Orthotist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, United States
Summary
The Orthotist position is located in the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the Harry S Truman VA Medical Center. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Orthotist to meet the unique needs of disabled patients.
Qualifications
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.
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.
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: 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, and the certificate must be current. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant, or fitter does not meet this requirement.
English Language Proficiency: Orthotists or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
Grandfathering Provision: Coverage may be based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: GS‑11 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Completion of one 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to attend clinics and participate fully as a member of the treatment team with considerable influence in developing the treatment plan.
Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, lifestyle, etc., for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions, including unusual problems or complications, and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions.
Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life‑threatening implications.
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases, as well as knowledge of psychology and age‑related competencies.
Preferred Experience: ABC or BOC Practitioner Certification is required at this level and one year of experience as an orthotist 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.
Physical Requirements: The ability to perform heavy lifting and carrying of 45 lbs or more, straight pulling for up to one hour, pushing for one to two hours, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing for up to three hours, repeated bending for up to one hour, rapid mental and muscular coordination, correctable near vision at 13–16 inches, and hearing aids permitted.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11.
Duties
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient to understand orthotic needs, including a thorough patient history (demographics, family dynamics, previous orthosis use, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history, allergies to materials, expectations, and diagnostic evaluation results). Formulate the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis‑specific functional clinical examination, including muscle testing, gait assessment, sensory function evaluation, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity, and compliance for patients with complex conditions, and design unique or innovative devices as appropriate.
Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers to assist in formulating a treatment plan.
Communicate the recommended treatment plan and optional plans to the patient and/or caregiver, including potential risks and benefits.
Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care, and follow‑up using established record‑keeping techniques.
Refer the patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals (e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for interventions beyond the orthotic scope of practice.
Perform the necessary procedures to deliver orthotic services, including fabrication of the orthosis: take measurements, obtain casts or scans to develop positive molds, and use CAD/CAM systems as appropriate for preliminary alignment. Fit the device, assure preliminary alignment, perform subsequent dynamic alignment, assess and modify fit and function, and make appropriate modifications to ensure optimal patient outcome.
Evaluate the patient’s ability to don/doff the device, provide training to the patient and/or caregiver on use and maintenance, and train clinical staff as needed.
Explain procedures and processes to the patient to reduce anxiety and gain support and cooperation throughout all stages.
Maintain the patient’s electronic record in accordance with established policies and regulations (JCAHO/ABC/BOC/Medical Center/VISN).
Comply with policies, procedures, and regulations: complete mandatory training per hospital requirements, attend professional and manufacturer training seminars, maintain professional credentials and competency, observe infection control guidelines, follow environmental and occupational safety guidelines, conduct in‑service training for other disciplines regarding orthotic technologies, conduct site surveys of commercial vendors to ensure regulatory compliance, evaluate vendor capability, and manage inventory of stock items and fabrication materials.
Conduct quality assurance activities.
Work Schedule
Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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The Orthotist position is located in the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the Harry S Truman VA Medical Center. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Orthotist to meet the unique needs of disabled patients.
Qualifications
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.
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.
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: 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, and the certificate must be current. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant, or fitter does not meet this requirement.
English Language Proficiency: Orthotists or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
Grandfathering Provision: Coverage may be based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: GS‑11 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Completion of one 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to attend clinics and participate fully as a member of the treatment team with considerable influence in developing the treatment plan.
Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, lifestyle, etc., for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions, including unusual problems or complications, and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions.
Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life‑threatening implications.
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases, as well as knowledge of psychology and age‑related competencies.
Preferred Experience: ABC or BOC Practitioner Certification is required at this level and one year of experience as an orthotist 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.
Physical Requirements: The ability to perform heavy lifting and carrying of 45 lbs or more, straight pulling for up to one hour, pushing for one to two hours, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing for up to three hours, repeated bending for up to one hour, rapid mental and muscular coordination, correctable near vision at 13–16 inches, and hearing aids permitted.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑11.
Duties
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient to understand orthotic needs, including a thorough patient history (demographics, family dynamics, previous orthosis use, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history, allergies to materials, expectations, and diagnostic evaluation results). Formulate the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis‑specific functional clinical examination, including muscle testing, gait assessment, sensory function evaluation, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity, and compliance for patients with complex conditions, and design unique or innovative devices as appropriate.
Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers to assist in formulating a treatment plan.
Communicate the recommended treatment plan and optional plans to the patient and/or caregiver, including potential risks and benefits.
Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care, and follow‑up using established record‑keeping techniques.
Refer the patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals (e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for interventions beyond the orthotic scope of practice.
Perform the necessary procedures to deliver orthotic services, including fabrication of the orthosis: take measurements, obtain casts or scans to develop positive molds, and use CAD/CAM systems as appropriate for preliminary alignment. Fit the device, assure preliminary alignment, perform subsequent dynamic alignment, assess and modify fit and function, and make appropriate modifications to ensure optimal patient outcome.
Evaluate the patient’s ability to don/doff the device, provide training to the patient and/or caregiver on use and maintenance, and train clinical staff as needed.
Explain procedures and processes to the patient to reduce anxiety and gain support and cooperation throughout all stages.
Maintain the patient’s electronic record in accordance with established policies and regulations (JCAHO/ABC/BOC/Medical Center/VISN).
Comply with policies, procedures, and regulations: complete mandatory training per hospital requirements, attend professional and manufacturer training seminars, maintain professional credentials and competency, observe infection control guidelines, follow environmental and occupational safety guidelines, conduct in‑service training for other disciplines regarding orthotic technologies, conduct site surveys of commercial vendors to ensure regulatory compliance, evaluate vendor capability, and manage inventory of stock items and fabrication materials.
Conduct quality assurance activities.
Work Schedule
Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
#J-18808-Ljbffr