This position functions primarily in the Rehabilitation & Technology Section of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service.
The Orthotist/Prosthetist provides the appropriate orthotic and/or prosthetic devices & treatment by comprehensive examination of the patient & assessment of their individual needs & desires; formulation of a treatment plan; designs/selects, measures/casts the patient, fabricates & fits the device to the patient; documents & continues care with periodic examination.
Major Duties: Performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient to obtain an understanding of the patient's orthotic/prosthetic needs: Review patient's prescription/referral.
Take a comprehensive patient history, including demographic characteristics, family dynamics, previous use of an orthosis/prosthesis, diagnosis, work history, vocational activities, signs and symptoms, medical history (including allergies to materials), reimbursement status, patient expectations and results of diagnostic evaluations.
Assist in formulating the treatment plan by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical examination, including manual muscle-testing, gait assessment and evaluation of sensory function, cognitive ability, range of motion, joint stability, skin integrity and compliance. Consult with other health care professionals and caregivers about patient's condition to assist in formulating a treatment plan.
Communicate with patient and/or caregiver about the recommended treatment plan, and any optional plans, to involve them in orthotic or prosthetic care; include disclosure of potential risks/benefits. Verify patient care by documenting history, ongoing care and follow-up, using established record-keeping techniques.
Refer patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals (e.g., psychologist, therapist, physician) for intervention beyond orthotic/prosthetic scope of practice. Create a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient: Evaluate the findings to determine an orthotic/prosthetic recommendation.
Formulate treatment goals and expected orthotic/prosthetic outcomes to reduce pain/increase comfort, enhance function and independence, provide stability, prevent deformity, address cosmesis and/or promote healing. Consult with physician/referral source to modify, if necessary, the original prescription and/or treatment plan. Identify material, design and components to support anticipated outcome. Develop a plan for patient needs, including patient education and follow-up.
Document treatment plan using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care. Perform the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis: Inform patient, family and/or caregiver of the orthotic/prosthetic procedure, possible risks and time involved in the procedure.- Prepare delineation/impression/template for modification/fabrication.
Fabricate/assemble prescribed device by assembling selected materials and components to prepare for fitting. Assess device for structural safety and ensure that manufacturers' guidelines have been followed prior to patient fitting/delivery. Assess/align orthosis/prosthesis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes to provide maximum function/comfort.
Complete fabrication process after achieving optimal fit of orthosis/prosthesis Educate/counsel patient and/or caregiver about the use and maintenance of the orthosis/prosthesis Document treatment using established record-keeping techniques to verify implementation of treatment plan.
Provide continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure and maintain optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis: Solicit subjective feedback from patient and/or caregiver to determine status Assess patient's functional level, skin condition, general health, height, weight and not any changes. Assess fit of orthosis/prosthesis with regard to strategic contact to determine need for changes relative to initial treatment goals.
Formulate plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis based on findings; inform patient and/or caregiver of plan to modify orthosis/prosthesis. Evaluate modifications to orthosis/prosthesis, including static and dynamic assessment to confirm that goals and objectives of modifications have been met. Reassess patient knowledge and understanding of goals and objectives to ensure proper use of orthosis/prosthesis relative to modifications.
Document all findings and actions and communicate with appropriate health care professionals to ensure patient status is updated.
Complies with policies, procedures and regulations regarding human resource management, physical environment management, business/financial management and organizational management: Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC and BOC.) Policies and procedures governing patient care, rights and privacy.
Demonstrates proper documentation of patient history and financial records by using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care and other pertinent information. Major Duties continues in Qualification section below:
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $41334 – $98514/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-13.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-06 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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