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This position functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist/Prosthetist, provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices and treatment. 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited program. OR a bachelors degree or higher in any major along with a post graduate orthotics and prosthetics certificate from a CAHEP accredited program. Certification: Candidates must be board certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification as an orthotist, prosthetist or orthotist/prosthetist. The board certificate must be current5 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. Grade Determinations: GS-11: 1. The basic requirements. 2. Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: -Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team. This includes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases a well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies. -Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. -Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. -Ability to take necessary measurements, casts, or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body to create orthoses and/or prostheses. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G32. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. ["Duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patients orthotic/prosthetic needs: Review patient's prescription/referral - Take a comprehensive patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history (including allergies to materials), reimbursement status, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations. Assist in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination, including manual muscle-testing, gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity and compliance. Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan. Communicate with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, and any optional plans, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits. Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established record-keeping techniques. Refer patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals (e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/ prosthetic scope of practice. Create a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient. Evaluate the findings to determine an orthotic/prosthetic recommendation. Formulate treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort, enhance function and independence, provide stability, prevent deformity, address cosmesis and/or promote healing. Consult with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan. Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome. Develop a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow-up. Document treatment plan using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care. Perform the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/ prosthesis. Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure. Select appropriate material/techniques to implement treatment plan. Provide patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment (e.g., diagnostic splint, residual limb shrinker). Prepare patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan). Implement procedure (e.g., take impression, digitize, delineate, scan). Select appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required (e.g., choose ankle or knee joints, feet, knee units; choose material of components, lamination lay-ups). Consult technical component/material resources as required. Prepare delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication (e.g., prepare impression/reverse delineation, seal and fill impression/ pour cast, digitize, strip model, download shape to carver or modification software). Provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis: Solicit subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status (e.g., wear schedule/tolerance, comfort, perceived benefits, perceived detriments, ability to don and doff, proper usage and function, overall patient satisfaction). Assess patient's functional level. Assess patient's skin condition (e.g., integrity, color, temperature, volume). Assess patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes. Assess patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes (e.g., family status, job, caregiver). Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to strategic contact (e.g., three-point force systems, total contact) to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals. Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to anatomical relationships to orthosis/prosthesis (e.g., trim lines, static/dynamic alignment) to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 21J24-A\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]