Orthotist/Prosthetist (Hiring Immediately)

Orthotist/Prosthetist The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist-Prosthetist for the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System in Muskogee, OK. This position provides custom-designed, fabricated, modified, and fitted orthoses and prostheses, conducts patient assessments, supports physician-prescribed treatment plans, and provides orthotic/prosthetic services for disabled Veterans with unique clinical and functional needs. Location: Muskogee, OK Facility: Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, 1011 Honor Heights Drive, Muskogee, OK 74401 Vacancies: 1 Salary: $40,736 - $97,087 per year Salary Note: RUS pay scale Pay Scale & Grade: GS-5 to GS-11 Promotion Potential: GS-11 Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Appointment Type: Permanent Telework: Not available Remote/Virtual: Not available Travel Required: 75% or less; travel may be expected for this position Relocation Expenses: Not reimbursed EDRP: Authorized; student loan reimbursement may be available up to $200,000, subject to eligibility and VHA approval Drug Test: Not required Security Clearance: Not required Position Sensitivity/Risk: Non-sensitive / Low Risk Background Check: Credentialing and suitability/fitness required Financial Disclosure: Not required Federal Service: Competitive Service Union Representation: Yes Supervisory Status: No Functional Statement: 623-53742-A, 623-53743-A, 623-53744-A, 623-53745-A Key Responsibilities: Serve as an Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist-Prosthetist within the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section. Provide custom-designed, fabricated, modified, and fitted orthoses and prostheses based on physician prescriptions. Perform limited assessments by reviewing prescriptions, referrals, medical history, functional status, and prior device use. Consult with physicians, therapists, caregivers, and senior orthotic/prosthetic staff to clarify prescriptions and ensure appropriate device selection. Identify suitable materials, components, and designs consistent with treatment plans and expected outcomes. Communicate with patients to explain procedures, obtain cooperation, reduce anxiety, and provide education regarding device use and care. Document patient history, progress, and follow-up using established record-keeping procedures and organizational guidelines. Take accurate measurements for fabrication and fitting of orthoses and prostheses for common disability levels, including spinal, upper extremity, lower extremity, transtibial, and transfemoral devices. Prepare molds, tracings, impressions, and digital or physical models used in fabrication. Fabricate, assemble, and align orthotic and prosthetic components of limited to moderate complexity. Select and prepare appropriate materials to ensure durability, structural safety, and proper function. Perform preliminary alignment and fitting and adjust devices to improve comfort, function, and stability. Evaluate fit and mechanical relationships to determine whether modifications are needed. Make device adjustments such as pressure relief, alignment changes, component changes, and range-of-motion modifications. Ensure fabrication guidelines, safety standards, torque requirements, and manufacturer recommendations are followed. Provide patient preparation and instruction for device delivery, wear schedules, maintenance, and safe use. Conduct static and dynamic evaluations to confirm devices meet clinical goals and prescription objectives. Maintain accurate patient records consistent with Medical Center, VISN, JCAHO, ABC, and BOC requirements. Follow policies and procedures related to patient privacy, safety, infection control, and ethical practice. Work collaboratively with colleagues to support coordinated, professional patient care. Participate in manufacturer trainings, professional seminars, continuing education, in-service programs, case discussions, product development, outcome evaluation, and related professional activities. Complete all required hospital and regulatory training. Perform other duties as assigned depending on grade level. Basic Qualifications: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Must have a bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-accredited program; or a bachelor's degree or higher in any major plus a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Foreign graduates must have proof of at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent verified through an independent credential evaluation company, with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist. Board certification must be current, and the applicant must follow the certifying body's continuing education requirements. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant, or fitter does not meet the certification requirement. Applicants pending completion of educational, certification, or licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Must be subject to a background/security investigation. Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959. Must complete all application requirements and online onboarding requirements. Must provide acceptable identification for employment eligibility verification. Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel. Selected applicant will be required to serve a one-year or two-year trial period. Eligibility: This announcement is open to current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees and current permanent federal employees of other agencies. First consideration will be given to current permanent Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System employees. Applicants who are not current permanent VA or federal employees should apply under announcement CBSU-12940147-26-JEH. The two-page resume requirement does not apply to this position. This is an open continuous announcement and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications was May 1, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every other Friday. Eligible applications received after the initial cut-off date may be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. GS-5 Qualification Requirements: Must meet all basic qualification requirements. No additional experience beyond the basic requirements is required. GS-7 Qualification Requirements: Must have one year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level. Must demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. Must demonstrate knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. Must demonstrate knowledge of materials science, including plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. Must be able to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. Must be able to communicate orally and in writing. GS-9 Qualification Requirements: Must have education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics, with background demonstrating the core competencies for GS-9; or Must have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Must be able to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team. Must have knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. Must be able to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle assessment for patients with complex but typical conditions. Must be able to take necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected body area to create orthoses and/or prostheses. GS-11 Qualification Requirements: Must have completed one year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Must be able to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in treatment plan development. Must have advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, etiology of diseases, psychology, and age-related competencies. Must be able to conduct clinical patient analyses, such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle assessment, for patients with complex medical conditions, unusual problems, or complications. Must be able to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate complex medical conditions. Must be able to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life-threatening implications. GS-11 is the full performance level of this vacancy. Education: Education must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be supported by a certificate of foreign equivalency if used to meet qualification requir