Orthotist-Prosthetist

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To function as an Orthotist, Prosthetist or Orthotist-Prosthetist at the full performance grade level. Will primarily provide custom designed, fabricated, modified, and fitted orthoses and prostheses assessments and services for the disabled patients' unique needs, desires· and the provider's prescription.

Duties

• Reviews patient's prescription/referral.
• Takes patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations.
• Consults with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition.
• Communicates with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits.
• Verifies patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established recordkeeping techniques.
• Refers patient, if appropriate, to higher level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice or privileging.
• Consults with higher-level Orthotist and/or Prosthetist to clarify or with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan.
• Identifies material, design and components to support anticipated outcome.
• Develops a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow-up.
• Informs patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure.
• Provides patient with preparatory care for orthotic/prosthetic treatment.
• Prepares patient for procedure required to initiate treatment plan.
• Selects appropriate materials, components and specifications for orthosis/prosthesis based on patient criteria to ensure optimum strength, durability and function as required.
• Prepares delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication.
• Modifies and prepare patient model for fabrication.
• Fabricates/assembles prescribed device by assembling selected materials/components to prepare for fitting and/or delivery.
• Assesses device(s) for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery.
• Assess/aligns orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort.
• Provides gait training /functional-use training.
• Ensures that materials, design and components are fit/delivered as prescribed.
• Completes fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis.
• Educates/counsels patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis.
• Documents treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan.
• Solicits subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status.
• Assesses patient's functional level.
• Assesses patient's skin condition (e.g., integrity, color, temperature, volume).
• Assesses patient's general health, height and weight, and note any changes.
• Assesses patient's psychosocial status, and note any changes (e.g., family status, job, caregiver).
• Assesses fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to strategic contact (e.g., three-point force systems, total contact) to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals.
• Makes specified modifications to orthosis/prosthesis.
• Evaluates modifications to orthosis/prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met.
• Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications.
• Documents all findings and actions and communicate with appropriate health care professionals to ensure patient status is updated.
• Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines.
• Communicates roles and expectations of employer and employees by providing documentation to create a professional, cooperative working environment and improve patient care.
• Participates in continuing education and/or provide such education for other health care professionals, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, associates, technicians, and office staff.
• Participates in education for residents, students, and trainees.
• Participates in product development research, clinical trials, and outcome evaluation studies.
• Participates in/with consumer organizations and nongovernmental organizations to promote competency and enhancement of orthotic/prosthetic profession.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Contact David L. Billingsley Jr., , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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