The Health Technician supports the clinical and administrative functions of VISN 23 and Prosthetics Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) by, under supervision, fitting over the counter orthotic soft goods, therapeutic footwear, and foot orthoses. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirement for 0640 Series: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled - Health Technician. GS-06 grade level (Developmental): One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 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 includes but is not limited to: providing administrative support (such as answering phones); managing inventory; utilizing various software systems to document information; and performing patient screenings or care of any kind. GS-07 grade level (Full Performance): 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 includes but is not limited to: providing administrative support (such as answering phones); managing inventory; utilizing various software systems to document clinical information and/or order items; performing patient screenings relative or care of any kind; and evaluating and fitting of over the counter orthotic soft goods and/or therapeutic footwear and foot orthoses. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Analysis and Problem Solving Attention to Detail Customer Service Requirements Analysis 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, long periods of standing and long-distance walking from clinic to clinic may be required. Other physical demands will include but not limited to; bending, kneeling, some lifting (not to exceed 50 lbs.) and work with some power tools. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Work Environment: Office setting with an area to fit measure and repair prosthetic and sensory aid appliances as well as a laboratory setting with equipment to modify, fabricate and repair orthotic and prosthetic devices. Wards, nursing homes and clinics may also be visited. Occasional travel may be required to assess patients. PPE may be required for patient assessment and Laboratory work. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. ["If selected at the GS-06, it is a developmental position leading to a GS-07, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. Major duties include but are not limited to: Fit and dispense non-custom orthotic soft goods , therapeutic footwear, and foot orthoses. Interpret consults from VA clinicians, ensuring legal requirements governing eligibility and entitlement to prosthetic and orthotic devices are met. Perform patient screenings and evaluations relative to the prosthetics program. Document clinical information in the electronic medical record. Take measurements of body and limb segments to appropriately select, size, and fit device to the patient. Provide administrative support, such as answering telephones. 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compress Work Schedule: Alternate work schedule: 4/ 10 Hour Days ( Maybe discussed in interview) Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician- Orthotic Fitter/PD23357A and PD23356A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
