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The primary purpose of the position is to support the clinical and administrative functions of VISN 23 and Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) Orthotic, Prosthetic and Pedorthic Clinical Services (OPPCS) by independently managing the comprehensive pedorthic patient care for the prevention or amelioration of painful, unusual, complex, and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level, you must meet one of the following: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience. Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, prosthetics, and optometrists. Experience for this position typically includes but is not limited to: knowledge of a wide variety of standard and custom medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic appliances, their purposes and functions; knowledge of patient anatomy and specialized terminology associated with the work of prosthetics and orthotics; skill in working with metals, leather, plastics, fabrics, and other materials and associated tools or mechanical devices to assemble clinically indicated prosthetic and orthotic devices; communicating orally and in writing; and knowledge of computer software programs to maintain inventory, order supplies, and documenting patient record with item and/or service provided. OR Education: Must have completed one full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Only education in excess of a bachelors degree and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.. To qualify for this position at the GS-8 level, you must meet one of the following and hold the required certification: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, prosthetics, and optometrists. Experience for this position typically includes but is not limited to: Experience working independently as a lead Certified Pedorthist working with a wide variety and large volume of devices. Ability to read medical records and interpret consults for appropriate Pedorthotic care and provision of OTC orthotics and therapeutic shoes. Knowledge of multiple orthotic soft goods available, their application, purpose and design principles. Skilled in fabricating complex Orthotic and Pedorthic items. Customer service oriented with experience in multi-tasking. Knowledge of medical terminology, with experience working in health care system with little supervision. Education: Must have completed one and half full years (27 semester hours) of graduate education directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Only education in excess of a bachelors degree and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.. Certification:In addition to the entry level requirements, the full performance level requires national certification by ABC or BOC as a Certified Pedorthist (Cped, or BOCPED). Certification must be submitted for verification. The completion of an Associate's degree is preferred, but not required To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-XX. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["Major duties include but are not limited to: A certified pedorthist is a health care professional certified by either the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) who is specifically educated and trained to manage comprehensive pedorthic patient care. Pedorthic care includes the provision of therapeutic shoes, prefabricated orthoses below the knee, partial foot prostheses for trans-metatarsal and distal amputations, and foot orthoses as defined by the respective scope of practice. The key elements of the full performance level pedorthist includes the independent actions of patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up care, and practice management Interprets consults as submitted by VA clinicians, ensures the legal requirements governing eligibility and entitlement to prosthetic and orthotic devices are met. Contacts provider with any questions regarding requested item. Performs patient screenings relative to the prosthetics program. Assesses patients with impairment of human movement or musculoskeletal abnormalities that would otherwise impede their ability to participate in their social environment or other activities in order to determine a functional intervention. Researches and explores options for commercially available pedorthic devices that will optimize treatment goals of the patient. Assists trained/ privileged medical providers with prescription formulation for therapeutic footwear and fabricated devices. The Certified Pedorthist will advise as to the benefits and risks associated with different styles of pedorthic devices. Formulates a treatment plan based upon a comprehensive assessment to design an intervention to alleviate limitations and enhance function. Takes scans, impressions, measurements, and modifies as necessary to ensure proper fit and function of the item. Uses anthropometric tools to determine correct therapeutic shoe size and style. Considers function, patient lifestyle, and preference when determining the implementation of the treatment plan. Evaluates the fitting of the pedorthic items and verifies that it meets the specification of the prescription. Modifies the orthotic as necessary to accommodate the patient's medical condition. This fitting process includes gait evaluation, patient comfort and their ability to effectively use the pedorthic item, patient education and instructions for wear. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0730-1600 Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Bargaining Unit: Yes Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/ PD23482A and PD23483A Physical Requirements: The Certified Pedorthist position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, short to long periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, crawling, reaching above shoulders, and longndistance walking may be required. Other physical demands will ,include but not limited to; bending, kneeling, some lifting (not to exceed 50 Ibs.) and working with power tools and equipment. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-8. At the GS-7 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-8. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds."]

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