Orthotist-Prosthetist

The duties of the Non-Supervisory Prosthetist Orthotist, GS , are to administer, or perform work concerned with rendering prosthetic and orthotic services to disabled patients in the VISN 20 catchment area. This position functions as part of the VISN 20 Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service primarily in the Orthotic & Prosthetic Clinical Service. The Prosthetics and Sensory Aides Service Line in VISN 20 is unique in that it is a fully integrated system at the VISN level.

GS 11 Orthotist - Prosthetist: The orthotist-prosthetist 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 orthotist- prosthetist may be assigned 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 requires advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies
• The orthotist- prosthetist will conduct clinical patient analysis 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 will design unique devices to accommodate those conditions.
• The orthotist- prosthetist will be responsible for a patient load, and will complete all required documentation including VISTA, CPRS, encounters, OWLS, and other requirements as they evolve. This may also include stock posting items delivered for inventory control, managing lab equipment inventory, placing orders using established procedures for patient specific needs, quote review from outside vendors, etc. to ensure seamless care.
• The orthotist- prosthetist will review and triage prosthetics requests daily and communicate with scheduling team as to which patients to schedule in-house vs. those to be sent to outside commercial vendors. Orthotist/­Prosthetists may not select or direct veterans to a specific outside commercial partner under any circumstances as this would violate federal acquisition regulations.
• The Orthotist-Prosthetist will perform the necessary procedures to provide custom devices to patients as prescribed by the physician. This may include but is not limited to: casting, digitizing, scanning, positive model preparation and modification, selecting appropriate materials and components, thermoforming, trimming, assembling devices, evaluating workmanship and fabrication performed by outside central fabrication facilities, ensuring structural safety and manufacturer recommendations are followed for final delivery to patients.
• Orthotist-Prosthetist 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. Orthotist-Prosthetists may provide oversight of fitters and/ or technicians as assigned based on certification requirements.