This position functions in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service, located at the Orlando VAMC, Viera OR Lake Baldwin VA Clinic. The Orthotist Prosthetist is specifically trained to manage the custom designed, fabricated, modified and fitted orthoses and prostheses based upon the clinical assessment. **A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate subject to approval, available funding, and in accordance with policy.**
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 for all grade levels: United States Citizenship: Must be US Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, of VA Handbook 5005. Education-Transcript must be uploaded with application. A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR, 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. Board certification must be submitted with application. Grandfathering Provision. Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) If an employee who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. GS-11 Grade Level (Full Performance Level) Experience: Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) 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 KSAs: 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. 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. Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Preferred Experience: Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/91, dated March 2017. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/OHRM/QualificationStandards/HT38/0667-Orthotist-Prosthetist.pdf. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
The Orthotist-Prosthetist functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service at the Orlando VAMC. The Orthotist/Prosthetist provides appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment. To accomplish this goal, the Orthotist/Prosthetist: Conducts an examination of the patient and assessment of their individual needs and desires. Ensures compliance with the treatment plan. Designs, selects components, takes measurements/casting of the patient, executes fabrication and fitting of the device to the patient. Ensures proper documentation of the patient record. Provides continuing care and periodic examination of the patient and the orthotic/prosthetic device to assess fit, function and changing needs of the patient. Performs a limited assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patients orthotic/prosthetic needs. Within the scope of privileging, follows an orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet specific needs and goals of the patient Within scope of privileging, performs the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis Within scope of privileging, provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis Complies with policies, procedures and regulations regarding human resource management, physical environment management, business/financial management and organizational management. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 82454F, 82455F, 80142F / ORTHOTIST/PROSTHETIST Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Travel: Driving may be needed to cover other clinics locally on occasion. Active state driver's license will be required during onboarding. Additional Benefits Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.