Prosthetic Representative

Full Job Description

The Prosthetics Representative at Miami VA Facility independently plans, develops and implements the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids program from the general direction received from the Director, Prosthetic Service Line who sets the overall objectives and resources.

Wide latitude and independence of action is experienced in the administration of the programs and the development and coordination of these programs with other medical center disciplines.

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

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; Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

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).

Grandfathering Provision.

All persons employed in VHA as a Prosthetic Representative on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-0672 occupational series as prosthetic representatives may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

Prosthetic Representatives who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

Grade Determinations: GS-05 Prosthetic Representative (Entry Level) - Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-07 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental Level) One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled; AND In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skill and Abilities: 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. GS-9 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. 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and monitor actions to ensure timeliness. Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available.

This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors.

Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations.

Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices. GS-11 Prosthetic Representative (Full Performance Level) Experience.

In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled.

AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to work independently to set priorities; delegate tasks; meet multiple deadlines; analyze organizational problems; and develop and implement effective solutions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity.

Ability to work with a team, to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities to effectively complete job duties of assignment, such as distributing workload; and monitoring the accuracy, status and progress of work.

Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, to meet program objectives.

This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels. Ability to assist in staff development, outcome management, and strategic planning.

Ability to act as liaison between staff to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns.

Knowledge of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in specialized programs and knowledge of those specific program requirements.

Preferred Experience: A background in prosthetics or logistics preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while seated at a desk or table (4-6 hrs.). Some walking and standing (1 hr.) in the course of a normal workday.

The inspection of equipment at the vendor warehouse might require some moving and lifting of government equipment for verification.

Items carried typically are light objects although occasional lifting of moderately heavy objects may occur (1-40 lbs.).

For additional information, please see VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Major Duties:

The duties of the Non-Supervisory Prosthetic Representative are to administer, monitor, or perform work concerned with rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to disabled patients.

Duties included in this series is such work as but not limited to the following: Planning, developing, and directing a Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Program at the national, VISN or local level.

Serving as an advisor to clinicians with regard to selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices involving furnishing information concerning such matters as new developments in the field of prosthetics and sources of supply for such devices.

Interpreting prescriptions of clinicians in order to make certain that proper prosthetic devices are selected for, or by, the patients.

Authorizing the purchase, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic devices.

Maintaining continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies, inspecting their facilities and services, and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts.

Participating in investigative/research project studies by selecting patients as pilot wearers of newly developed prosthetic items, evaluating the usefulness of such items, and compiling of data.

Giving technical and administrative advice and assistance on prosthetic problems to other facilities. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 32114F/ Prosthetic Representative. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.