BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
Credential.
1. Candidates must be board certified in pedorthics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).
or
2. Credentialed in pedorthics by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC)
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
English Language Proficiency. Health Technician (Pedorthist) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Grade Determinations:
Health Technician (Pedorthist), GS-04
Experience. Six months of experience demonstrating knowledge, skills and abilities associated with pedorthic practice equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of patient related psychology, for example age-related competency, patient, and caregiver stressors.
(b) Knowledge of foundational sciences related to development of pedorthic treatment, for example anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology.
(c) Knowledge of materials science commonly used in fabrication, for example adhesives, plastics, composites, metals, and leather.
(d) Knowledge of regulations and procedures to ensure patient privacy.
(e) Ability to assign Healthcare Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding to pedorthic devices.
Health Technician (Pedorthist), GS-05
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Skill in conducting patient assessments.
(b) Skill in developing simple pedorthic devices (includes assessment, measurement, selection, and fitting).
(c) Ability to consult with providers and allied health colleagues regarding treatment.
(d) Ability to assess device to ensure structural soundness and compliance with prescription and fit.
Health Technician (Pedorthist), GS-06
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Skill in developing a follow up treatment plan for complex pedorthic device types.
(b) Ability to process paperwork for pedorthic devices being produced and fitted by vendor.
(c) Ability to place administrative orders with procurement staff for treatment modalities.
(d) Ability to assess device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription.
(e) Ability to process consults/orders.
Health Technician (Pedorthist), GS-07
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Skill in designing advanced pedorthic devices.
(b) Skill in assessing device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription.
(c) Skill in written communication.
(d) Skill in oral communication.
(e) Skill in fabrication of all pedorthic device types.
(f) Skill in designing innovative pedorthic devices to include new and emerging technology.
The full performance level of this vacancy is
GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of
GS-4 to
GS-7.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.