Health Technician (Pedorthist) Job in San Juan, PR

Vacancy No. CBTC-12806603-25-JF Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $49,960.00 to $64,952.00 Grade 3 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2025 Close Date 10/14/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
San Juan, PR


Summary

This is a non-supervisory Health Technician (Pedorthist) position in the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Services(PSAS) in the Prosthetic-Orthotic Laboratory. This system includes a Medical Center, outpatient clinic Ponce and Mayaguez. The incumbent will provide patient care, services and support to an adult veteran population with specialized needs. The purpose of this position is to fit orthotic devices to Veteran patients in need in our Orthotic Laboratory Section with device fittings.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. First Consideration will be given to Current Permanent Employees of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (San Juan PR). Note: This position is excluded from Veterans Preference.

Duties

  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) communicates and interacts with physicians , allied health professionals, patients and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings as subject matter expert to develop the pedorthic treatment plan.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) provides complex patient analyses in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, and multiple complex conditions and interrelated conditions.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) assess patients for indications/contraindications.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) discusses the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of the plan.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) analyzes the potential use of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative pedorthic devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) takes scans and measurements for advanced devices, prepares, and modifies casts for advanced devices, repairs and fabricates advanced devices and provides patient/caregiver education for advanced devices.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) recognizes physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life-threatening implications.
  • The Health Technician (Pedorthist) privileges {Individual Scope of Practice) other credentialled clinicians to provide pedorthic care based on ABC privileging requirements.
  • The incumbent is responsible for the application of prefabricated appliances such as, but not limited to, Lumba-sacral supports, prosthetic socks and sheaths, elbow and ankle supports, elastic support hose, hand splints, soft knee braces, neck collars, abdominal binders, trusses, and non­ custom in-depth shoes. Incumbent will take measurements of body and limb segments appropriate to the item being fit, and select an off the shelf item, sized appropriately with appropriate model or design, to the patient. Incumbent will apply the item to body and limb segment, adjusting as required.
  • The incumbent designs, fabricates and modifies prosthetic/orthotic devices including, but not limited to, leg and back braces, cervical collars, knee orthoses, and arch supports in accordance with prescriptions or orders from physicians.
  • The incumbent is responsible to receive patients, either in person or over the telephone and refer to the appropriate service or clinician. Responsible for answering routine inquires and to make appropriate referral to questions concerning service for Prosthetic and Orthotic Lab and fitting room.
  • The incumbent is responsible for the complete processing of all related encounter data. The incumbent is responsible to document that the workload performed is entered in the prosthetic package including encounters for each visit. Incumbent will enter progress notes of delivery and all patient and medical team contacts. Timely completes work orders as assigned.
  • ROES: the incumbent is responsible to make orders through CPRS and ROES for prosthetics components and soft goods. Responsible to process a 10-90 form and to insure that is included when application for outside services requested. Looks for delayed orders or problems concerning delivery of requested prosthetic and/or orthotic devices and provides follow up with the concerning personnel to solve complaint in an effective and prompt manner.
  • Responsible to receive, pack and send casts, foam boxes, measurements, orthotic or prosthetic device from the Orthotic &Prosthetic Lab. Maintain a daily log of every item sent to patient, to outside vendors or central fabrication facility.
  • Compiles statistical data of prefabricated orthotic/prosthetic items/ services for VISN. Research information on prosthetic and orthotic devices services from local and national sources.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
*The incumbent assigned to San Juan, shall be available to cover other Outpatient Clinics (OPC): Ponce and Mayaguez; and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC): Ceiba, Arecibo, Guayama, St. Croix & St. Thomas or any of the clinics geographically within the VACHS organization as patient services demand require.

*The employee will work in the area(s) assigned by her/his supervisor, and may be modified as needed to meet service and organizational needs.


Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional



Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 08:00AM-4:30PM
Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • 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.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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. Health Technician (Pedorthist) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Credential. Candidates must possess one of the below credentials.
  • Candidates must be board certified in pedorthics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).
OR,
  • Credentialed in pedorthics by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC).-Documentation Submitted
OR,
  • Exception for Non-Credentialed Health Aid (Pedorthist).
    • Non-credentialed individuals who have successfully completed a Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP), Commission on Accreditation of Pedorthic Education (CAPE), National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or American Board for Certification of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) approved pedorthic certificate program (see Pedorthist Programs) and otherwise meet ABC's eligibility requirements for certification (see Pedorthist Candidate Guide) may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate Health Aid (Pedorthist) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).
    • Non-credentialed individuals shall only provide care under the clinical oversight of a credentialed pedorthist, orthotist, or orthotist/prosthetist at or above the full performance level.
    • Non-credentialed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
    • Temporary appointments of non-credentialed Health Aid (Pedorthist) may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, Health Aid (Pedorthist) must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the Health Aid (Pedorthist) with the written requirements for certification, including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in termination of employment.

Loss of Credential. Management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately relieve employees, who fail to maintain the required certification, of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation, which may also result in separation from employment.

Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series, under a permanent, appropriate and legal placement, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and credentialing/certification, where applicable.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS for Health Technician (Pedorthist),

GS-3: Experience: Non-Beyond Basic Requirements. Employees at this grade level serve in a Health Aid (Pedorthist) entry level developmental position and work under the clinical oversight and direction of a credentialed pedorthist, orthotist or certified prosthetist orthotist (CPO). They receive entry level assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills and abilities.

GS-4: Experience: Six months of experience demonstrating knowledge, skills and abilities associated with pedorthic practice equivalent to the next lower grade. s. 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.

GS-5: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. 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.

GS-6: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. 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.

GS-7: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-06). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Skill in designing advanced pedorthic devices.
  • Skill in assessing device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription.
  • Skill in written communication.
  • Skill in oral communication.
  • Skill in fabrication of all pedorthic device types.
  • Skill in designing innovative pedorthic devices to include new and emerging technology.

Preferred Experience:
  • Candidate requires the combination of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and interpersonal attributes.
  • Incumbent follows the professionalism and complies to regulations of : American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
  • (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC). Maintain relevant education or certification in pedorthics or a related field. Incumbent demonstrates:
  • Technical Proficiency about foot (anatomy, biomechanics, and pathologies) and shoe/sock materials design and fabrications.
  • Attention to Detail for precise anatomic measures and adjustments, properly recorded in medical record and treatment plans.
  • Problem-Solving Skills & Capability to handle various patient conditions and needs.
  • Patient-Centric Approach with empathy and excellent communication skills, to interact and educate patients/caregivers.
  • Ability and willingness to work within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. High ethical and professional standards & Commitment to patient care and safety.
  • Individual needs to have a valid driver's license.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Physical Stamina to manage physical job tasks, such as approaching around the patient and standing for long periods. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements

The full performance level of this vacancy is 7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 7.

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year trail 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 probationary period one (1) year, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

  1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
  2. All other VA employees.
  3. All other applicants.


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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.


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.

  • Candidates must be board certified in pedorthics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) OR • Credentialed in pedorthics by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC).
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/14/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12806603.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS 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.

Agency contact information

Joselyne Figueroa-Cruz
Address
San Juan VA Medical Center
10 Calle Casia
San Juan, PR 00921
US

Next steps

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.


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


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