Duties

• Reviews patient's prescription/referral.
• Takes patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations.
• Consults with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition.
• Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits.
• Verifies patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established recordkeeping techniques.
• Refers patient, if appropriate, to higher level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice or privileging.
• Consults with higher-level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist to clarify or with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan.
• Identifies material, design and components to support anticipated outcome.
• Develops a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow-up.
• Informs patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure.
• Provides patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment.
• Prepares patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan.
• Selects appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required.
• Prepares delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication.
• Modifies and prepare patient model for fabrication.
• Fabricates/assembles prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery.
• Assesses device(s) for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery.
• Assess/aligns orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort.
• Provides gait training /functional-use training.
• Ensures that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed.
• Completes fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis.
• Educates/counsels patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis.
• Documents treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan.
• Solicits subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status.
• Assesses patient's functional level.
• Assesses patient's skin condition (e.g., integrity, color, temperature, volume).
• Assesses patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes.
• Assesses patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes (e.g., family status, job, caregiver).
• Assesses 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.
• Makes specified modifications to orthosis/prosthesis.
• Evaluates modifications to orthosis/prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met.
• Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications.
• Documents all findings and actions and communicate with appropriate health care professionals to ensure patient status is updated.
• Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines.
• Communicates roles and expectations of employer and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care.
• Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, associates, technicians, and office staff.
• Participates in education for residents, students, and trainees.
• Participates in product development research, clinical trials, and outcome evaluation studies.
• Participates in/with consumer organizations and nongovernmental organizations to promote competency and enhancement of orthotic/prosthetic profession.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• 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.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

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

  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript

  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
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • 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.

  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 02/07/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12276650.

  • 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.

  • 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.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Gina Hammer

  Phone

  970-263-2800

  Email

  gina.hammer@va.gov

  Address

  VA Western Colorado Health Care System
  2121 North Avenue
  Grand Junction, CO 81501
  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.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. citizens. *** If you ARE a current federal employee, please apply to the Internal Announcement CBSU-12276651-24-GH. ***