Equipment Servicer Job in Jamaica Plain, MA

Vacancy No. CBTD-12530324-24-JM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $28.95 to $33.77 Grade 7 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/28/2024 Close Date 12/31/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Jamaica Plain, MA


Summary

The incumbent provides installation of complex rehabilitation seating equipment on manual and power wheelchairs. The incumbent initiates a program of general preventative maintenance, repairs, and warehousing for power/manual wheelchair, assorted durable medical equipment, seating and positioning equipment, and their replacement components. The incumbent provides proper equipment maintenance and effective use of the complex rehabilitation equipment, minor repairs and trouble-shooting.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved Direct Hire Authority (DHA) VA-010, in accordance with 5 U.S.C 3304(a)(3) and 5 C.F.R. 337.205(b)(1)-(4), for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) based on their critical hiring needs.

Duties

  • Repairs manual and electrical wheelchairs, scooters, power assist devices for wheelchairs, and a variety miscellaneous durable medical equipment to meet the comprehensive functional mobility and assistive technology needs of the individual veteran.
  • Provides installation of complex rehabilitation seating equipment on manual and power wheelchairs.
  • Exercises independent practice with great autonomy, demonstrating the knowledge and skills to provide services appropriate to the nature of the equipment repairs and/or programming.
  • Initiates and provides a program of general preventative maintenance, repairs, and warehousing for power/manual wheelchair, assorted durable medical equipment, seating and positioning equipment, and their replacement components.
  • Provides patient and family education regarding proper equipment maintenance, safe and effective use of the complex rehabilitation equipment, minor repairs and trouble-shooting as appropriate.
  • Initiates work orders completion using the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (P&SAS) electronic work order form.
  • Explains open-market and contractual wheelchair and durable medical equipment products and their function.
  • Provides training for medical center and spoke site staff, P&SAS staff, and patients on the functions of manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, components of manual and power wheelchairs, complex rehabilitation seating components, environmental control unite, and augmentative communication technology as required.
  • Establishes work methods and procedures to test, diagnose, and repair all electric/electronic components associated with motorized wheelchairs and electric-motorized 3 and 4 wheel carts that are out of factory warranty.
  • Repairs and maintains all components of an electric wheelchair to include the support battery charger unit.
  • Makes repairs that can be accomplished by removing replacing, tightening, splicing, insulating and soldering defective wiring, controls, motors, power modules including intricate printed circuits, replacement of switches, relays, micro-chips, fates, transistors and diodes.
  • Inspects power/manual wheelchairs and carts, under warranty, for acceptance or return to the vendor or factory for repair or replacement.
  • Assembles, energizes, adjusts and tests new power wheelchairs before issuance to severely disabled patients and accomplishes necessary modifications for hand or chin controls, various supportive or restrictive devices such as straps, belts and postural supports for maximum benefit to the patient in the operations of the power wheelchair.
  • Maintains, requests, and assigns all tools and equipment used in the wheelchair and warehousing function.
  • Ensures good working condition of all items of equipment and tools used in performance of these duties.
  • Ensures that adequate equipment and tools are on hand to assure the capability to repair all updated components of the power/manual wheelchairs and carts.
  • Initiates, develops and assigns storage areas and criteria for proper inventory management.
  • Sets the overall guidelines for warehousing techniques including space utilization, cleanliness, stock rotation and safety precautions.
  • Purchases and maintains adequate inventory of components on hand to allow repairs to be accomplished without undue delays.
  • Demonstrates subject matter expertise on vehicle lifts.
  • Assists the Spinal Cord Injury Wheelchair Medical and Therapy teams and P&SAS staff in determination of the most appropriate vehicle lift based upon the medical equipment prescribed, the type of vehicle and the veteran's physical limitations.
  • Makes use of other subject matter experts in the community and via the Internet for additional guidance as needed.
  • Possesses a government purchase card (not to exceed the single purchase limit of $3,000) and completes the required annual purchase card training.
  • Procures wheelchairs and scooters resulting from prescriptions generated by appropriate clinical personnel.
  • Communicates with both patients and staff on all information relative to wheelchair and complex rehabilitation durable medical equipment status, delivery, or repair to ensure there is a cooperative, comprehensive, and veteran-centered approach to patient care.
  • Provides a central wheelchair and repair shop for expeditious service to eligible and entitled veterans.
  • Creates a significant cost savings in the repair of patient wheelchairs, scooters, and complex rehabilitation medical equipment.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Position Description Title/PD#: Equipment Servicer/PD523-00853-O
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
  • Troubleshooting
  • Use of Measuring Instruments


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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Preferred Experience: Knowledge and hands-on experience with assembling and repairing mechanical equipment such as wheelchairs.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to do a great deal of stooping and bending while inspecting and repairing wheelchairs and scooters. He/she will be required to lift parts and supplies from inventory shelving. He/she will carry and move heavy items of supplies from storage to work areas. These loads may exceed twenty pounds in weight, but should not exceed fifty pounds without assistive devices. Care is exercised to avoid minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises, strains or sprains.

Working Conditions: Incumbent works in a health care environment providing equipment and services to a variety of customers. Work is performed in the patient care and laboratory setting. The majority of the repairs and work will take place in the prosthetics and orthotics laboratory. The work involves repairing and making modifications to wheel chair electrical systems and/or structural systems. The incumbent work with thermoplastic sheets heated in infrared oven at very high temperatures. Incumbent may work with solvents, adhesives, adhesive thinners, methyl methacrylate (bonding agent), WD40, petroleum based agents, thermoplastics, leather, vinyl, Dacron, and other chemicals associated with wheel chair repair and maintenance. Protective clothing (i.e. face shields, safety glasses, particulate face masks, scrubs, latex and latex free gloves, hot gloves (for use with thermos plastics) etc. will be used by the incumbent for safety and health reasons.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement. Certificates are issued on an unannounced periodic basis based on requests from management. Applications will be evaluated and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Skills and Knowledge Required by the Position:

  • Sound working knowledge of prosthetic work orders, physician prescriptions, utility work orders and warehousing operations, as well as knowledge of basic medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and materials, particularly those required in the care and treatment of patients related to durable medical equipment, wheelchairs and scooters.
  • Broad knowledge of the different types of manual and electrically powered wheelchairs, accessories, parts, complex rehabilitation seating and positioning equipment, and rehabilitative medical equipment and supplies available from contract wheelchair supply vendors and other durable medical equipment manufacturers and distributors.
  • Experienced and skillful with the assembly, fitting, modification, and repair of rehabilitative equipment for veterans with spinal cord injury and associated neurologic disorders.
  • Knowledgeable of the durable medical equipment products and astute in the understanding of how the appliances work; able to diagnose and provide solutions to common repairs and experienced with skillful repairs and modifications in unusual cases.
  • Thorough understanding of the technical aspects in determining measuring selection, fitting, repair and modification of standard manual wheelchair and power wheelchairs.
  • Skillful assembly, fitting, modification, and repair of manual wheelchairs, power seat functions, 3 or 4-wheel scooters, electrical environmental control systems, augmentative communication devices to power and operate wheelchairs and posture fitting modifications.
  • Knowledge of procedures for maintaining warehousing and storage of charging batteries, high-cost materials, bulk supplies and hazardous and flammable materials.
  • Thorough understanding of warehousing principles and theory will enhance the ability to design and maintain the numerous items stocked by the service including the methodology of electronic warehousing and manual records.
  • Skills to make modifications to electrical, electronic and mechanical components of both power drive and manual wheelchairs, as required, to fit the special needs of individuals patients. Skill in the use of tools and equipment such as soldering irons, plies, screwdrivers, wire-cutters, test lamps, ammeters, ohmmeters another special tools alignment and test equipment found in the electrical mechanical wheelchair repair shop.
  • Skill and ability to trace and repair the wiring used throughout a power wheelchair when no diagrams or schematics are available or if modifications to the system have been made, or the system altered in any fashion.
  • Ability to fabricate upholstery and special seating configurations when necessary to accommodate the patient's activity level.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with VA regulations and policies as contained in the P&SAS Handbook 1173, VA Central Office directives, and local policies generated by the medical centers, prosthetic service line director, or P&SAS site manager.
  • Knowledge gained through manufacturer's educational seminars, catalogs, handbooks, wheelchair repair manuals.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12530324.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information each job listed:

1. Job title
2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
3. Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
4. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume.

Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Agency contact information

Jonathan Montgomery
Address
VA Boston Healthcare System
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated 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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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