Prosthetic Representative

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Washington, DC VAMC, Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS).

The PSAS provides support to optimize the health and independence of the Veteran services provided within various settings, including the Veterans Integrated Service (VISNs), Inpatient Clinics and Outpatient Clinics throughout the United States.

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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.

After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C.

7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States.

Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade level and position concerned. English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C.

chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Experience and Education.

Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below. Experience.

One year of creditable experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology; knowledge of accounting methods; ability to research, analyze, comprehend, and apply decisions; basic knowledge of inventory management procedures; ability to use computer software packages for word processing, spreadsheet development, and database management; and ability to work independently and as a member of a team; or Education.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business.

The 24 semester hours could include but is not limited to any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management.

This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree; or Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Foreign Education.

To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to experience gained in conventional United States programs.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

GRADE DETERMINATION: GS-05 Prosthetic Representative (Entry Level) Experience. None beyond the basic requirement. Assignment.

Assignments at this grade level are entry level trainee in nature where the individual receives developmental assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills, and abilities.

At this level, the Prosthetic Representative receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks. The work is performed under close supervision.

GRADE DETERMINATION: GS-07 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental Level) Experience.

In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled.

(Example of GS-05 Experience: The Prosthetic Representative receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks.

The work is performed under close supervision.) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to the experience for the GS-07, the following KSAs are required: Ability to understand and apply processes, procedures, regulations, and laws as it applies to purchasing and the provision of prosthetic items/services.

Ability to coordinate multiple requests for durable medical equipment (DME), including repairs, services, and benefits.

Ability to act as a liaison with and work effectively with health care providers, patients, caregivers and vendors to ensure that the most appropriate device and services are received timely.

Ability to monitor contractors and vendors for compliance with contract requirements. Assignment.

At this level, responsibilities include interaction with Veterans, caregivers, and clinical staff by answering questions related to benefit programs such as automobile adaptive equipment, home improvement and structural alterations, and clothing allowance programs.

Assignments include developmental duties involving more complex work performed under supervision.

The Prosthetic Representative addresses questions about the provision of prosthetic items, home care equipment, benefits or service issues, to include discharge planning requirements.

The employee ensures requests for items or services are complete and received in accordance with established timeframes.

Work may include authorizing and preparing purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies and home medical equipment and repairs.

For orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, they may conduct market research, price history review, complete justification and approval, and submit to the contracting department.

They ensure correct Healthcare Common Procedure Codes are entered into the appropriate database(s).

They ensure surgical implants are Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved; shipped to retain product integrity; delivered to correct location; and received before for the surgical procedure.

They collaborate with clinical staff when devices and equipment requires repair or replacement and takes necessary actions to resolve issues.

GRADE DETERMINATION: GS-09 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental level) Experience.

In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled.(Example of GS-07 Experience: Assignments include developmental duties involving more complex work performed under supervision.

The Prosthetic Representative addresses questions about the provision of prosthetic items, home care equipment, benefits or service issues, to include discharge planning requirements.

The employee ensures requests for items or services are complete and received in accordance with established timeframes.

Work may include authorizing and preparing purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies and home medical equipment and repairs.)OR Education.

Education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher level graduate education OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business.

The 24 semester hours may include, but is not limited to, any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management.

This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree. Major Duties:

Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as an advanced trainee Prosthetic Representative performing a variety of technical, administrative, and analytical prosthetic related assignments.

Receives review, advice, and guidance from more senior PSAS's staff regarding complex, developmental assignments, projects, activities, and long-and-short term program goals, as it relates to prosthetic and sensory aids.

Serves as a team participant on local facility committees, workgroups, and teams to learn and obtain additional PSAS's training and exposure.

Serves as a team participant on local facility committees, workgroups, and teams to learn and obtain additional PSAS's training and exposure.

Completes advance trainee contracting and procurement assignments working closely with supervisors and/or senior Prosthetic Representatives to prepare and authorize purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Confers with contractors, vendors, and other health care workers regularly regarding procurement needs, referring to senior staff for guidance as needed.

Monitors contracts for compliance to the statement of work; and receives, analyzes, and completes requests for prosthetic equipment and services.

Procures materials, supplies, and equipment; familiar with inventory stock and works collaboratively with Supply Chain to provide oversight of prosthetic service inventories.

Collaborates with clinical staff when devices and equipment require repair or replacement and takes necessary actions to resolve issues.

Maintains awareness regarding medical and psychological problems related to patients need to use prosthetic devices.

Communicates and coordinates specialty programs, which include clothing allowance, Home O2 program, Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE), Home Improvement & Structural Alterations (HISA), etc.

Interacts with Veterans, caregivers, and clinical staff by answering questions related to benefit programs, including questions about the provision of prosthetic items, home care equipment, benefits, or service issues, and discharge planning requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday , 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: FS 688-26237F-GS05; FS 688-26236-F-GS07; FS 688-25118-F - GS-09; FS 688-121898-F - GS-11 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.