This position is located within the Atlanta VA Health Care System in Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). The Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist (CPO) oversees training and implements clinical and laboratory services related to Prosthetics and Orthotics for disabled veterans. The prosthetics and orthotics clinic focuses on clinical expertise and leadership within the facility, ensuring the delivery of tailored, proactive, and patient-centered healthcare.
Basic Requirements: Citizenship. 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.) 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). 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). Must pass a background check. Grade Requirements: GS-12 Orthotist/Prosthetist Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as an orthotist/prosthetist functioning as a full member of the clinical team which includes significant involvement in treatment plan development for the most complex types of conditions. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of regulatory requirements established by the ABC, BOC, the National Committee for Orthotic/Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the International Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (IAOP), the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), etc. 2. Knowledge of administrative functions including budget development and management, inventory management, space and workload planning, as well as knowledge of the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD), knowledge of the Prosthetic National Software (PNS) package, Decision Support System (DSS), and knowledge of accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic laboratories and certification requirements for individuals. 3. Ability to analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, Vista, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information. 4. Ability to provide training to orthotists/prosthetists in new technologies and innovations in devices. 5. Ability to manage and supervise employees. (To be used if the assignment is supervisory in nature.) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12.
FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: Adheres to established guidelines and protocols to ensure the confidentiality of patient information. Conducts independent clinical evaluations of patients, assessing factors such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle, particularly for those with multiple health conditions. Participates in the formulation of criteria for prescribing prosthetic and orthotic devices. Engages in communication with physicians and allied health professionals to discuss and evaluate the clinical assessments and care plans of patients. Engages in the fitting, fabrication, adjustment, and repair of custom prostheses and orthoses using a variety of techniques and materials, while also measuring and fitting patients with advanced and innovative prosthetic and orthotic technologies. Takes measurements, creates casts, and performs scans of patients to produce positive molds for custom devices. Capable of preparing negative casts for scanning purposes, utilizing digitizers, Computer-aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, and carving tools, as well as pouring plaster or alginate and managing shipping processes. Develops positive molds and executes scans, racings, and impressions of bod segments for lamination and the use of materials such as metal, thermoplastics, thermosetting acrylic or epoxy resins, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and nylon. Conducts biomechanical and bench alignment, as well as the fabrication of metal components for prostheses and orthoses. Ensures compliance with all manufacturer specifications concerning patient safety, laboratory safety, and component safety. Assesses the final product against specifications, including trim lines, contours, quality, aesthetic appeal, and safety. Manages the responsibilities associated with submitting, packing, and shipping items pertinent to the role. Accurately documents workload, procedure coding, progress notes in electronic medical records, and details of appointments and encounters. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in products, procedures, materials, and techniques relevant to their professional practice. Participates in professional development seminars and training sessions provided by manufacturers that pertain to their field of expertise. Completes all mandatory training as required by hospital policies. Operates within the capacity of their professional role. Proficiency in medical terminology, as well as a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and the etiology of diseases, is essential, alongside a grasp of psychological principles and age-related competencies. An understanding of materials science is important, particularly regarding the properties of plastics, composites, metals, and leather, which are frequently utilized in the design, fabrication, and fitting of prescribed prosthetic and orthotic solutions. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, is a fundamental skill for successful interactions with patients and colleagues. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 59913F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized