Advancing Veteran Care: Join the VA as a Mobile Orthotist/Prosthetist
Are you a dedicated clinician looking for a role that combines technical mastery with mission-driven service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring an Advanced Practitioner Orthotist/Prosthetist for our Puget Sound Health Care System. This is a unique opportunity to lead the Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you aren't just an clinician; you are a mobile laboratory manager. Your primary duties include:
- Clinical Care: Treating complex mobility cases, including patients with multiple limb amputations, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Mobile Lab Operations: Operating a Ford Transit 350-based mobile laboratory and traveling to various Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
- Treatment Planning: Conducting gait analysis and lifestyle assessments to design innovative, customized devices.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing inventory, budget, and quality assurance for the mobile lab program.
- Collaboration: Partnering with rehabilitation, orthopedics, and neurology departments to provide holistic care.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Bachelor’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics or a relevant degree plus a post-graduate certificate from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
- Active board certification (ABC or BOC).
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle (Class D license required).
Comparison Table: Mobile vs. Traditional Practice
| Feature | Mobile Practitioner | Traditional Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Work Environment | Specialized Mobile Lab | Fixed Facility |
| Patient Access | High (Travels to Veteran) | Centralized |
| Independence | Very High | Collaborative/Supervised |
| Tech Scope | Field-based fabrication | Full lab access |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,602 to $130,786 annually. As a federal employee, you will also enjoy:
- Robust federal health and life insurance options.
- A generous retirement program (FERS).
- Ample paid leave, including federal holidays.
- Reimbursement and development opportunities for continuing education.
Application Tips
- Highlight Mobile Competencies: Emphasize any experience where you worked independently or traveled to provide care.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript and professional certifications are attached and legible.
- Tailor Your Resume: Use keywords found in the job duties section, such as "gait analysis," "treatment planning," and "vendor management."
This role is perfect for a clinician who thrives in a dynamic, independent environment and is deeply committed to supporting our Veterans. If you are ready to take your Orthotics and Prosthetics career on the road to those who need it most, we encourage you to apply by the November 6, 2026 deadline.
Why This Orthotist/Prosthetist- Advanced Practitioner Job Matters
Transform lives on the move: Join the Puget Sound VA as an Advanced Mobile Orthotist/Prosthetist and bring high-level care directly to those who served.
Orthotist/Prosthetist- Advanced Practitioner Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled Orthotist/Prosthetist to lead the Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program in Tacoma, Washington. This unique, field-based role allows you to operate a specialized mobile laboratory, delivering expert clinical care to Veterans at Community Based Outpatient Clinics and in their own homes. You will manage the full lifecycle of complex orthotic and prosthetic services, from initial assessment and fabrication to long-term follow-up, ensuring our Veterans receive the gold standard of care they deserve.
Requirements for Orthotist/Prosthetist- Advanced Practitioner
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in Orthotics and Prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program, or a Bachelor's degree in any major plus a CAAHEP-accredited post-graduate certificate.
- Possess current board certification from the American Board for Certification (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must possess a valid, standard Class D U.S. driver's license.
- Complete a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Must be able to lift objects up to 45 pounds.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Orthotist/Prosthetist- Advanced Practitioner
- Three or more years of clinical experience as a certified Orthotist/Prosthetist (CPO).
- Experience in mobile care delivery or field-based clinical environments.
- Strong administrative skills, including budget, inventory, and workload management.
- Demonstrated ability to perform gait analysis and complex treatment planning for high-need cases.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- âś“Paid time off including federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- âś“Access to state-of-the-art mobile laboratory technology
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- âś“A supportive, mission-driven work environment dedicated to Veteran healthcare
đź’ˇ How to Apply Orthotist/Prosthetist- Advanced Practitioner Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Orthotist/Prosthetist- Advanced Practitioner Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload a comprehensive CV or long-form resume documenting your relevant clinical experience.
- Submit all required documentation, including professional certifications, transcripts, and any applicable veterans' preference documents.
- Verify the submission status via the online dashboard before the deadline of November 6, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with complex cases, specifically noting work with multiple limb amputations or neuro-diagnoses.
- Double-check that all certification credentials are current and legible.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is uploaded correctly.
- Focus your resume language on your ability to work independently in a field setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is a field-based mobile role requiring you to drive a specialized vehicle to various clinic locations and patient homes within the Puget Sound area.
What is the expected schedule?
The typical tour of duty is Tuesday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though this may adjust based on patient needs.
Do I need a special driver's license?
*A: No, a standard Class D driver's license is required to operate the mobile clinic vehicle.*
Is there promotion potential?
*A: This position is at the full performance level of GS-12 with no stated higher promotion potential.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We serve those who served. Our "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide every interaction, ensuring our nation's Veterans receive the comprehensive, compassionate care they have earned.