Prosthetic Representative

This position is located in the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System, Columbus, Ohio, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The incumbent's work ensures Veterans' health outcomes through the evaluation, authorization, and management of prosthetic benefits, supply chain, and specialty programs, while supporting organizational quality and compliance initiatives.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Independently perform advance technical, administrative, and analytical assignments in support of PSAS program goals.
• Leads, participates in, or represents PSAS on local and National committees, workgroups and initiatives; communicates findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Provides expertise and guidance on benefits eligibility, prescriptions, care planning, and equipment/services for complex clinical and rehabilitative needs.
• Collaborates closely with Supply Chain and finance staff on budgeting, planning, and cost-containment activities.
• Ensure all surgical implants meet FDA and safety compliance requirements and procures as appropriate.
• Acts as a trainer, mentor, and resource for other PSAS staff; assists with HR assignments, including performance standards, functional statements, and new employee orientation.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Telework: Available, Ad- Hoc, as determined by the agency policy.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 93738-A, 93739-A, 93740-A, 93741-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Experience and Education. Individuals must meet at least one (1) of the requirements below:
  • Experience. Three years of experience that demonstrates: knowledge of accounting methods; ability to 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; ability to compile, research, analyze, comprehend, and apply information or data; and ability to work as a team member in a group setting. OR,
  • Education. equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college (Transcripts required) OR,
  • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. (Transcripts required)
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English.

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).


Grade Determinations:

GS-5 Experience.: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-7 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower level (GS-5). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the below KSAs:

1. Ability to understand and apply processes, procedures, regulations, and laws as it applies to purchasing and the provision of prosthetic items/services.
2. Ability to coordinate multiple requests for durable medical equipment (DME), including repairs, services, and benefits.
3. 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.
4. Ability to monitor contractors and vendors for compliance with contract requirements

GS-9 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. Examples of experience would typically include, but are not limited to: interaction with Veterans, caregivers, and clinical staff by answering questions related to benefit programs such as automobile adaptive equipment, home improvement and structural alterations, and clothing allowance programs; Developmental duties involving more complex work performed under supervision; Addresses questions about the provision of prosthetic items, home care equipment, benefits or service issues, to include discharge planning requirements; Ensures requests for items or services are complete and received in accordance with established timeframes; Authorizing and preparing purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies and home medical equipment and repairs.

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. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree. AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management.
2. Ability to organize, prioritize, and monitor actions to ensure timeliness.
3. Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available. This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors.
4. Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations.
5. Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices.

GS-11 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. Examples of this experience typically includes, but is not limited to: Works directly with Veterans and clinical teams to assist with applications for benefits related to benefit programs such as automobile adaptive equipment, home improvement and structural alterations, and clothing allowance programs; Ensures devices, equipment, and services, are based on the patient's rehabilitative and medical needs; Works closely with the treatment team in development of prescriptions and provide technical assistance and guidance to assist in planning and coordination to obtain equipment, services, and benefits; Conducts home visits, in collaboration with other healthcare providers to determine if requested equipment is appropriate or can be installed in the home; Familiar with national, VISN, and facility contracts that apply to Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), and responsible for providing management with documentation pertaining to contract compliance issues or concerns; Works with clinical staff to create quality improvement reports; Works closely with the clinical teams to assist in identifying products available on contract that meet the medical needs of patients; AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Ability to assist in staff development, outcome management, and strategic planning.
5. Ability to act as liaison between staff to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns.
6. 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 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: This position is primarily sedentary, but may require occasional heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; climbing, use of legs and arms. Operation of a vehicle for Government travel.

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/.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.