Supervisory Orthotist-Prosthetist

This position functions as part of the VISN 20 Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service primarily in the Orthotic & Prosthetic Clinical Service. This position is the Supervisor of the Central Fabrication Unit (CFU) located in Vancouver, WA. The Prosthetics and Sensory Aides Service Line in VISN 20 is unique in that it is a fully integrated system at the VISN level. The V20 Prosthetic Service fulfills orders for care sites in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

Major duties include but are not limited to the following:

• The Supervisory prosthetist orthotist at this level is responsible for assuring accreditation of the laboratory, regulatory compliance and a variety of administrative duties such as budget development, managing inventory and resources, overseeing contract employees, planning the orthotic and prosthetic fabrication schedule, devising short and long range goals in accordance with local, VISN, and VHA central office direction; and conduction quality assurance activities, etc.
• The Supervisory prosthetist orthotist has or is developing knowledge of the administrative functions including budget development and management, inventory management, space and work load planning, as well as knowledge of the national prosthetic patient database, national prosthetics software package, decision support system, and accreditation requirements for O&P laboratories and individuals. They can analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, VISTA, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information.
• The supervisory prosthetist orthotist communicates and interacts with physicians, allied health professionals, patients, and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings, rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular care, podiatry, oncology, etc. as a subject matter expert to develop the orthotic and/or prosthetic treatment plan. The work includes complex patient analysis in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, multiple complex conditions, interrelated conditions, etc.; assessment of the patient for indications/ contraindications and discussion of the assessment with the physician / requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of that plan; consideration of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications. The orthotist- prosthetist at this level is expected to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life-threatening implications.
• The supervisory prosthetist orthotist will provide ongoing care and periodic evaluation to assure, maintain, and document optimal fit and function of prostheses, orthoses, soft goods, inserts, shoes, and compression devices provided to patients.
• The supervisory prosthetist orthotist will provide oversight of technicians as assigned based on certification requirements.
• The supervisory prosthetist orthotist may be called upon to provide educational in-services to physician groups such as podiatry, primary care, PMRS, orthopedics, etc. or other groups as assigned.
  
  At the GS 12 level, the supervisory prosthetist orthotist may provide training to orthotist prosthetists in new technologies and innovations in devices.
• The supervisory prosthetist orthotist will comply with all policies, procedures and regulations regarding human resource management, physical environment management, business and financial management and organizational management
• At the GS 12 level, knowledge of the regulatory requirements established by ABC, BOC, NCOPE, IAOP, AAOP and JCAHO is required and to be adhered to.
• The incumbent will adhere to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines ( e.g. FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC and BOC)
• The incumbent will adhere to personnel policies and procedures including benefits, training, incentives, staff recognition, and regular performance appraisals
• The incumbent will adhere to all policies and procedure regarding patient care, rights and privacy.
  
  The incumbent will demonstrate proper documentation of patient history and financial records by using established record­keeping techniques to verify patient care and other pertinent information.
• The incumbent will communicate roles and expectations of employees and employer by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care.
• The supervisory prosthetist orthotist will participate in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations.
• Perform or prepare purchase card audit information for National, VISN and Local audits of purchase cards to include IPERA.
• Follows all financial guidance and policy on the government purchase card (GPC) program. This includes audits, security, purchasing limits and any documentation required by Law, Congress, V ACO, VISN or local policy.