Clarification from the agency

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The major duties of a Prosthetic Representative include, but are not limited to the following:

• Planning, developing, and directing a Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Program at the national, VISN or local level;
• Serving as an advisor to clinicians about selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices involving furnishing information concerning such matters as new developments in the field of prosthetics and sources of supply for such devices;
• Interpreting prescriptions of clinicians to make certain that proper prosthetic devices are selected for, or by, the patients; and
• Authorizing the purchase, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic, orthotic, and DME devices
• Maintaining continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of orthotic/prosthetic/DME supplies; inspecting their facilities and services and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts;
• Participating in investigative/research project studies by selecting patients as pilot wearers of newly developed prosthetic items, evaluating the usefulness of such items and compiling of data.
• Participating in the local administration of Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Department (PSAS) Special Entitlement programs (e.g. HISA, Auto Adaptive Equipment, Clothing Allowance, etc.).

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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.

Basic Requirements:

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).

Experience and Education - Experience: Three years of experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of accounting methods; ability to analyze, comprehend, and apply decision; basic knowledge of inventory management procedures; ability to use computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheet development, and database management; ability to compile, research, analyze, comprehend, and apply information or data; and ability to work as a team member in a grip setting.
OR,
Education: Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
OR,
Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.
English Language - Prosthetics Representatives must be proficient in spoken and written English language.

Prosthetics Representative - GS-7
Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Advanced Entry Level Placement. See VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G17. Appropriate bachelor's degrees include business; those in a medical field, e.g., kinesiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, orthotics, prosthetics, nursing, etc.; public administration; health administration; or those in related courses of study.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to understand and apply procedures, regulations, and laws.
2. Knowledge of procurement practices.
3. Knowledge of appropriations and obligations relating to accounts.
4. Knowledge of general anatomy and medical terminology.
5. Knowledge of principles and practices of budget formulation and execution.

Prosthetics Representative - GS-9
Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Education. Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited university or college in the field of business; a medical field, e.g., kinesiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, etc.; public administration; health administration; or those in related courses of study.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to maintain and control an inventory system.
2. Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management.
3. Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available. This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors.
4. Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations.
5. Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices.


Prosthetics Representative - GS-11
Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Education. Education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of business; a medical field, e.g., kinesiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, etc.; public administration; health administration; or those in related courses of study.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of prosthetic programs related to at least 2 specialty programs as identified in 3a(4).
2. Ability to advise clinicians on the selection, prescription, and acquisition of a full range of prosthetic devices.
3. Ability to maintain liaison with prosthetic supply manufacturers and dealers by inspecting their facilities and services, and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts by providing advisory services to contract specialists.
4. Knowledge of investigative/research studies for newly developed prosthetic items in order to select pilot wearers, and compile data on item usefulness.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G34 Prosthetics Representative Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office

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.

Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary and is performed in an outpatient clinic environment responsible for treating patients with a wide variety of medical problems. There will be occasions where travel to patient's homes, accompanied by at least one other VA employee to inspect HISA jobs that have been completed. There also may be times it is necessary to conduct vendor inspections with regards to the local contracts administered out of the facility PSAS office. Normal safety precautions and practices are required for working a health care environment. This position requires emotional ability to deal effectively with multi-tasking and high volume of patient flow. Other physical demands include reaching, bending, stretching, walking, and carrying light loads of supplies.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.