Health Technician

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Supervisory Prosthetics Representative and will perform duties as assigned in serving veterans with orthotic devices as prescribed by qualified clinicians. Performs independently, scheduling patients, evaluating, procurement and fitting of orthotic appliances. Such items include appliances such as, but not limited to, custom and non-custom in-depth orthotic and diabetic shoes, inserts and ankle foot orthoses (AFO's).

• Independently schedules and receives patients as required Orthotic clinics utilizing CPRS and creating encounters for proper clinical documentation in accordance with the National PAVE Directive.
• Utilize clinical and technical knowledge to educate patients in accordance with the issuance of orthotic devices.
• Assists the VA Department of Defense (DOD) Podiatrist to answer questions during non-standard procedures for customer Orthotics.
• Operates and maintains medical equipment for treatment procedures.
• Manages clinical environment in the treatment of patients with clinical needs.
• Ensure patient safety protocols are met in a clean environment.
• Fits multiple types of orthoses, impression casts feet for orthoses and measures feet for correct fit or special-order footwear (with computer or mechanical assistance) and ensures proper safety of devices issued.
• Documents clinical findings in CPRS of clinical conditions through clinical encounters as treated during fittings of such devices.
• Maintains certification of Orthotics Fitters instruction in accordance with Continuing Education requirements.
• Initiates procurement action, using the Purchase Card 95% of the time or more for all prosthetic devices, ensures purchase item contains the complete description of appliance or service, correct cost and vendor information.
• Maintains compliance with established National contracts, Federal Supply Schedules and VISN contracts and/or Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) when procuring items and/or services for beneficiaries.
• Prepares amendments, addresses disputes and initiates communication or other action with the vendor as required to facilitate the purchase reconciliation process.
• Manage the basic orthotic soft goods inventory, by overseeing storage and availability of items at standard established PAR Levels.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Proficient in a set of standardized protocols, with the capability to instruct new clinic staff.
• Advanced expertise that enables the diagnosis of prevalent podiatric conditions and the execution of routine podiatric procedures that necessitate extensive training and experience. This includes skin and toenail debridement, management of high-risk foot clinic cases, minor wound debridement with appropriate risk assessment in line with the latest PAVE policy, as well as the application and removal of strappings, casts, braces, therapeutic devices, and compression wraps, along with addressing recurring issues.
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of the optimal use of both custom and non-custom orthotic devices for patients consistently.

• Specialized Experience: You must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level (GS-5) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties as a Health Technician. Qualifying specialized experience for this position includes, but is not limited to: knowledge regarding the mechanical function of Prosthetic and Sensory Aids appliances; ability to read and understand prescriptions and orthotic procedures to undertake the fitting of orthotic appliances; knowledge to access professional publications through internet and search engines and understand the sources to access the knowledge to fit the most complex patients as orthotic soft goods are concerned; the ability to work cooperatively with other staff at all management levels and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-06 level if you have successfully completed a half year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of a Health Technician. Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 ONLY in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.

• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education that is directly related to work of the position.

• Specialized Experience: You must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level (GS-6) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties as a Health Technician. Qualifying specialized experience for this position includes, but is not limited to: knowledge of and skill in applying an extensive body of rules, procedures, and operations of the Prosthetics/Sensory Aid Service with ability to teach these to clinic newcomers; practical knowledge of the instruments/devices and procedures of the Prosthetic/ Sensory Aid Services and skills to apply knowledge to adapt instruments to perform a full range of specialized non-routine procedures; practical knowledge of the intricate examinations or treatment procedures, associated with Prosthetics Care to perform a variety of specialized clinic procedures such as preliminary examination and evaluation of patients; ability to document clinical findings in CPRS of clinical encounters as treated during fittings of such devices.

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level if you have successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education where it is directly related to the work of a Health Technician. Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.

• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education that is directly related to work of the position.

• Ability to independently manage the scheduling of patient appointments and assesses the procurement and fitting of orthotic devices. These devices encompass a range of items, including but not limited to custom and non-custom orthotics, diabetic shoes inserts, and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).
• Ability to take foot measurements using electronic scanning technology and relevant software tailored to the specific item being fitted.
• Ability to select the appropriate off-the-shelf size and model or arrange for the procurement of customer orthotic devices as necessary for the patient.
• Ability to apply clinical and technical expertise to educate patients on effective foot care through the provision of orthotic devices.
• Ability of fitting various types of orthoses, creating impression casts of feet for orthotic purposes, and measuring feet for accurate fitting or special-order footwear, utilizing either computer or mechanical assistance, while ensuring the safety of the issued devices.