Health Technician - Orthotic Fitter

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Health Technician – Orthotic Fitter to support the Prosthetic & Sensory Aid Service.

The role involves constructing simple orthotic devices, fitting non‑custom soft goods, and assisting with inventory in a clinic/lab setting. The position requires one year of graduate education in orthotics/prosthetics or related health sciences, plus experience in fitting, dispensing, or evaluating orthotic needs.

Qualifications

• Basic English proficiency required (written and spoken).
• Experience applying knowledge of orthotics/prosthetics in clinical settings.
• Graduate education or experience in orthotics/prosthetics or related health sciences.

Responsibilities

• Construct, shape, and repair orthotic/prosthetic devices from casts or documents.
• Fit and dispense non‑custom orthotic soft goods.
• Assist with inventory management of orthotic/prosthetic materials.

Skills

English proficiency

patient evaluation

inventory management

telephone inquiries

Education

One year of graduate‑level education in orthotics, prosthetics, kinesiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation science, biomedical engineering, or health sciences

Tools

ROES

Job description

Summary The primary purpose of the Health Technician – Orthotic Fitter is to support the clinical and administrative functions of the Prosthetic & Sensory Aid Service (PSAS) by constructing simple orthotic and prosthetic devices and fitting over the counter orthotic soft goods as deemed appropriate and prescribed by VA and medical facility policies, procedures, and treatment plans.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date (09/30/2026). English Language Proficiency: Basic written and spoken English is required.

Individual Occupational Requirement for 0640 Series: Positions in this series provide support duties to medical or health personnel. Technician experience should include application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.

GS‑06 Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑05 in the Federal Service. Experience may include assisting in fitting and dispensing non‑custom orthotic soft goods, performing basic patient screenings, documenting clinical or administrative information, preparing fabrication materials, maintaining inventory, and providing general administrative support.

GS‑07 Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑06 in the Federal Service. Must involve independently fitting and dispensing non‑custom orthotic soft goods, interpreting consults, performing patient evaluations, constructing, repairing, or modifying orthotic/prosthetic devices, monitoring inventory, and educating patients.

Education: Successfully completed one year of graduate‑level education in orthotics, prosthetics, kinesiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation science, biomedical engineering, or health sciences. Combination of graduate education and specialized experience may also qualify.

Preferred Experience: Experience in outpatient and/or inpatient settings as an orthotic fitter or therapeutic shoe fitter; completion of precertification education for Certified Fitter‑orthotics or Certified Fitter‑therapeutic shoes; certification as a Certified Fitter‑orthotics or Certified Fitter‑therapeutic shoes (CFo/COF or CFts).

Physical Requirements: Moderate exertion and high dexterity; long periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs., and use of power tools. Pre‑employment examination required.

Work Environment: Office and laboratory setting; visits to wards, nursing homes, and clinics; occasional travel; PPE may be required.

Responsibilities

• This position involves a multi‑grade career ladder.
• Major duties represent the full performance level of GS‑7; lower grade levels involve more limited scope and less independence.
• Progressively acquire the background needed for GS‑7 performance; promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and contingent on performance and funding.
• Construct, shape, and repair common orthotic/prosthetic devices from casts or documents; repair custom foot orthoses and shoes using a wide variety of materials.
• Under the direction of a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist, construct, shape molded and custom‑made orthoses/prostheses including upper and lower limb and spinal orthoses.
• Fit and dispense non‑custom orthotic soft goods.
• Assist with repair, engineering, fitting, and dispensing of orthotic appliances.
• Answer telephone inquiries and respond appropriately.
• Assist in managing orthotic and prosthetic inventory, including chemical inventory.
• Request patient‑specific items through the Remote Order Entry System (ROES).
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
• Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician – Orthotic Fitter/PD23357A and PD23356A.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
• Promotion Potential: May be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.
• Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.