Health Technician (Orthotic Fitter)

Orthotics and therapeutic shoe fitters (Fitters) work in the Orthotics and Prosthetics laboratory of the Prosthetics and Sensory Aides service at any one of the VAMC in VISN 20. Fitters work under the general direction of the Certified Orthotist or Certified Orthotist Prosthetist at their facility. The main purpose of these Fitters is to fit and apply orthotic devices and depth inlay shoes. Instruct patients in wear and maintenance of orthotic devices to achieve the desired benefit and to maximize the function and lifetime of the device. The incumbent greets measures fits dispenses and instructs walk-in patients on a variety of non- custom orthotic appliances. The devices provided include but are not limited to: braces for upper and lower extremities spinal orthoses soft goods diabetic shoes over the counter (OTC) ankle/ knee immobilizers supports and corsets. He/ she will also measure and fit non-custom and custom hosiery.

• Prepare casting for shoes and custom shoe inserts using foam impression techniques for eventual fabrication by Certified Orthotist or Certified Orthotist Prosthetists.
• Perform simple orthotic repairs such as repairs to cuffs suspension straps shoes using a wide variety of materials including leather metal plastic and fabric components of various braces.
• Annotates patient medical records to computerized patient records system (CPRS) with regards to services and/or treatments provided to comply with Quality Improvement and Joint Commission Standards.
• Accurately inputs data into an electronic database system (VISTA/ Prosthetic package) for accurate reporting of NPPD (National Prosthetic Patient Data) or APAT records on all work performed which includes material cost or labor.
• Stock post items delivered to patients from inventory at the time of delivery. Appraise the Orthotics Prosthetics Laboratory supervisor or Clinical Manager of any technical inventory or documentation issues which may have a significant impact.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• May serve a probationary period.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• A complete application package; Resume Transcripts etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position.

In addition to the selective placement requirement applicants must also meet the below specialize experience.

GS-6 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs) 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: At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service that has required application of the knowledge methods and techniques of this position. 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. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Assisting with fitting and applying orthotic devices and non-custom and custom hosiery;
• Assisting by utilizing strong-communication skills to effectively communicate with all levels of staff as well as patients and their families to discuss all aspects of orthotic fit and restoration;
• Helping to provide patient care/support services to an adult population;
• Assisting by utilizing a patient medical record system and electronic database system for tracking Prosthetic devices with regards to services and/or treatments;
• Assisting by protecting medical record data from unauthorized release loss alteration or deletion.
• Instructs patients in wear and maintenance of orthotic devices to achieve the desired benefit and to maximize the function and lifetime of the device; and
• Perform simple orthotic repairs such as repairs to cuffs suspension straps shoes using a wide variety of materials including leather metal plastic and fabric components of various braces.