The primary purpose of the position is to support the clinical and administrative functions of VISN 23 and Prosthetics Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Orthotic Prosthetic, Pedorthic Clinical Services division by, managing the comprehensive pedorthic patient care for the prevention or amelioration of painful, unusual, complex, and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle as prescribed by VA and medical facility policies, procedures and treatment plans. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience. Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, prosthetics, and optometrists. Experience for this position typically includes but is not limited to: knowledge of a wide variety of standard and custom medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic appliances, their purposes and functions; knowledge of patient anatomy and specialized terminology associated with the work of prosthetics and orthotics; skill in working with metals, leather, plastics, fabrics, and other materials and associated tools or mechanical devices to assemble clinically indicated prosthetic and orthotic devices; communicating orally and in writing; and knowledge of computer software programs to maintain inventory, order supplies, and documenting patient record with item and/or service provided. GS-08 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, prosthetics, and optometrists. Experience for this position typically includes but is not limited to: Experience working independently as a lead Certified Pedorthist working with a wide variety and large volume of devices. Ability to read medical records and interpret consults for appropriate Pedorthotic care and provision of OTC orthotics and therapeutic shoes. Knowledge of multiple orthotic soft goods available, their application, purpose and design principles. Skilled in fabricating complex Orthotic and Pedorthic items. Customer service oriented with experience in multi-tasking. Knowledge of medical terminology, with experience working in health care system with little supervision. In addition to the entry level requirements, the full performance level (GS-08) requires national certification by ABC or BOC as a Certified Pedorthist (CPed, or BOCPED). The completion of an Associate's degree is preferred, but not required. Certification needs to be included in your application package. There is no educational substitution at either level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["Major Duties: Treats, via pedorthic principles, patients with various disorders with diagnosis below the ankle. Formulation of treatment plan in protecting insensate feet, and treating orthopedic deformities below the ankle. Implementation of pedorthic treatment plan including plaster modification, material selection, fabrication of pedorthic devices, device structural evaluation, initial gait training. Fits and dispenses non-custom orthotic soft goods Assists with the repair, engineering, fitting and dispensing of orthotic appliances Answers telephone inquiries directed toward the service line and responds appropriately Assists in the managing of orthotic and prosthetic inventory within the department, including chemical inventory Ensures inventory locations are kept clean and organized Requests patient specific items through the Remote Order Entry system Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Pedorthist/ Physical Requirements: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, long periods of standing and long-distance walking from clinic to clinic may be required. Other physical demands will include but not limited to; bending, kneeling, some lifting (not to exceed 50 lbs.) and work with some power tools. The work is typically performed in an office setting with an area to fit measure and repair prosthetic and sensory aid appliances as well as a laboratory setting with equipment to modify, fabricate and repair orthotic and prosthetic devices. Lab coat must be worn. Wards, nursing homes and clinics may also be visited. Occasional travel may be required to assess patients. PPE may be required for patient assessment. Promotion Potential: The selectee 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."]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.