Orthotist-Prosthetist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs seeks an Orthotist/Prosthetist to provide orthotic and prosthetic devices under supervision within the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section. The role involves patient assessment, device fabrication, and collaboration with the treatment team.

Applicants may be referred before all licensure requirements are met and progression to GS-07/11 levels requires demonstrated experience and KSAs in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and HCPCS knowledge.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to 2 full years of graduate study in orthotics and/or prosthetics.
• Clinical experience in orthotics/prosthetics or related hospital setting.
• Demonstrated KSAs in medical terminology, anatomy, biomechanics, and patient assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide orthotic/prosthetic devices under supervision and guidance of a supervisor.
• Attend clinics as part of the treatment team and contribute to patient care.
• Take measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area.
• Fabricate devices using hand and power tools.
• Collaborate with the orthotist/prosthetist to plan and modify devices.

Skills

Medical terminology

Anatomy & physiology

Orthotics fabrication

Prosthetics fabrication

Communication skills

HCPCS knowledge

Education

Graduate education equivalent (2 years) in orthotics/prosthetics

Tools

Hand & power tools

Job description

This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Prosthetist/Orthotist, provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment under supervision and guidance of a supervisory Orthotist Prosthetist.

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.

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:

Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-05:

• Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-07:

• Experience. One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases.
• Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency.
• Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication.
• Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-09:

• Education. Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment.

OR

• Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team. This includes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies.
• Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).
• Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions.
• Ability to take necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses.

Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-11:

• 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. 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.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects. This could include moving objects such as pieces of equipment and assistance in moving clients. Includes:

• Reaching: This position requires use of the arms to include movement away from the body.
• Standing: This position frequently requires standing to perform duties.
• Walking: This position requires frequent moving about on foot.
• Lifting: Lifting of equipment or supplies not to exceed 50 pounds is required of this position
• Fingering/hands: This position requires: hands on contact with veterans as it relates to the provision
• Talking: This position requires the incumbent to verbally communicate instructions..
• Hearing: This position requires constant perception of sounds at normal range, including the reception of oral communication both in person and over the phone.
• Vision: This position requires constant ability to see near and far.-
• Balancing: This position requires constant maintenance of equilibrium
• Bending: This position requires frequent bending at the knee.
• Kneeling: This position requires occasional bending of legs at knee to come to a rest or kneel.
• Crouching: this position requires occasional bending of the body downward and forward
• Pushing: This position requires occasional use of the upper extremities to press against something.
• Pulling: this position requires occasional use of the upper extremities to exert force.
• Carrying: This position occasionally requires the use of upper extremities.