Summary This position is in the Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service Line at the Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Healthcare System within the VISN 6Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Network. The incumbent serves as the Supervisory Orthotist/Prosthetist and administers, supervises or performs work concerned with providing clinical and laboratory prosthetic and orthotic services to disabled patients. Responsibilities The closing date of this vacancy announcement has been extended until 05/21/2024. These major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Follows established regulations and procedures to ensure patient privacy. Identifies biomechanical condition. Conducts gait analysis, range of motion, coordination and balance, motor skills and clinical assessment studies in accordance with occupational principles for unusual conditions, multiple complex interrelated conditions, etc. Interviews patients to determine expectations, lifestyle, home/work environment, ability to use the device. Takes necessary measurements, casts or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body, which are used tocreate the orthosis and/or prosthesis. Recognizes physical abnormalities, deviations, and complication conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Assesses patient for indications/contra-infections of appropriate treatment protocols and discusses the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for purposes of developing the overall treatment plan. Has considerable influence in the development of the plan. Considers new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex conditions and may include CAD/CAM systems. Selects material and components to be used in fabrication of the device and determines appropriate equipment to be used in fabrication of the device. Fabricates components, or selects and modifies components, and assembles these into the finished device. Uses CAD/CAM system as appropriate in this process and performs preliminary alignment. Fits the device on the patient, assures preliminary alignment and performs subsequent dynamic alignment. Assess and/or modifies fit and function of the device as fabricated and makes appropriate modifications to ensure optimum patient outcome. Evaluates patient's ability to don/doff the device provides training to the patient and/or caregiver in its use and maintenance. This may also include training the clinical staff . Explains procedures and processes to the patient to reduce anxiety and gain support and cooperation in all stages of the process. 2 Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist GS-667. Maintains the patient's record, including the electronic record, in accordance with established JCAHO/ABC/BOC/Medical Center/VISN policies. Attends professional and manufacture's training seminars. Completes mandatory training per hospital requirements. Maintains professional credentials and/or competency. Observes appropriate, established infection control guidelines. Follows environmental and occupational safety guidelines. Communicates and interacts with physicians, allied health professionals, patient and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings as a subject matter expert to develop the O/P treatment plan. (PM&R, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Vascular, Podiatry, Oncology, etc). Conducts in-service training for O/P staff , VSO's as well as other disciplines regarding O/P technologies. Provides guidance and direction to lower graded O/P staff . Manages the daily operations of a small to medium laboratory. Plans clinical schedule for Orthotics and Prosthetics and assure appropriate staff coverage. Conducts site surveys of commercial vendors to ensure vendor regulatory compliance. Responsible for accreditation compliance. Develops short & long range plan/goals for the lab in accordance with local VISN, Headquarters direction. Develops budget plan for lab. Manages inventory of stock items, fabrication material and components. Assures safe workplace considering environmental concerns, OSHA/JCAHO regulations. Conducts quality assurance activities. Supervises O/P lab staff evaluation employee performance, approving leave, interviewing candidates for positions, recommending promotions, giving advice, counseling/effecting disciplinary action, resolving complaints, etc. When requested, develops recommendations for revisions or improvements of VA Prosthetic/Orthotic Laboratory policies. Assigns workload giving due consideration to priorities, requisite needs and capabilities of the Prosthetic/Orthotic Lab. Evaluates performance and competencies of subordinate employees. Analyzes training/developmental needs of subordinate employees and makes provisions for this training. Allocates resources within. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (EST) Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual/Remote: This is not a virtual/remote position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: Supervisory Orthotist/Prosthetist/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. 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 Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: All applicants must be United States Citizen as required by 38. U.S.C. 7402 [NOTE: When it is not possible to recruit qualified United States Citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the United States Citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned.]. English Language Proficiency: All applicants appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).]. Education: 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; OR Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Board Certification: All applicants must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics(ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. Grandfathering Provision: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: 1. Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. 2. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. 3. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. 4. If an employee who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determination GS-12: Experience: Completion of 1 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 conditions; AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience as described above, all applicants must demonstrate the following KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Knowledge of regulatory requirements established by the ABC, BOC, the National Committee for Orthotic/Prosthetic Education(NCOPE), the International Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (IAOP), the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), etc. 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) package, Decision Support System (DSS), and knowledge of accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic laboratories and certification requirements for individuals. Ability to analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, Vista, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information. Ability to provide training to orthotists/prosthetists in new technologies and innovations in devices. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. All applicants at this grade level are in the following assignment: Supervisory Orthotist/Prosthetist. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level serves as supervisor of an orthotics/prosthetics laboratory assessing, planning, and evaluating the orthotic/prosthetic program at the facility level to ensure proper coordination between the delivery of orthotic/prosthetic services and the overall delivery of health care. Responsibilities include assuring the accreditation of the laboratory, regulatory compliance, and a variety of administrative duties such as developing a budget, managing inventory and resources, overseeing contract employees, supervising assigned staff , etc. The assignment includes performance of the full range of supervisory duties. This includes responsibility for assignment of duties; development of performance standards and performance evaluations; and recommendations for appointment, awards, advancement, and when appropriate, disciplinary action; etc. At this level, the orthotist/prosthetist serves as a consultant within orthotic and prosthetic treatment service and with other facility health care staff in evaluating health care delivery to patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/91, Part II, Appendix G32 Dated March 21, 2017. Physical Requirements: Work requires regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, pulling and walking. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Work may require physical health, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity. 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 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. 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. Veterans' preference does not apply to promotion, reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer or reinstatement in accordance with 5 CFR 211.102(d)(6). Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.