Orthotist-Prosthetist

The position of Orthotist/Prosthetist is located at the Baltimore VA and functions primarily in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.

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. Education.1. A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR, 2. A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. Board Certification. Candidates 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. 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). See the Additional Information section for more Grandfathering information. Grade Determinations: GS-05 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-07 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience. One year of creditable experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-05, to include: receiving developmental assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills, and abilities, receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks such as taking measurements, patient communication, and fabrication and fitting of simple appliances. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 1. Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases. 2. Knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. 3. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. 4. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-09 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience/Education. Education. Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in orthotics and/or prosthetics, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment. OR, Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Experience at the GS-07 level include: knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases, as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competency. Knowledge of materials science including materials such as plastics, composites, metals, and leather commonly used in fabrication. Ability to use hand and power tools in the fabrication of devices and ability to communicate orally and in writing. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 1. 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 as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies. 2. Knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). 3. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions. 4. 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. GS-11 Orthotist-Prosthetist. Experience. 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. Experience includes: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a member of the treatment team, including knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age-related competencies, and knowledge of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with complex but typical conditions and 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 1. Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan. This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies. 2. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications, and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions. 3. Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Preferred Experience: Possess at least two years of recent clinical experience providing direct patient care in both prosthetics and orthotics, ideally working with a diverse and medically complex patient population. Demonstrated proficiency in patient assessment, device design, fitting, and follow-up care using advanced materials and technologies. Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, educating patients and families, and utilizing electronic health records is highly valued. Knowledge of accreditation standards and a commitment to serving Veterans further distinguish exceptional candidates for this position. 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.