Orthotist-Prosthetist

About the role

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. **Relocation Expenses Reimbursed - You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. **

What you will do

• The Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist, provide appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment.
• An examination of the patient and assessment of their individual needs and desires.
• Compliance with the treatment plan.
• Design, component selection, measurement/casting of the patient, fabrication and fitting of the device to the patient.
• Proper documentation of the patient record.
• 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; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits.
• Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established record-keeping techniques.
• Refer 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.
• Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome.
• Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure.
• Select appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan.
• Provide patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment.
• Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan.
• Consult technical component/material resources as required.
• Prepare delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication.
• Fabricate/assemble prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery.
• Assess device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery.
• Assess/align orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort.
• Provide gait training /functional-use training.
• Ensure that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed.
• Complete fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis.
• Educate/counsel patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis.
• Reassess orthosis/prosthesis for structural safety prior to patient delivery.
• Document treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan.
• Solicit subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status.
• Assess patient's functional level.
• Assess patient's skin condition.
• Assess patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes.
• Assess patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes.
• Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to strategic contact to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals.
• Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to anatomical relationships to orthosis/prosthesis to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals.
• Formulate plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis based on findings; inform patient and/or caregiver of plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis.
• Make specified modifications to orthosis/prosthesis.
• Assess modified device for structural safety, and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed.
• Evaluate modifications to orthosis/prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met.
• Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications.
• Document all findings and actions and communicate 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., FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC and BOC.) Communicates roles and expectations of employer and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care.
• Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners.
• Participates in education for residents, students and trainees.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact ***, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Authorized *** , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Copy of board certification 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 following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Copy of board certification 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.
• Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Whole Health Statement: The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.

As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model that is based in a partnership across time, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.