Health Technician

Summary

This position is in Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center serving in the Community Based Outpatient Clinic Savannah - GA. The Prosthetics Health Technician will perform duties as assigned in serving veterans with orthotic devices as prescribed by qualified clinicians.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) Specialized Experience: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such audiologists - speech pathologists - medical officers - and optometrists Therefore - technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge - methods - and techniques of the position to e filled OR Education and Training: One full year (GS-7) or 1/2 year (GS-6) course of study towards graduate education with major study or at least 9 or 18 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position In addition to the IOR - candidates must meet the specialized experience below: GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge - skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position - and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled - in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Experience applying an extensive body of rules - procedures - and operations of the Prosthetics/Sensory aid Service with ability to teach these to clinic newcomers. Experience with instruments/devices and procedures of the Prosthetic/Sensory Aid Services. Experience in intricate examinations or treatment procedures - associated with Prosthetics Care. Experience managing clinical environments in the treatment of patients with clinical needs and ensuring patient safety protocols are met. Experience sufficient to diagnose common podiatric pathologies and perform common Prosthetics. Experience in application and removal of strappings - casts - braces - therapy devices and compression wraps and resolution of recurring problems. OR - Substitution of Education: Successful completion of One full year (GS-7) or 1/2 year (GS-6) course of study towards graduate education with major study or at least 9 or 18 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (A legible copy of transcripts with date the degree was conferred - coursework with grades and hours earned must be submitted with your application.) OR - Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. (A legible copy of transcripts with date the degree was conferred - coursework with grades and hours earned must be submitted with your application.) 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.

Duties

• Schedules and receives patients as required Orthotic clinics utilizing CPRS and creating encounters for proper clinical documentation in accordance with the National PAVE Directive
• Utilized clinical and technical knowledge to educate patients in accordance with the issuance of orthotic devices
• Assists the VA Department of Defense (DOD) Podiatrist to answer questions during non-standard procedures for custom Orthotics
• Operates and maintains medical equipment for treatment procedures
• Performs a variety of specialized clinic procedures such as preliminary examination and evaluation of patients for standard custom orthotics
• Manages clinical environments in the treatment of patients with clinical needs
• Ensure patient safety protocols are met in a clean environment
• Fits multiple types of orthoses - impression casts feet for orthoses and measures feet for correct fit or special-order footwear (with computer or mechanical assistance) and ensures proper safety of devices issued
• Documents clinical findings in CPRS of clinical conditions through clinical encounters as treated during fittings of such devices
• Maintains certification of Orthotics Fitters instruction in accordance with Continuing Education requirements
• Initiates procurement action - using the Purchase Card 95% of the time or more for all prosthetic devices - Fulfills the instructions of the consult and applies use of procurement hierarchy
• Maintains compliance with established National contracts - Federal Supply Schedules and VISN contracts and/or Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA') when procuring items and/or services for beneficiaries
• Enters national contract numbers onto purchase orders
• Prepares amendments - addresses disputes and initiates communication or other action with the vendor as required to facilitate the purchase reconciliation process
• Procures and maintains an off-the-shelf inventory at multiple locations that support the clinical needs for patients served from the Beaufort - Savannah and Hinesville outpatient clinics
• Maintains compliance with established National contracts - Federal Supply Schedules and VISN contracts and/or BPA's when procuring items and/or services for beneficiaries
• All other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 08:00am - 4:30pm
• Subject to change based on agency needs
• Telework: Ad-hoc Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD080150 Physical Requirements: Work may involve frequent bending - stooping - stretching - etc. - as well as repositioning patients
• Manual dexterity in handling instruments is required.