Prosthetic Representative

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.

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

Employees who are retained as a Prosthetic Representative under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a prosthetic representative. 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. Grade Specific Requirements GS 5 Prosthetic Representative (Entry Level) Experience.

None beyond the basic requirement GS-7 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. GS 7 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-7 level, the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be obtained.

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. GS 9 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to meeting the experience and or education for the GS-9 level, he following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be obtained.

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. GS 11 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-12 level, the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be obtained.

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. 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 5-11.

02Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Serves as an advanced trainee Prosthetic Representative performing a variety of technical, administrative, and analytical prosthetic related assignments. Obtains formal and informal on-the-job-training and exposure on the full range of Prosthetic Representative duties. Receives review, advice, and guidance complex, developmental assignments, projects, activities, and long-and-short term program goals, as it relates to prosthetic and sensory aids.

Gains PSAS program exposure that is designed to build upon the advanced trainee knowledge, skills, and abilities while receiving detailed training and instruction. Serves as a team participant on local facility committees, workgroups, and teams to learn and obtain additional PSAS training and exposure. Serves as a trainee representative at the Department's public relations activities, (i.e. lectures, town halls, and in-services).

Completes advance developmental assignments and receives guidance as need on a variety of administrative areas, including statistics, data analysis, budgeting, contracting, procurement, inventory management, human resources, etc. Works closely with senior PSAS's staff to draft and develop organizational policies and procedures that are consistent with national policies and procedures. Maintains awareness of VA's, VHA's, and PSAS's requirements by governing bodies, i.e.

The Joint Commission (JC), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). 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. Ensures requests for items or services are complete and received under established timeframes.

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.

Works closely with supervisor or senior staff to plan, draft, and prepare budget estimates; to develop cost-containment measures for prosthetic equipment and services; to assist with authorizing benefit payment and reimbursement. Procures materials, supplies, and equipment; familiar with inventory stock and works collaboratively with Supply Chain to provide oversight of prosthetic service inventories. Enters codes for every item purchased through and/or billed to ensure proper reporting.

• Conducts data analysis using statistical data to prepare various VHA and PSAS reports regarding prosthetics and sensory aids.
• Ensures surgical implants are Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved/cleared; collaborates with Supply Chain Management to establish local procedures and to disposition implants appropriately.
• Collaborates with clinical staff when devices and equipment require repair or replacement and takes necessary actions to resolve issues.

Uses analytical abilities, communication skills, and social awareness to identify, analyze, and resolve routine prosthetic issues or problems to effectively complete assignments. Authorizes the purchase, fabrication, fitting, or repair of prosthetic and orthotic devices. Prepares minutes and/or correspondence to veterans, health care officials regarding prosthetics needs and requirements, and clinic decisions and recommendations.

Assists in preparing local standard operating procedures/policies Assists with processing Veteran appeals and drafting responses. Refers to supervisor and/or PSAS's senior staff as needed for guidance. 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. Participates in home and vendor visits, with a supervisor and/or senior Prosthetic Representative, to authorize benefit payments, reimbursement, and contract compliance. Reviews, monitors, analyzes, and evaluates the results of various databases.

Completes advanced trainee developmental human resources assignments, including developing functional statements, performance standards, and competencies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Situational Adhoc only- as determined by the agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54218A; 54129A; 54220A; 54221A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized