This position is located at Ralph H. Johnson, VAMC, Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). The Certified Orthotist-Prosthetist (CPO) oversees training and implements clinical and laboratory services related to Prosthetics and Orthotics for disabled veterans. The prosthetics and orthotics clinic focuses on clinical expertise and leadership within the facility, ensuring the delivery of tailored, proactive, and patient-centered healthcare.
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Education: 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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Board Certification. 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. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) as an orthotist/prosthetist functioning as a full member of the clinical team which includes significant involvement in treatment plan development for the most complex types of conditions. Experience at the GS-11 level would include and but not limited to: communicates and interacts with physicians, allied health professionals, patients, and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings, rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular care, podiatry, oncology, etc., as a subject matter expert to develop the orthotic and/or prosthetic treatment plan. The work includes complex patient analyses in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, multiple complex conditions, interrelated conditions, etc.; assessment of the patient for indications/contra-indications and discussion of the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of that plan; consideration of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level is expected to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA: Knowledge of regulatory requirements established by the ABC, BOC, the National Committee for Orthotic/Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the International Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (IAOP), the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Knowledge of administrative functions including budget development and management, inventory management, space and workload planning, as well as knowledge of the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD), knowledge of the Prosthetic National Software (PNS) package, Decision Support System (DSS), and knowledge of accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic laboratories and certification requirements for individuals. Ability to analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, Vista, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information. Ability to provide training to orthotists/prosthetists in new technologies and innovations in devices. Preferred Experience: Three or more years of experience as a certified orthotist-prosthetist. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for GS-12. Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
The incumbent is tasked with delivering customer service and support, comprehending, and implementing the mission goals and objectives of the Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO), Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN), facility, and section, while adhering to the standards set by the Joint Commission and the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC). Duties include but not limited to: Demonstrates an understanding of the intricate and distinctive activities and characteristics associated with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Services, the (Patient Aligned Care Team) PACT Committee, the Amputation System of Care (ASoC), the Regional Amputation Center (RAC), and the Service member Transitional Amputation Rehabilitation (STAR) program. Aids in the planning, development, and management of an Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory and related clinical activities at the national, VISN, or local level. Acts as a consultant to physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the indications and contraindications of prosthetic and orthotic components, as well as prescription criteria. Authorizes the procurement, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic devices. Maintains ongoing communication with manufacturers and suppliers of prosthetic materials, evaluating their facilities and services, and participating in the procurement process for prosthetic appliance contracts. Engages in investigative and research projects by selecting appropriate studies. This role necessitates an in-depth understanding of the medical and psychological issues associated with using prosthetic devices, as well as expertise in the design and proper fitting of these devices. The administrative responsibilities of this position demand proficiency in budget formulation and oversight, inventory control, spatial and workload organization, contract management, human resources, and familiarity with the National Prosthetic Patient and Prosthetic national software systems. The certified Orthotist-Prosthetist in this role must demonstrate strong analytical skills, social sensitivity, tact, diplomacy, and effective communication abilities. A solid grasp of established management principles, concepts, and methodologies is required to identify, assess, and resolve managerial and administrative challenges of both procedural and factual nature. The incumbent must always maintain an active practitioner certification as an Orthotist­ Prosthetist (CPO) from either the American Board for Certification (ABC) or the Board of Certification (BOC). Adheres to established guidelines and protocols to ensure the confidentiality of patient information. Conducts independent clinical evaluations of patients, assessing factors such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle, particularly for those with multiple health conditions. Participates in the formulation of criteria for prescribing prosthetic and orthotic devices. Engages in communication with physicians and allied health professionals to discuss and evaluate the clinical assessments and care plans of patients. Engages in the fitting, fabrication, adjustment, and repair of custom prostheses and orthoses using a variety of techniques and materials, while also measuring and fitting patients with advanced and innovative prosthetic and orthotic technologies. Capable of preparing negative casts for scanning purposes, utilizing digitizers, Computer­ aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, and carving tools, as well as pouring plaster or alginate and managing shipping processes. Develops positive molds and executes scans, tracings, and impressions of body segments for lamination and the use of materials such as metal, thermoplastics, thermosetting acrylic or epoxy resins, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and nylon. Conducts biomechanical and bench alignment, as well as the fabrication of metal components for prostheses and orthoses. Ensures compliance with all manufacturer specifications concerning patient safety, laboratory safety, and component safety. Accurately documents workload, procedure coding, progress notes in electronic medical records, and details of appointments and encounters. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in products, procedures, materials, and techniques relevant to their professional practice. Participates in professional development seminars and training sessions provided by manufacturers that pertain to their field of expertise. Completes all mandatory training as required by hospital policies. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Telework: Available (Ad-hoc). Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-58288F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.