Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist - Orthotics Clinic

This position functions primarily in the Orthotic‑Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Orthotist‑Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist provides appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment.

United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy

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

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

English Language Proficiency

Orthotists‑prosthetists‑or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.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

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

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

Orthotist/Prosthetist is an allied health professional specifically trained to provide or manage the provision of custom designed, fabricated, modified and fitted orthoses and prostheses based upon the independent or consultative clinical assessment of the patient’s unique needs and desires – as well as their expectations and pursuant to a physician’s prescription

GS‑11 Orthotist/Prosthetist (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

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, lifestyle 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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11

The Orthotist‑Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist provides appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment

Continuing care and periodic examination of the patient and the orthotic/prosthetic device to assess fit, function and changing needs of the patient

Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care

Includes disclosure of potential risks/benefits

Verifies patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow‑up using established record‑keeping techniques

Refers patient – if appropriate – to higher level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice or privileging

Consults with higher‑level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist to clarify or with physician/referral source to modify – if necessary – the original prescription and/or treatment plan

Identifies material, design and components to support anticipated outcome

Informs patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure – possible risks and time involved in the procedure

Selects appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan

Provides patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment

Consults technical component/material resources as required

Fabricates/assembles prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery

Provides gait training / functional‑use training

Ensures that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed

Documents treatment using established record‑keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan

Assesses patient’s general health – height and weight – and notes any changes

Documents all findings and actions and communicates with appropriate health care professionals

Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., Participates in continuing education and/or provides such education for other health care professionals – orthotic and prosthetic practitioners

Participates in education for residents, students and trainees

Participates in product development research, clinical trials and outcome evaluation studies

Participates in/with consumer organizations and nongovernmental organizations to promote competency and enhancement of orthotic/prosthetic profession

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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