This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist, provides the appropriate orthotic and/ or prosthetic devices and treatment. To accomplish this goal, the Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist/Prosthetist through.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Board Certification: Candidates must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred Experience: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desired. If selected for this position, per VHA Directive 1177, you must possess current BCLS certification as you will provide direct clinical care to patients in this position. Grade Determinations Experience: Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs: 1. Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan. This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies. 2. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications, and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions. 3. Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/91, PART II, APPENDIX G32. ORTHOTIST/PROSTHETIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD dated March 21, 2017 Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary and is carried out in an office setting. Prolonged periods of working at a computer terminal exists. Ability to retrieve equipment from storage room is required. Climbing and reaching associated with stocking of equipment is necessary. Incumbent may carry/lift items weighing up to twenty (20) pounds. Normal safety precautions are adequate.
Performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patients orthotic/prosthetic needs: Review patient's prescription/referral. Take a comprehensive patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history (including allergies to materials), reimbursement status, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations. Assist in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination, including manual muscle-testing, gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity and compliance. Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan. Communicate with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, and any optional plans, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits. Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established record-keeping techniques. Refer patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals ( e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice. Create a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient: Evaluate the findings to determine an orthotic/prosthetic recommendation. Formulate treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort, enhance function and independence, provide stability, prevent deformity, address cosmesis and/or promote healing. Consult with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan. Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome. Develop a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow-up. Document treatment plan using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care. Perform the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis: Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure. Select appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan .Provide patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment (e.g., diagnostic splint, residual limb shrinker). Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan ( e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan) implement procedure (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan). Select appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required ( e.g., choose ankle or knee joints, feet, knee units; choose material of components, lamination lay-ups). Consult technical component/material resources as required. Prepare delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication (e.g., prepare impression/reverse delineation, seal and fill impression/pour cast, digitize, strip model, download shape to carver or modification software). Modify and prepare patient model for fabrication. Fabricate/assemble prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery (e.g., laminate/vacuum-form, remove socket/ orthosis from model, smooth and finish orthosis/prosthesis, contour side bars to model/delineation, smooth and finish sidebars, bench align components to socket, strap orthosis/prosthesis as necessary, perform final assembly of orthosis/prosthesis for patient fitting/delivery). Assess device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery (e.g., torque values, patient weight limits). Assess/align orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort. Provide gait training /functional-use training. Ensure that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed. Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50922F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized