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Summary This is a non-supervisory Health Technician (Pedorthist) position in the Rehabilitation Medicine Section. This system includes a Medical Center, outpatient clinic Ponce and Mayaguez. The incumbent will provide patient care, services and support to an adult veteran population with specialized needs. The purpose of this position is to fit orthotic devices to Veteran patients in need in our Orthotic Laboratory Section with device fittings. Responsibilities The Health Technician (Pedorthist) communicates and interacts with physicians , allied health professionals, patients and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings as subject matter expert to develop the pedorthic treatment plan. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) provides complex patient analyses in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, and multiple complex conditions and interrelated conditions. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) assess patients for indications/contraindications. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) discusses the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of the plan. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) analyzes the potential use of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative pedorthic devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) takes scans and measurements for advanced devices, prepares, and modifies casts for advanced devices, repairs and fabricates advanced devices and provides patient/caregiver education for advanced devices. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) recognizes physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life-threatening implications. The Health Technician (Pedorthist) privileges {Individual Scope of Practice) other credentialled clinicians to provide pedorthic care based on ABC privileging requirements. The incumbent is responsible for the application of prefabricated appliances such as, but not limited to, Lumba-sacral supports, prosthetic socks and sheaths, elbow and ankle supports, elastic support hose, hand splints, soft knee braces, neck collars, abdominal binders, trusses, and non­ custom in-depth shoes. Incumbent will take measurements of body and limb segments appropriate to the item being fit, and select an off the shelf item, sized appropriately with appropriate model or design, to the patient. Incumbent will apply the item to body and limb segment, adjusting as required. The incumbent designs, fabricates and modifies prosthetic/orthotic devices including, but not limited to, leg and back braces, cervical collars, knee orthoses, and arch supports in accordance with prescriptions or orders from physicians. The incumbent is responsible to receive patients, either in person or over the telephone and refer to the appropriate service or clinician. Responsible for answering routine inquires and to make appropriate referral to questions concerning service for Prosthetic and Orthotic Lab and fitting room. The incumbent is responsible for the complete processing of all related encounter data. The incumbent is responsible to document that the workload performed is entered in the prosthetic package including encounters for each visit. Incumbent will enter progress notes of delivery and all patient and medical team contacts. Timely completes work orders as assigned. ROES: the incumbent is responsible to make orders through CPRS and ROES for prosthetics components and soft goods. Responsible to process a 10-90 form and to insure that is included when application for outside services requested. Looks for delayed orders or problems concerning delivery of requested prosthetic and/or orthotic devices and provides follow up with the concerning personnel to solve complaint in an effective and prompt manner. Responsible to receive, pack and send casts, foam boxes, measurements, orthotic or prosthetic device from the Orthotic &Prosthetic Lab. Maintain a daily log of every item sent to patient, to outside vendors or central fabrication facility. Compiles statistical data of prefabricated orthotic/prosthetic items/ services for VISN. Research information on prosthetic and orthotic devices services from local and national sources. Perform other related duties as assigned. *The incumbent assigned to San Juan, shall be available to cover other Outpatient Clinics (OPC): Ponce and Mayaguez; and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC): Ceiba, Arecibo, Guayama, St. Croix & St. Thomas or any of the clinics geographically within the VACHS organization as patient services demand require. *The employee will work in the area(s) assigned by her/his supervisor, and may be modified as needed to meet service and organizational needs. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 08:00AM-4:30PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Health Technician (Pedorthist) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Credential. Candidates must possess one of the below credentials. Candidates must be board certified in pedorthics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). OR, Credentialed in pedorthics by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC).-Documentation Submitted OR, Exception for Non-Credentialed Health Aid (Pedorthist). Non-credentialed individuals who have successfully completed a Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP), Commission on Accreditation of Pedorthic Education (CAPE), National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or American Board for Certification of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) approved pedorthic certificate program (see Pedorthist Programs) and otherwise meet ABC's eligibility requirements for certification (see Pedorthist Candidate Guide) may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate Health Aid (Pedorthist) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). Non-credentialed individuals shall only provide care under the clinical oversight of a credentialed pedorthist, orthotist, or orthotist/prosthetist at or above the full performance level. Non-credentialed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments of non-credentialed Health Aid (Pedorthist) may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, Health Aid (Pedorthist) must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the Health Aid (Pedorthist) with the written requirements for certification, including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credential. Management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately relieve employees, who fail to maintain the required certification, of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation, which may also result in separation from employment. Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series, under a permanent, appropriate and legal placement, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and credentialing/certification, where applicable. GRADE REQUIREMENTS for Health Technician (Pedorthist), GS-3: Experience: Non-Beyond Basic Requirements. Employees at this grade level serve in a Health Aid (Pedorthist) entry level developmental position and work under the clinical oversight and direction of a credentialed pedorthist, orthotist or certified prosthetist orthotist (CPO). They receive entry level assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills and abilities. GS-4: Experience: Six months of experience demonstrating knowledge, skills and abilities associated with pedorthic practice equivalent to the next lower grade. s. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of patient related psychology, for example age-related competency, patient, and caregiver stressors. (b) Knowledge of foundational sciences related to development of pedorthic treatment, for example anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology. (c) Knowledge of materials science commonly used in fabrication, for example adhesives, plastics, composites, metals, and leather. (d) Knowledge of regulations and procedures to ensure patient privacy. (e) Ability to assign Healthcare Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding to pedorthic devices. GS-5: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in conducting patient assessments. (b) Skill in developing simple pedorthic devices (includes assessment, measurement, selection, and fitting). (c) Ability to consult with providers and allied health colleagues regarding treatment. (d) Ability to assess device to ensure structural soundness and compliance with prescription and fit. GS-6: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in developing a follow up treatment plan for complex pedorthic device types. (b) Ability to process paperwork for pedorthic devices being produced and fitted by vendor. (c) Ability to place administrative orders with procurement staff for treatment modalities. (d) Ability to assess device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription. (e) Ability to process consults/orders. GS-7: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-06). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in designing advanced pedorthic devices. Skill in assessing device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription. Skill in written communication. Skill in oral communication. Skill in fabrication of all pedorthic device types. Skill in designing innovative pedorthic devices to include new and emerging technology. Preferred Experience: Candidate requires the combination of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and interpersonal attributes. Incumbent follows the professionalism and complies to regulations of : American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC). Maintain relevant education or certification in pedorthics or a related field. Incumbent demonstrates: Technical Proficiency about foot (anatomy, biomechanics, and pathologies) and shoe/sock materials design and fabrications. Attention to Detail for precise anatomic measures and adjustments, properly recorded in medical record and treatment plans. Problem-Solving Skills & Capability to handle various patient conditions and needs. Patient-Centric Approach with empathy and excellent communication skills, to interact and educate patients/caregivers. Ability and willingness to work within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. High ethical and professional standards & Commitment to patient care and safety. Individual needs to have a valid driver's license. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Physical Stamina to manage physical job tasks, such as approaching around the patient and standing for long periods. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements The full performance level of this vacancy is 7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 3 to 7. 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 As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year trail period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period one (1) year, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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. 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.