The primary purpose of the position is to support the clinical and administrative functions of the Prosthetics Sensory Aids Service. The Health Technician will assist in the design, fabrication, repair, and modification of many varieties of orthotic devices prescribed by a physician. The work will be performed at the Consolidated Fabrication Unit in Marion, Indiana
Summary
The primary purpose of the position is to support the clinical and administrative functions of the Prosthetics Sensory Aids Service. The Health Technician will assist in the design, fabrication, repair, and modification of many varieties of orthotic devices prescribed by a physician. The work will be performed at the Consolidated Fabrication Unit in Marion, Indiana
The primary duties of the Health Technician position include:
Repairing, fabrication, and modification of orthotic and prosthetic devices for the treatment of patients
Assist the professional staff in the treatment and care of seriously disabled veterans to include amputees, spinal cord injury patients and those with related disabilities requiring the use of orthotic, prosthetic and footwear devices
Construct and fit each device to meet the most rigid prescription requirement
Scan impressions boxes and design plaster cast
Maintain stock of material or supplies utilizing a computer program
Submitting, packing and shipping
Maintaining Orthotic Lab work orders in a computer program
Update electronic progress notes on patients that he/she has treated with support from the Orthotist and/or Prosthetist
Keeping the following organized, clean and neat: workbench, general work and storage area
Using protective equipment when required and provided
Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service level safety promotions
Maintains lab equipment with respect to maintenance and cleanliness
Follows established procedures in performing preventive maintenance on shop equipment
Work Schedule: Primarily Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD91534A
Physical Requirements: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, long periods of standing and long-distance walking from clinic to clinic may be required. Other physical demands will include but not limited to: bending, kneeling, some lifting (not to exceed 50 lbs.) and work with some power tools.
The work environment is a manufacturing facility. Exposure to occasional toxic and caustic fume and when so, wear appropriate protective breath gear. Exposure to occasional high oven temperatures and when so, wear appropriate protective thermal gloves. Exposure to occasional small particles when grinding or sanding or using power tools and when so, wear protective eyeglasses. The bulk of the working time is in a lab manufacturing setting, machine room, fume room and computer, or product storage area.
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
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/14/2022.
Individual Occupational Requirement
The Health Technician (GS-0640) occupational series requires specific education or experience to be met in order to be appointed into a position of this series. Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): 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.
Group Occupational Standard
In addition to the individual occupational requirement above, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-5 level) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization, as described below:
Specialized Experience: Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but is not limited to: Fabricating, adjusting and repairing orthotic and/or prosthetic devices; taking design impressions; crafting items to design specifications; reading patient charts; using standard medical terminology; taking patient measurements utilizing the appropriate equipment; monitoring inventory levels and ordering lab supplies; entering data using the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS); following established techniques and sequences in the development of orthotic and/or prosthetic devices; using computers to review and update work orders; and understanding and executing work orders correctly.
OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-6 level. Education
Completion of at least nine (9) semester hours of graduate education directly related to the work of the position.
OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-6 level. Combination of Specialized Experience and Graduate Education
To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-6 level.
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.
Education
Transcripts must be legible. Transcripts may be official or unofficial college transcripts. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process. The transcript must include your name and the name and full address of the institution. If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying based on education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume in addition to providing your transcript.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing of the announcement, 12/14/2022. A completed package includes:
Items to support your eligibility and qualification claims
Resume with detailed information
applicant's name and contact information
name of employer, job title and detailed duties performed
starting and ending dates for each position (for example, Feb 2020 to April 2021 vs. 2020-2021)
specify whether each position was full time or part time (if part time, you must provide the average hours per week to receive credit for that experience)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Cover Letter
License
Other (1)
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 12/14/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11739799.
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.
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). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients 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 facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA VISN 10 Human Resources
11500 NORTHLAKE DRIVE
SUITE 200
CINCINNATI, OH 45249-1642
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing of the announcement, 12/14/2022. A completed package includes:
Items to support your eligibility and qualification claims
Resume with detailed information
applicant's name and contact information
name of employer, job title and detailed duties performed
starting and ending dates for each position (for example, Feb 2020 to April 2021 vs. 2020-2021)
specify whether each position was full time or part time (if part time, you must provide the average hours per week to receive credit for that experience)
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Cover Letter
License
Other (1)
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 12/14/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11739799.
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.
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). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients 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 facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA VISN 10 Human Resources
11500 NORTHLAKE DRIVE
SUITE 200
CINCINNATI, OH 45249-1642
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.