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Summary The Health Technician (Prosthetics Service) supports the clinical and administrative functions of VISN 23 and Prosthetics Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) by, under supervision, constructing simple orthotic and prosthetics devices and fitting over the counter orthotic soft goods, as deemed appropriate and prescribed by VA and medical facility policies, procedures and treatment plans. Responsibilities ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** If selected at the GS-06, it is a developmental position leading to a GS-07, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Limited plaster modifications to upper and lower extremity orthotic and prosthetic devices under supervision of Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist. Blister or drape forming materials under vacuum over positive models and trimming and smoothing devices for fitting. Fabrication of custom foot orthotics using Amfit blanks and carver. The incumbent adheres to specifications, conformance to models and tracings provided by the certified practitioner requesting the service. Installs valves, locking mechanisms and assembles transtibial and transfemoral sockets with bench alignment to an endoskeletal pylon system per manufacturer recommendations in preparation for dynamic alignment. Shapes and cosmetically finishes the outer contours of prosthesis. Follows instructions on the orthometry form and cast or tracing provided by the clinician to create AFOs and KAFOs; verifies correct size metal is used based on the pt's weight and alignment provided on the orthometry form, bends/ contours metal stirrups and uprights, rivets through the midsole, attaches the bars to the ankle joint and attaches the calf band. Answers telephone inquiries directed toward the Service and responds appropriately (e.g. directly answer the inquiry or direct the individual to another resource) when required. Assists in the managing of orthotic and prosthetic inventory within the Department, including chemical inventory. This can include conducting routine physical inventory counts, updating inventory and keeping excess inventory to a minimum. Ensures inventory locations are kept clean and organized. The incumbent may also be required to unpack shipments, check packing slips against orders and contents of the shipment and assemble the necessary documentation for orthotic and prosthetic items needing to be reordered. Requests patient specific items through the Remote Order Entry System (ROES). 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Prosthetics Service)/PD23356A and PD23357A. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Bargaining Unit Position: No. 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/19/2025. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Basic Requirement - Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) In order to meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for this occupation, candidates must have: Specialized Experience: 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. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), candidates must meet the following grade requirements. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-06: Specialized Experience (Developmental): You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience refers to, but is not limited to the following: Provide instruction to patients on appropriate use and safety of medical devices; Skill to interpret diagnosis for treatment plans including disease progression; Understanding of orthometry forms for construction of Orthotic and Prosthetic devices; Able to perform minor adjustments to orthotic devises/shoes; Utilization of computer software to update/review medical records or schedule patient appointments (This experience must be well documented in your resume or application package). OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of 1 full year of graduate education directly related to the work of this position. GS-07: Specialized Experience (Full Performance): You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience refers to, but is not limited to the following: Extensive knowledge of common tools, measuring devices, machines and raw materials; Proven skill in applying orthotic devices/shoes, fabricating orthotic devices and performing modifications to orthotic devices/shoes to ensure proper fit and function; Understanding of follow up treatment plans for proper usage, function and patient satisfaction; Effective communication skills both written and orally to work with patients and staff; Utilization of computer software related to patient processing in prosthetics (This experience must be well documented in your resume or application package). OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of 1 year of graduate education directly related to the work of this position. NOTE: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7. Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree meets the requirements for GS-9. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended. Administration and Management Communication Planning and Evaluating Technical Competence 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 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. Work Environment - Office setting with an area to fit measure and repair prosthetic and sensory aid appliances as well as a laboratory setting with equipment to modify, fabricate and repair orthotic and prosthetic devices. Lab coat must be worn. Wards, nursing homes and clinics may also be visited. Occasional travel may be required to assess patients. PPE may be required for patient assessment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information "Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act." Receiving Service Credit or 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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. 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 qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.