Prosthetic Representative

Veterans Health Administration • West Haven, CT

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

This developmental position is in the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) within the VA New England Healthcare System. The role supports Veteran health and independence by completing prosthetic and sensory-aids assignments, projects, and activities that contribute to PSAS program goals. The selected employee serves as an advanced trainee, receiving formal and on-the-job training across the range of Prosthetic Representative duties, with guidance from senior PSAS staff on complex or developmental work. The position may be filled at GS-9 through GS-11; GS-11 is the full performance level.

The employee develops experience in administrative, analytical, procurement, contracting, inventory, budget, and program functions. Work includes preparing purchase orders and processing requests for prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies, home medical equipment, and repairs; coordinating with vendors, contractors, clinicians, and Supply Chain; reviewing contracts and requests; and applying applicable coding and benefit rules. The employee also conducts data analysis and reporting, supports quality assurance and cost-containment activities, helps develop local policies and procedures, and maintains awareness of applicable VA, VHA, PSAS, and accrediting-body requirements.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ad hoc telework may be available; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The role requires a pre-placement physical examination and periodic examinations for hybrid occupations.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet at least one basic qualification pathway: one year of creditable experience demonstrating the specified knowledge and abilities; a bachelor's degree plus at least 24 semester hours in related coursework; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or eligibility under the applicable grandfathering provision.
• Basic qualification experience must demonstrate knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology, accounting methods, research and analysis, inventory management, computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• For GS-9, one year of directly related creditable experience equivalent to GS-7, or qualifying graduate education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, with at least 24 semester hours in related coursework.
• For GS-9, demonstrate ability to identify trends and causation factors in data; organize, prioritize, and monitor work for timeliness; understand and explain benefit options; apply and educate others about applicable directives and policies; and work effectively with clinical teams to recommend prosthetic devices.
• For GS-11, one year of directly related creditable experience equivalent to GS-9 and the specified KSAs, including independent prioritization and problem-solving, coordinating team work, effective oral and written communication, support for staff development and strategic planning, liaison and complaint-resolution ability, and knowledge of rehabilitative goals and specialized-program requirements.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and required background/security investigation.
• Meet applicable onboarding, identification, application-document, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical, administrative, and analytical prosthetic-related assignments as an advanced trainee Prosthetic Representative.
• Complete formal and informal on-the-job training and developmental assignments with guidance from senior PSAS staff.
• Participate in facility committees, workgroups, and teams, and represent PSAS as a trainee at public relations activities such as lectures, town halls, and in-services.
• Complete administrative work involving statistics, data analysis, budgeting, contracting, procurement, inventory management, and human resources.
• Work with senior staff to draft local organizational policies and procedures consistent with national policies and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of VA, VHA, and PSAS requirements established by relevant governing and accrediting bodies.
• Prepare and authorize purchase orders for prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies, home medical equipment, and repairs; ensure requests are complete and processed within established timeframes.
• Confer with contractors, vendors, and healthcare workers about procurement needs, referring issues to senior staff when appropriate.
• Monitor contract compliance with statements of work and receive, analyze, and complete requests for prosthetic equipment and services.
• Assist in developing tools to monitor quality assurance and use PSAS compliance metrics and scorecards.
• Work with supervisors or senior staff to prepare budget estimates, develop cost-containment measures, and assist with benefit payment and reimbursement authorization.
• Procure materials, supplies, and equipment; coordinate with Supply Chain on prosthetic service inventory oversight; and refer Veterans to appropriate clinical areas for evaluation with guidance.
• Identify and select National CMS/HCPCS codes and enter codes for purchased or billed items to support proper reporting.
• Analyze program statistical data and prepare VHA and PSAS reports; refer complex coding and analysis issues to senior staff.
• Ensure surgical implants are FDA approved or cleared and collaborate with Supply Chain Management on local procedures and implant disposition.
• Collaborate with clinical staff on device and equipment repairs or replacements and take appropriate action to resolve issues.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve routine prosthetic issues using analytical, communication, and social-awareness skills.
• Review, interpret, and apply laws concerning benefits available to disabled patients, and maintain awareness of patients' medical and psychological problems.
• At the GS-11 level, work independently to set priorities, delegate tasks, meet deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement solutions.
• At the GS-11 level, provide technical guidance, coordinate work, monitor its accuracy and progress, communicate effectively, prepare and present reports, assist with staff development and strategic planning, and act as a liaison in resolving informal employee concerns.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal service or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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