Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic 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
• Health Technician (Pedorthist) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Credential / Certification-Documentation Submitted
• Candidates must be board certified in pedorthics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).or, Credentialed in pedorthics by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC).
• Applicants may qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grandfathering Provision
• Employees in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series, under a permanent, appropriate and legal placement, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and credentialing/certification, where applicable
• The following provisions apply to employees who do not meet all the qualification requirements: Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or be newly placed in a supervisory or managerial positions
• Employees in an occupation that requires a credentialing only at higher grade levels must meet the credentialing requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
• Employees 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 converted to title 38 hybrid status 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 re-entry to the occupation
• Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtains credentialing/certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
• Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Pedorthist) GS-7 Experience
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which includes the following: Skill in developing a follow up treatment plan for complex pedorthic device types
• Ability to process paperwork for pedorthic devices being produced and fitted by vendor
• Ability to place administrative orders with procurement staff for treatment modalities
• Ability to assess device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription
• Ability to process consults/orders
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs
• Skill in designing advanced pedorthic devices
• Skill in assessing device types for structural soundness and meeting the specifications of the prescription
• Skill in written communication
• Skill in oral communication
• Skill in fabrication of all pedorthic device types
• Skill in designing innovative pedorthic devices to include new and emerging technology
• Preferred Experience: Experience with orthotic fitting and mastectomy fitting
• 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-7. Physical Requirements: The incumbent performs work in an office setting involving everyday risks or discomforts
• The incumbent may visit clinics, units, stock rooms, warehouse areas and vendor's shops
• The work is performed in a medical center with the possibility of encountering ill or diseased patients
• The incumbent may handle equipment returned from patients with contagious diseases
• Normal safety precautions are required
• Continuous walking, standing, stooping, bending, and lifting is required in the performance of assigned duties
• The incumbent will be required to lift items weighing up to 50lbs.