Summary
The Health Technician Restoration position will be assigned under the VISN 20 Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service Line (PSAS), VA Northwest Healthcare Network (VISN 20), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and will be located within the Orthotics and Prosthetics Central Fabrication Laboratory; in Seattle, WA. .
Duties
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION***
This position requires specialized training and education to have ABC or BOC certification as a Prosthetics/Orthotics Technician or or be eligible for ABC/BOC certification as a Prosthetics/Orthotics Technician.
Duties include, but may not be limited to the following:
Custom Device Fabrication:
- Follows ABC or BOC scope of practice based upon ABC or BOC certification.
- Follows established regulations and procedures to insure patient privacy.
- Manages the fabrication of custom prosthetic and orthotic appliances including but not limited to plaster modification and preparation of positive models, blister and drape forming plastic materials, lamination using acrylic resins and carbon fiber materials, cutting, trimming and smoothing definitive products in preparation of fitting onto patients.
- Fabricates, adjusts, and repairs all custom prosthetic and orthotic appliances including but not limited to bench alignment procedures, proper ankle and knee component placement, bending metal materials for proper orthotic joint function and shaping and finishing prostheses.
- Chooses materials that are appropriate for patient diagnosis. Evaluates the final product as to the specifications of the prescription.
- Maintains current knowledge of latest items, procedures, and fabrication techniques as related to their scope of practice.
Lab Equipment/Safety Management:
- Maintains lab equipment with respect to maintenance and cleanliness.
- Coordinates large machine, oven, exhaust system, vacuum system maintenance working closely with biomedical engineering, facility engineers and maintenance crews
- Maintains MSDS sheets and prepares the lab for Environmental Safety Rounds
- Maintains inventory of fabrication supplies levels, not to exceed thirty days and the requisitioning of supplies and materials as related to scope of practice.
Medical and O&P Terminology:
- Reviews physical assessment data provided by practitioner to determine technicalrequirements for the orthosis/prosthesis (e.g., height, weight, activity level, diagnoses,amputation level, measurements, prior orthosis/prosthesis usage)
- Consults with practitioner(s) about patient's condition/diagnosis.
- Reviews patient's prescription/referral.
Anatomy:
- Determines need for changes to orthosis/prosthesis, based on the Certified Prosthetist,
- Orthotist or Prosthetist Orthotists assessment of fit and function of device.
- Determines need for changes to orthosis/prosthesis, based on assessment of device, with regard to anatomical relationships to orthotic and/ or prosthetic components (e.g., trim lines, static/dynamic alignment).
Biomechanics
- Verifies function of orthosis and/or prosthesis (e.g., does it perform as required in all planes of motion, are three-point pressure systems appropriate)
- Determines fabrication requirements/technical criteria (e.g., static alignment of orthoses or prostheses)
- Fabricates/assembles an orthosis and/or prosthesis to prepare for initial or diagnostic fitting and/or delivery by Certified O&P practitioner
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Monitors the Delayed Order Reports to identify and address projects in process greater than 30 days.
- Uses visual aid and or consult tracking service software to
- anticipate scheduling of patients and ensure devices are ready to fit for the appointed time.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
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
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
TO QUALIFY FOR TH POSITION AT THE GS-8:
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.
and
This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: "Having an ABC or BOC certification as a Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician, maintain required continuing education and certification? (Two fitter certifying organization: The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABCOP) and the Board for Orthotic Certification, International (BOC), Each has defined pre-certification education, pre-certification experience, and continuing education requirements)".
and
Specialized Experience GS-8: Having at least one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position. Specialized experience includes having knowledge of Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Regulations and Policies, Orthotics and Prosthetics Business Practice Guidelines and Prosthetic and Sensory Aides Business Practice guidelines: Knowledge of the following computer software programs, which are required for processing Orthotic and Prosthetic clinical consults and Prosthetics administrative requests: understanding of a body of standardized orthotic/prosthetic patient care and specialized skill sufficient to perform all levels of Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P) device fabrication; having a sound awareness of Healthcare Common Procedures Coding System (HCPCS) coding, anatomy and physiology; and a thorough comprehension of standard medical terminology for the human body; ability to review physical assessment data provided by practitioner to determine technical requirements for the orthosis/prosthesis (e.g., height, weight, activity level, diagnoses, amputation level, measurements, prior orthosis/prosthesis usage); and capable of consulting with practitioner(s) about patient's condition/diagnosis, and reviewing of patient's prescription/referral. (This experience must be supported by your resume to be creditable.)
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: You must have successfully completed one and one-half (1 ½) years of graduate education in a field of study directly related to the work of this position? This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One (1) year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one (1) year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, eighteen (18) semester hours will be considered an academic year of graduate study. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a one (1) year of full-time study at the school attended. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: You must have the equivalent combinations of specialized experience and successfully completed graduate education as described above to meet the total experience requirements to qualify at the GS-8 level. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Applies Technology to Tasks
- Mechanical
- Quality Assurance
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.
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; religious; 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.
Physical Requirements: The Health Technician Restoration position duties require extensive periods of standing and walking. Duties require regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, pushing, reaching, carrying supplies and similar activities. Duties require working with machinery including grinders, ovens, drill presses, and other machinery necessary to fabricate custom limbs and braces.
Duties require the Health Technician to be able to lift. Occasionally it may be necessary to lift supplies and objects weighing as much as fifty (50lbs) pounds. Requires use of proper body mechanics. The Health Technician must be able to work in stressful situations. S/he must be able to maintain tight deadlines to get Veterans equipment in a fast, efficient manner.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).
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. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
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.
Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
- Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
- Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job;
- Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
- Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category (except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher).
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
IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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), documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- 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, i.e., Letter of Intent, 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 refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form. Documentation is mandatory to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
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 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 06/24/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12445396.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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.
- 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 Application 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures 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.
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