Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist-Prosthetist. The role involves providing custom-designed, fabricated, modified, and fitted orthoses and prostheses, and conducting assessments and services to meet the unique needs of disabled patients, based on the physician's prescription. The position is located in the Orthotic-Prosthetic Laboratory Section of the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System. Responsibilities Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ Performs limited assessments to understand orthotic/prosthetic needs by reviewing prescriptions, referrals, medical history, functional status, and prior device use. Consults with physicians, therapists, caregivers, and senior O/P staff to clarify prescriptions and ensure appropriate device selection. Identifies suitable materials, components, and designs consistent with the treatment plan and expected outcomes. Communicates with patients to explain procedures, obtain cooperation, reduce anxiety, and provide education regarding device use and care. Documents patient history, progress, and follow-up using established record-keeping procedures and organizational guidelines. Takes accurate measurements for fabrication and fitting of orthoses and prostheses for common disability levels, including spinal, upper extremity, lower extremity, transtibial, and transfemoral devices. Prepares molds, tracings, impressions, and digital or physical models used in fabrication. Fabricates, assembles, and aligns orthotic and prosthetic components of limited to moderate complexity, following professional standards and manufacturer specifications. Selects and prepares appropriate materials to ensure durability, structural safety, and proper function. Performs preliminary alignment and fitting, adjusting devices to improve comfort, function, and stability. Evaluates fit and mechanical relationships to determine whether modifications are necessary. Makes device adjustments such as pressure relief, alignment changes, component changes, and range-of-motion modifications. Ensures all fabrication guidelines, safety standards, torque requirements, and manufacturer recommendations are followed. Provides patient preparation and instruction for device delivery, wear schedules, maintenance, and safe use. Conducts static and dynamic evaluations to confirm devices meet clinical goals and prescription objectives. Solicits patient and caregiver feedback to evaluate comfort, function, and satisfaction, adjusting devices as needed. Maintains accurate patient records consistent with Medical Center, NISN, JCAHO, ABC, and BOC requirements. Follows all policies and procedures related to patient privacy, safety, infection control, and ethical practice. Demonstrates proper documentation of patient treatment, communication, and billing-related information. Works collaboratively with colleagues to support coordinated, professional patient care. Develops clinical and technical competency through supervised practice and training in essential tasks such as measurement-taking, patient communication, and fitting of basic appliances. Participates in manufacturer trainings, professional seminars, continuing education, and skills development to maintain competency and learn new technologies. Completes all required hospital and regulatory training. Participates in in-service programs, case discussions, product development, outcome evaluation, and related professional activities. Engages with professional organizations, consumer groups, and educational programs to support advancement of the orthotic/prosthetic profession. Performs other duties as assigned depending on grade level. Work (Duty) Location: Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center located at 1011 Honor Heights Drive, Muskogee, OK 74401. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 623-53742-A, 623-53743-A, 623-53744-A, 623-53745-A Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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. 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30,2026 The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 1st, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every other Friday following. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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. Education: (1) A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign degree programs must have proof of a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in orthotics and prosthetics. Board Certification: Candidates must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist. The board certificate must be current and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant or fitter does not meet this requirement. English Language Proficiency: Orthotists, prosthetists, or orthotist/prosthetists must be proficient in spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Completion of 1 year of experience as an orthotist/prosthetist equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide orthotic/prosthetic services in a hospital setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to attend clinics and participate as a fully participating member of the treatment team with considerable influence in the development of the treatment plan. This includes advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies. Ability to conduct clinical patient analyses such as gait, range of motion, life style, etc., for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications, and to design unique or innovative devices to accommodate those conditions. Ability to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This vacancy is being announced at the Full Performance Level GS 11. Physical Requirements: The ability to perform heavy lifting and carrying of 45 lbs and over. It also involves straight pulling for up to 1 hour, pushing for 1 to 2 hours, and reaching above the shoulder. The use of fingers and both hands is required. Candidates must be able to walk and stand for up to 3 hours each. Additionally, the job entails repeated bending for up to 1 hour, and requires the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Near vision must be correctable at a distance of 13 to 16 inches, and hearing aids are permitted. 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 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. 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.
