Advancing Patient Care: Orthotist-Prosthetist Role at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have served our country. At the VA St. Louis (Jefferson Barracks Division), the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service plays a critical role in restoring mobility and functionality to our Veteran population. We are currently seeking an experienced Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) to join our clinical team.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will work as a core member of a multidisciplinary team. Key duties include:

Assessing and fitting complex prosthetic devices for various amputation levels.
Conducting detailed gait analysis and range of motion clinical studies.
Collaborating with physicians to determine optimal prescription criteria.
Mentoring lower-graded staff on emerging technologies and clinical innovations.
Utilizing CAD/CAM systems to fabricate and refine patient devices.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Certification: Current ABC or BOC certification as an orthotist/prosthetist.
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in a CAAHEP-accredited program.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.

Comparison of Requirements

Requirement Type	Essential Criteria
Certification	Must be current ABC or BOC certified
Education	Bachelor's degree (CAAHEP accredited)
Experience	1+ year at GS-11 equivalent level
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 level, with a competitive annual salary range of $91,779 to $119,315. Compensation is based on standard federal salary schedules and experience.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Health insurance and life insurance options.
Competitive retirement plans (FERS).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Eligibility for service credit based on prior military or federal experience.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the provided VA-specific resume template for the primary upload.
Be Specific: Describe your experience with complex clinical cases in detail.
Review Documents: Ensure your certification and transcripts are attached to the 'Professional Certification' and 'Transcript' sections of your application.

If you are a certified clinician passionate about utilizing your skills to serve Veterans, the VA St. Louis offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth and meaningful service. Apply today through the USAJOBS portal to begin your career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job Matters

Advance your career in patient-centered clinical care as an Advanced Practitioner Orthotist-Prosthetist at the St. Louis VA Medical Center.

Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) to join the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at the Jefferson Barracks Division. This vital role focuses on delivering high-level clinical and laboratory services to Veterans, utilizing cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices to improve patient mobility and quality of life.

Requirements for Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner)

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
Bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program, or equivalent postgraduate certificate.
Current board certification by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner)

Experience in developing treatment plans for highly complex conditions.
Knowledge of NPPD, PNS, and Decision Support Systems (DSS).
Experience with administrative functions, including budget, inventory, and workload management.
Capability to lead training for staff on new technologies and innovations.
Demonstrated ability to supervise and provide mentorship to lower-graded clinical staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary structure.
✓Annual leave accrual based on total years of service (including military service).
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits provided by the VA.
✓Access to state-of-the-art prosthetic laboratory facilities.

💡 How to Apply Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Orthotist-Prosthetist (Advanced Practitioner) Job

Prepare your resume and supporting documents (Certification, Transcripts, etc.).
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided for the primary upload.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online application questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal.
Submit all required documents before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details specific experience related to complex prosthetic/orthotic cases.
Verify that your certification is active and meets all continuing education requirements.
Submit your application early to ensure all documents are properly attached and acknowledged.
Monitor your email for status updates after the referral cut-off dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Jefferson Barracks Division in Missouri, though limited ad-hoc telework may be available.

Can I apply if my certification is in a related technician field?

No, certification as a technician, pedorthist, assistant, or fitter does not meet the specific requirement for this Advanced Practitioner position.

Is there a trial period for this job?

Yes, as a condition of employment, selected candidates are required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The focus is on providing high-level clinical prosthetic and orthotic care for complex Veteran patient needs.

Are recruitment incentives available?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA focuses on a 'Whole Health' model, ensuring that clinical interventions are paired with compassion and deep understanding of the unique military experience.