Prosthetic Representative (Assistant Chief) Job in Tacoma, WA

Vacancy No. CBSV-12743572-25-DMJ Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $99,606.00 to $129,494.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/30/2025 Close Date 6/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Tacoma, WA


Summary

The duties of the VISN 20 Northwest Health Network Supervisory Assistant Chief of Prosthetics are to administer, supervise, or perform work concerned with rendering Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services (PSAS) to disabled patients. The Supervisory Assistant Chief of Prosthetics may be working at one of the following VISN 20 locations Seattle or American Lakes.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The area of consideration will be referred in the following order: 1) Current Permanent VISN 20 Employees 2) Current Permanent VHA Employees Nationwide 3) Third- Health Professions Trainee (HPT)

Duties

VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ
VA Careers - Social Work: https://youtube.com/embed/enRhz_ua_UU

FUNCTIONS OF ASSIGNED DUTIES, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Assist in development of local organizational policies and procedures consistent with national policies and procedures.
  • Authorize/Approve purchase orders
  • Acts as an intermediary between the Prosthetics Centralized Purchasing Unit (PCU) Purchasing Agents and the local clinicians and vendors to procure the appropriate supplies, equipment or device for the Veteran.
  • Assist in development of Statements of Work (SOW) for Prosthetic service contracts.
  • Acts as a COR for Prosthetic Service Line Contracts.
  • Monitor contracts for compliance to statement of work.
  • Assist in the planning, development and preparation of annual budget estimates.
  • Assist in analyzing costs to develop cost containment initiatives.
  • Receive, analyze and process requests for prosthetic equipment and services.
  • Identify and select national CMS/ Health Care Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) codes are entered for every item purchased through and/or billed to ensure proper reporting.
  • Recommend and assist in establishing long and short term program goals.
  • Responds to a variety of correspondence i.e. Veterans, Congressmen, contractors, Home Oxygen program.
  • -Chairperson in local facility committees, workgroups, teams.
  • Assess and provide technical guidance concerning equipment and benefits to beneficiaries and other health care workers.
  • Adjusts work load; recommends new performance measures; measures effectiveness against existing performance measures, review of workload and study workload/forecasting for future program growth.
  • Assist with implementation of new National and Local guidelines/policy.
  • Assist in developing tools that allow monitoring of a quality assurance program.
  • Analyze, review and evaluate the results of various monitors and databases.
  • Confers with contractors and other health care workers.
  • Inform Veterans and family on different appliances and services available.
  • Analyze costs to develop cost containment initiatives.
  • Coordinates specialty programs which include Clothing Allowance, Home O2, AAE, and HISA, Wheelchair, Amputee, Major Medical Committee (MMEC), Prevent Amputation for Veterans Everywhere (PAVE), etc., by scheduling Veterans and providing necessary documentation as applicable.
  • Direct supervision of PSAS staff.
  • Ensures adherence to personnel management rules, regulations, and procedures and develops functional statements, performance standards and competencies for staff.
  • Evaluate and assess performance of supervised staff
  • Determine eligibility.
  • Review medical and administrative files of Veterans.
  • Interview Veterans and inspect prosthetic equipment /appliances.
  • Authorize benefit payment and reimbursement.
  • Conduct home and vendor visits.
  • Inspect and recommend approval of contractor prosthetic shops.
  • Implement JC standards of care.
  • Coordinate specialty clinics which include wheelchair, amputee, Major Medical Equipment Committee, Preventive Amputee Care Team (PACT), etc.
  • Participate in team discussions.
  • Serves as technical advisor and subject matter expert.
  • Insure clinic decisions are implemented
  • Assist in management and maintenance of inventory.
  • Issues inventory and refers the Veteran to proper clinical area for evaluation.
  • Monitors spending against established spending plans.
  • Sets guidelines and procedures to assure safe work environment and use of safety equipment.
  • Keep abreast with current issues in the health care industry and technological advancements.
  • Administer Veterans appeal process.
  • Management of time and leave programs.
  • Provides employee training.
  • Responsible for the proper application of laws, rules and regulations.
  • Communicate and respond orally or in writing with management and/or stakeholders.
  • Assists in the development of proposals, business plans, and action plans and assist in the management of resources, i.e., space, equipment, supplies, and personnel.
  • Prepares and presents lectures to VA and/or non-VA functions.
  • Resolve conflicts
  • Cardholders/Approving Officials and A/OPCs are required to have purchase card duties incorporated as a component of their performance plans (A/OPCs already have this due to their position descriptions in VHA).
  • Coordinates and prepares response to the VHA All Employee Survey (AES). Is responsible for training and education of staff on the AES. Encouraging staff to complete the survey.
  • Follows and ensures staff follow the FAR, VAAR, Fiscal policy and P-card rules.
Work Schedule: 8:00 to 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • 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. 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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov

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:
  • Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a 3 person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade level and position concerned.
  • Experience and Education. Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below.
    • Experience. One year of creditable experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology; knowledge of accounting methods; ability to research, analyze, comprehend, and apply decisions; basic knowledge of inventory management procedures; ability to use computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheet development, and database management; and ability to work independently and as a member of a team; or
    • Education. A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business. The 24 semester hours could include but is not limited to any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree; or
    • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States 4 must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to experience gained in conventional United States programs.
  • English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
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 for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-12 Prosthetic Representative (Assistant Chief
  • Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, including responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; assessment of competencies; evaluation of performance; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.
    • Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within the service.
    • Ability to manage a health care program that provides home medical equipment, rehabilitation services, home oxygen, visual or hearing impairment devices, assistive technology, orthotics, or prosthetics.
    • Knowledge of compliance and regulatory accrediting organizations.
    • Ability to manage, interpret, and present fiscal data (i.e. fund controls, contracts and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer an allocated budget.
Preferred Experience: Previous Supervisory Prosthetics Experience.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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

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.

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 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
  • Transcript


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.

  • Cover Letter
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Resume
  • 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 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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 06/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12743572.

  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

Deborah Jackson
Address
VHA VISN 20 Human Resources
1601 E. 4TH PLAIN BLVD
VANCOUVER, WA 98661-3713
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.