Clarification from the agency

This position is open to employees currently employed at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Prosthetic and Sensory Aid Service line.

Major Duties:

• Maintains lab accreditation and regulatory compliance.
• Administrative duties include maintaining lab budget, managing inventory, plans Orthotic and Prosthetic clinical schedule
• Demonstrates an understanding of the intricate and distinctive activities and characteristics associated with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services, the (Patient Aligned Care Team) PACT Committee, the Amputation System of Care (ASoC), the Regional Amputation Center (RAC), and the Service member Transitional Amputation Rehabilitation (STAR) program.
• Aids in the planning, development, and management of an Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory and related clinical activities at the national, VISN, or local level.
• Acts as consultants to physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the indications and contraindications of prosthetic and orthotic components, as well as prescription criteria.
• Authorizes the procurement, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic devices.
• Maintains ongoing communication with manufacturers and suppliers of prosthetic materials, evaluating their facilities and services, and participating in the procurement process for prosthetic appliance contracts.
• Creates a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient.
• This role necessitates and in-depth understanding of the medical and psychological issues associated with using prosthetic devices, as well as expertise in the design and proper fitting of these devices.

Travel Required: 25% or more. You will be expected to travel for this position. Job requires extensive travel
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm
Virtual: Ad-hoc
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
• 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.
• 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).

Qualifications

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Certification: Must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as a Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist/Prosthetist.
• Education: Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program.

OR

• A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, you must meet the grade determinations below.

GS- 12 Level: You must have completed one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as an Orthotist/Prosthetist functioning as a full member of the clinical team which includes significant involvement in treatment plan development for the most complex types of condition.

AND

Can demonstrate the following KSAs:1. Knowledge of regulatory requirements established by ABC, BOC, the National Committee for Orthotic/Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the International Association of Orthotist and Prosthetist (IAOP), the American Academy of Orthotist and Prosthetists (AAOP), Joint commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO), etc. 2. Knowledge of administrative functions including budget development and management, inventory management, space and workload planning, as well as knowledge of the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD), knowledge of the Prosthetic National Software (PNS) packet, Decision Support System (DSS), and knowledge of accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic laboratories and certification requirements for individuals. 3. Ability to analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, VISTA, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information. 4. Ability to provide training to orthotist/prosthetist in new technologies and innovations in devices

.References: VA Handbook 5005 VA Qualification Standard Appendix G32.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS- 11.

Physical Requirements: The MoPOC Orthotist-Prosthetist functions primarily within VA CBOC facilities. This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued sitting, with intermittent bending, pulling, and pushing. Movement between work areas within the health care system is expected. Occasional lifting of objects up to 45 pounds may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing appropriate to the health care environment. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and be able to shift priorities based on patient and department needs. The incumbent must be able to operate a passenger vehicle without supervision using a class C driver's license.

Preference: Certification by American Board for Certification as both an Orthotist and Prosthetist is preferred.

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 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.

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

• Resume

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), etc.

• Cover Letter
• License
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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.

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