The incumbent serves as a Prosthetic Representative (Service Chief) for the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services. The incumbent supervises staff and performs both supervisory and non-supervisory programmatic assignments concerned with rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to Veterans throughout the VHA. The incumbent manages and provides local-level oversight to facility PSAS programs to achieve mission goals.
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: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part) English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education: Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below. Experience. One year of creditable experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology; knowledge of accounting methods; ability to research, analyze, comprehend, and apply decisions; basic knowledge of inventory management procedures; ability to use computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheet development, and database management; and ability to work independently and as a member of a team; or Education. A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business. The 24 semester hours could include but is not limited to any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree; or Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-13 Prosthetic Representative (Service Chief) Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of directives, handbooks, clinical practice guidelines, and regulations that apply to Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service to resolve complex, controversial, or precedent-setting matters. Ability to manage specialty prosthetic services. This includes the ability to provide specialty services based on the unique needs of the patient. Skill and ability to effectively advise senior management officials. Ability to manage a health care program that provides home medical equipment, rehabilitation services, home oxygen, visual or hearing impairment devices, assistive technology, orthotics, or prosthetics. Ability to supervise/manage through subordinate supervisors the activities of prosthetic representatives that have diverse functions. Ability to establish and monitor productivity standards and production and performance priorities. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job including their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2.
Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates and assigns work based on priorities. Provides direction and guidance in accomplishing major milestones, goals, and objectives. Evaluates work performed by employees; interviews candidates for positions and makes selections; hears and resolves employee complaints and grievances; counsels employees and initiates disciplinary actions. Identifies developmental and training needs to ensure organizational proficiency. Manages time and leave. Develops functional statements, performance standards and competencies. Recommends promotions, and special advancements for performance and advancements for achievements. Adjusts workloads and projects and forecast future work. Ensures all supervisory functions are carried out in accordance with VA Human Resources rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Plans, develops, organizes, directs, manages, controls, implements, and evaluates programs for the Service. Manages and provides oversight for multiple programs at the local level and interacts with other government agencies and standards organizations. Develops local policies and procedures consistent with national policies and procedures. Ensures proper coordination between care delivered by PSAS and the overall delivery of healthcare within the facility. Assists in drafting and/or recommending national policies. Implements new, local, and national programs, guidelines, policies and directives. Oversees the operation of the Prosthetic, Orthotic, and Optical Laboratories including restorations. Responsibility for the professional practice of all facility PSAS staff. Individuals at the GS-13 level are typically assigned as Chiefs at a complex facility that provide multiple specialty services. The Chief is a member of the senior leadership team providing advice for integrated care programs for a diverse Veteran population with multiple diagnoses, and other needs. Advises the VA Central Office and VISN in the development of PSAS policies. Implements new, local, and national guidelines and directives. Provides oversight to facility PSAS programs to achieve mission goals. Establishes short and long-term strategic plans to ensure that programs are managed in a manner that enhances the achievement of goals and objectives. Develops proposals, business plans, and action plans to improve effectiveness. Ensures the effective utilization of resources to include space, equipment, supplies, and personnel. Plans and prepares budget estimates. Manages special purpose prosthetics funding and ensures proper cost controls and spending procedures throughout the service. Represents VA with other agencies on issues regarding prosthetic and sensory aids services. Responds to Congressional inquiries and other correspondence dealing with the assigned program area. Communications with management and stakeholders may be in face-to-face meetings or in writing. Serves as a technical advisor and subject matter expert in prosthetic and sensory aids. Advises clinicians with regards to selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices. Furnishes information on developments in the field of prosthetics and sources of supply for such devices. Keeps abreast of current issues in the health care industry and technological advances. Provides advice and guidance to clinicians regarding the selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices. Interprets prescriptions of clinicians to make certain that medically indicated prosthetic devices and/or services are prescribed for, patients. Authorizes the purchase, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic devices. Maintains continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies. Inspects their facilities and services and participates in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts. Coordinates Facility level reviews and monitoring of specialty programs that include Clothing Allowance, Home Oxygen, Automobile Adaptive Equipment, and Home and Structural Alterations to assure all program activities are carried out in accordance with eligibility requirements and VHA regulations. Conducts home and vendor visits to authorize benefit payments, reimbursement and contract compliance. Processes and authorizes service and payment of monthly Home O2 program. Reviews, monitors, analyzes, and evaluates the results of various databases' prosthetics data referring to staff for guidance. Determines eligibility for prosthetic services/items for veterans. Reviews veterans medical and administrative files; interview veterans; inspects equipment and appliances; and authorizes benefit payments and reimbursements. Ensures that The Joint Commission standards of care is implemented. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Available (Ad-Hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 436-56892 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized