This position is for a Health Technician (Pedorthist) to support the clinical and administrative functions of the Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Orthotic, Prosthetic, and Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) at the VA Black Hills Health Care System, physically located in Fort Meade, SD. The employee will independently manage the comprehensive pedorthic patient care for the prevention or amelioration of painful, unusual, complex, and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle.
Summary
This position is for a Health Technician (Pedorthist) to support the clinical and administrative functions of the Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Orthotic, Prosthetic, and Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) at the VA Black Hills Health Care System, physically located in Fort Meade, SD. The employee will independently manage the comprehensive pedorthic patient care for the prevention or amelioration of painful, unusual, complex, and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle.
ALL US CITIZENS.
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 002) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
If selected at the GS-07, it is a developmental position leading to a GS-08, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision.
Major duties include but are not limited to:
Manage comprehensive pedorthic patient care, such as the provision of therapeutic shoes, prefabricated orthoses below the knee, partial foot prostheses, and foot orthoses.
Interpret consults as submitted by VA clinicians, ensuring the legal requirements governing eligibility and entitlement to prosthetic and orthotic devices are met.
Perform patient screenings relative to the prosthetics program.
Research and explore options for commercially available pedorthic devices that will optimize treatment goals of patients.
Advise on the benefits and risks associated with different styles of pedorthic devices.
Formulate treatment plans based upon a comprehensive assessment to design interventions that will alleviate limitations and enhance function.
Implement treatment plans by doing such tasks as taking scans/impressions/measurements to ensure proper fit and function; determining appropriate fabrication process; using anthropometric tools to determine the correct therapeutic shoe size and style; and evaluating the fitting of pedorthic items, verifying they meet specifications of the prescription.
Create a follow-up treatment plan for proper usage, function, and patient satisfaction.
Document workload, procedure coding, progress notes, appointments, and encounters for patient care.
Maintain inventory and stock levels of materials and supplies related to pedorthics in the clinic and laboratory setting.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Pedorthist/ PD23483A and PD23482A Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit Position: Yes - AFGE
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
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.
For the GS-08: National certification, in good standing, is required by the American Board for Certification (ABC) in Pedorthics and/or the Board of Certification (BOC) in Pedorthics, or as an Orthotist or Orthotist-Prosthetist.
Pre-employment physical examination may be required.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Individual Occupational Requirement for 0640 Series: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as 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 be filled - Health Technician (Pedorthist).
GS-07 grade level (Developmental): One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-XX 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 but is not limited to: performing patient screenings relative to a prosthetics program; advising on the benefits and risks associated with different pedorthic devices; assisting with formulating and implementing treatment plans for patients; and utilizing various software systems for tasks such as inventory management and reordering.
GS-08 grade level (Full Performance): One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 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 but is not limited to: performing patient screenings relative to a prosthetics program; assessing patients' impairments of movement or musculoskeletal abnormalities; advising on the benefits and risks associated with different pedorthic devices; formulating treatment plans for patients to alleviate limitations; implementing and following up on treatment plans to reassess patient goals and document adjustments; and utilizing various software systems for tasks such as inventory management and reordering.
In addition to the requirements listed above,the full performance (GS-08) position requires national certification, in good standing, with either the American Board for Certification (ABC) in Pedorthics, and/or the Board of Certification (BOC) in Pedorthics.
OR
Certification by ABC or BOC as an Orthotist (CO/BOCO) or Orthotist-Prosthetist (CPO/BOCOP). (A copy of the certification needs to be included in your application package.)
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Analysis and Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Requirements Analysis
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.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: The Certified Pedorthist position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, short to long periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, crawling, reaching above shoulders, and long-distance walking may be required. Other physical demands will include but not limited to; bending, kneeling, some lifting (not to exceed 50 Ibs.) and working with power tools and equipment.
Work Environment: The Certified Pedorthist's work environment includes a clinical setting with an area to evaluate, fit, measure, and repair pedorthic appliances. A laboratory setting with equipment to modify, fabricate, and adjust pedorthic devices is also part of the work environment. Appropriate professional dress, which may include lab coats, is required. Additional locations would include hospital rooms, CLC units, Community Based Outpatient Care (CBOC) facilities, long term care centers, and/or specialty clinic offices where patient care may also be provided. Occasional travel may be required for the incumbent to attend continuing education or seminars, or to travel to a CBOC. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, following local and national guidelines.
Patient care work environment will be located in an area to fit measure and repair prosthetic and sensory aid appliances. Work may also be performed in a variety of settings including wards, State Veteran Homes or other Nursing Homes, the homes of veterans and in adapted vehicles where PPE may be required for patient assessment.
The prosthetic/orthotic laboratory work environment includes a variety of machines and power tools, which may expose the incumbent to dust, noise and potential injury. The incumbent will ensure that all machine safeguards are in place and properly used at all times. Toxic and caustic fumes and materials are handled in the Prosthetic/Orthotic Lab. PPE must be used. The incumbent will ensure that gloves, hearing protection and proper dust masks are used when needed.
Education
There is no educational substitution for the GS-07 or GS-08 level.
Additional information
The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
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.
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 WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
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.
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.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/14/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11709885.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS 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 USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VA Black Hills Health Care System
113 Comanche Road
Fort Meade, SD 57741
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated 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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/14/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11709885.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS 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 USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VA Black Hills Health Care System
113 Comanche Road
Fort Meade, SD 57741
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
