuing-education requirements; technician, pedorthist, assistant, or fitter certification does not meet this requirement.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-11: one year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to GS-09, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting.
• Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating treatment-team member, with considerable influence in treatment-plan development; advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, disease etiology, psychology, and age-related competencies.
• Ability to conduct clinical analyses, including gait, range of motion, and lifestyle assessments, for patients with complex medical conditions and design unique or innovative devices for unusual problems or complications.
• Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life-threatening implications.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and required background/security investigation; selected applicants must complete onboarding and required identification checks.
• Subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use for tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must complete a 1- or 2-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.
• Foreign education used to meet requirements must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency; qualifying education must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Applicants pending completion of education or certification/licensure may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until requirements are met.

Nice To Haves

• Current VHA employees in this occupation may qualify under the stated grandfathering provision if they meet its criteria.
• Prior work experience or military service may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval before appointment.

Responsibilities

• Examine patients and assess their individual needs, preferences, functional status, health, skin condition, and psychosocial status.
• Develop and implement orthotic and/or prosthetic treatment plans, including design, component selection, measurement or casting, preparation, fabrication, fitting, and delivery of devices.
• Explain recommended treatment, procedures, possible risks, benefits, and time involved to patients and caregivers, and involve them in care decisions.
• Document patient history, treatment, ongoing care, follow-up, findings, and actions using established record-keeping techniques.
• Provide continuing care and periodic examinations to assess device fit, function, structural safety, and changing patient needs.
• Consult higher-level orthotists/prosthetists or physicians and referral sources to clarify or modify prescriptions and treatment plans; refer patients when intervention exceeds scope of practice or privileging.
• Select appropriate materials and techniques, prepare impressions or templates, fabricate or assemble devices, and follow manufacturers' guidelines.
• Assess and align orthoses and prostheses in sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes to support function and comfort; provide gait or functional-use training.
• Educate and counsel patients and caregivers about device use and maintenance.
• Solicit patient or caregiver feedback, assess device fit and anatomical relationships, identify required modifications, make modifications, and evaluate their outcomes through static and dynamic assessment.
• Reassess patient understanding of device goals and proper use after modifications, and communicate findings and actions to appropriate health care professionals.
• Follow applicable policies, laws, regulations, and professional and ethical guidelines, including those related to FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC, and BOC.
• Communicate employer and employee roles and expectations through documentation to support a professional, cooperative work environment and patient care.
• Participate in continuing education and provide education to health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, residents, students, and trainees.
• Attend clinics and participate as a treatment-team member in developing treatment plans.

Benefits

• Relocation expense reimbursement may be available under agency policy.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan payment reimbursement, up to $200,000, subject to eligibility, application, and program approval.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential annual-leave accrual credit for prior federal service, work experience, or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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