Chief of Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinical Services

Summary

The Chief of Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinical Services is responsible for the overall planning, directing, developing, staffing, leading, controlling and integration of the Prosthetic, Orthotic and Pedorthic services within all Medical Centers and Health Care Systems of VISN 10. This includes all related prosthetic/orthotic clinical activities of the medical centers including the management of clinics and follow-up treatment from CBOCs throughout VISN 10.

Duties

**Resumes/Questionnaires received in USA Staffing in response to this announcement will be maintained in the USA Staffing job file. Qualification determinations will be done based on the applicant's resume/questionnaire/documents submitted for the position and a list of qualified candidates will be referred to Service. **The initial cut off of eligible applicants will be 06/01/2026. Subsequent cut-off dates will be This is an OPEN CONTINOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 31, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be August 1st, 2026 ,with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.or as needed. The vacancy announcement will remain open until closed, canceled or filled. ** VA Careers - Prosthetics: https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ Supervisory Orthotist/Prosthetist. The orthotist/prosthetist at this level serves as the supervisor and laboratory manager for large laboratories or multiple satellite laboratories. In addition to the responsibilities described at the GS-12 level, this assignment includes serving as a VISN resource/consultant for orthotics and prosthetics; performing or overseeing testing and evaluation of design concepts; overseeing and evaluating contract orthotics and prosthetics vendors. The incumbent is also responsible for the overall management of prosthetic staff, equipment, physical plant and other material sources relating to the prosthetic/orthotic laboratories within the network. The incumbent is responsible for the establishment and implementation of program goals to accomplish the multiple missions of the prosthetic services within the resources available and time frame set. The incumbent is responsible for providing a vision and leading the development of these activities, as well as writing directives for clinical and administrative support staff. The incumbent performs as an experienced supervisor and subject matter expert for all staff professionals in the areas of Prosthetics, Orthotics and Pedorthics with full responsibility for the technical interpretation of prescriptions and management of clinics. The incumbent develops screening and procedural mechanisms, which will identify the targeted population within the catchment areas of the various health care systems. Ensures the maintenance of medical and administrative records and data to ensure proper documentation for quality assurances purposes. Ensures timely submission of reports to the VISN Prosthetic Manager and top management on budget estimates, requirements for planning, anticipated workloads and corresponding alignment to the production capability of the unit or units involved. Administers a formal systemic plan for reviewing and appraising the effectiveness of each phase of the prosthetic clinical program in accordance with congressional mandates, central office directives and VISN policies, contracts and procedures taking into account the diverse needs of local station management. Approves procedures for appropriate stock and inventory records and levels to ensure availability of high use items required to facilitate discharge at all stations, to ensure that stock levels are not excessive or inappropriately utilized, and to insure in-place audit records for full accountability. Ensures coordination and technical advice is furnished to the orthotic and prosthetic clinic, providing administrative and technical assistance with the examination and prescription of prostheses and orthoses and evaluation of experimental and test devices with authority to replace non-custom fitted appliances, and the administration of the prosthetic repair program. Coordinated integration of Prosthetic Service, as it relates with other specialty programs such as Wound Care. Acts as liaison with and is responsible for a variety of duties in connection with maintaining relationships with orthotic and prosthetic contractors, prosthetic manufacturers and central fabrication labs. The incumbent maintains good public relations with commercial prosthetic manufacturers and dealers and acts as interpreter of regulations as the representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The incumbent provides representation to the following: Orthotic, Prosthetic, Pedorthic Clinical Services Network Director VISN 10 Network CMO VISN 10VISN 10 Prosthetic Manager VIAN 10 AUS Advisor and consultant to all VISN 10 Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinics VISN 10 Rural Health Initiative The incumbent has primary responsibility for meeting the clinical needs of beneficiaries residing in the area of jurisdiction. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91818-0

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Education

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/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12968179. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Professional Certification Resume Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License CV/resume longer than 2 pages Other (2) Other (3) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.