Advance Your Career as a Mobile Orthotist-Prosthetist with the VA
Are you a dedicated clinician ready to move beyond the traditional clinical setting? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is looking for an expert Orthotist-Prosthetist to drive our Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program in the beautiful Tacoma, Washington area. This role is perfect for a professional who thrives on clinical autonomy, innovation, and direct patient interaction.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the face of VA prosthetic services on the road. Your daily duties include:
- Clinical Care: Operating a mobile laboratory to treat Veterans with complex needs, including multiple limb amputations and mobility impairments.
- Technical Fabrication: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology for scanning, model preparation, and thermoforming custom orthotic/prosthetic devices.
- Administrative Leadership: Managing a mobile budget, inventory, and facility accreditation standards.
- Collaborative Practice: Functioning as a key member of a virtual multidisciplinary treatment team based at the American Lake VAMC.
Requirements
Candidates must meet specific federal standards to qualify for this GS-12 position:
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics/prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
- Certification: Current board certification by the ABC or BOC.
- Experience: Demonstrated experience managing complex clinical treatment plans.
- Licensing: A valid U.S. driver's license for operating the mobile lab vehicle.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $100,602 to $130,786 per year, reflecting the advanced clinical and administrative nature of the role.
Compensation Comparison
| Benefit Type | Federal Offering |
|---|---|
| Salary | $100k - $130k |
| Retirement | FERS + TSP Match |
| Healthcare | Comprehensive Federal Plans |
| Paid Leave | Generous Annual & Sick Time |
Benefits of Working at the VA
As a federal employee, you gain access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes low-cost health and life insurance, a secure pension plan, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions. Beyond the financials, you gain the incomparable satisfaction of providing high-impact, essential services to Veterans.
Application Tips
- Highlight Your Autonomy: Emphasize any past experience where you operated independently or managed your own clinical workload.
- Use Keywords: Ensure your resume reflects the specific skills mentioned in the job description, such as CPRS, VistA, or specific prosthetic technologies.
- Be Thorough: Double-check that all required documents—especially your transcripts and certifications—are uploaded before clicking submit.
If you are ready to combine your passion for orthotics and prosthetics with the opportunity to serve those who have served our country, this role offers an unmatched blend of clinical challenge and professional rewards. Apply today to begin your journey with the VA.
Why This Orthotist-Prosthetist Job Matters
Transform lives on the road: Become a mobile Orthotist-Prosthetist and bring world-class VA clinical care directly to our nation's heroes in Tacoma.
Orthotist-Prosthetist Job Overview
The Puget Sound VA Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled and independent Orthotist-Prosthetist to lead our innovative Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program. In this unique, field-based role, you will operate a specialized mobile laboratory, providing critical clinical assessments and device fabrication services to Veterans at Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and private residences. This is a rare opportunity to blend high-level clinical expertise with operational management in a mobile environment, ensuring our Veterans receive the mobility solutions they deserve, regardless of their location.
Requirements for Orthotist-Prosthetist
- U.S. Citizenship (unless no qualified citizens are available).
- Current board certification as an orthotist, prosthetist, or orthotist/prosthetist by the ABC or BOC.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP accredited program, or a bachelor’s degree in another field with a post-graduate certificate in the specialty.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Valid, standard U.S. Driver's License.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Orthotist-Prosthetist
- 3+ years of comprehensive clinical experience as a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO).
- Proven experience in providing mobile or community-based clinical care.
- Strong technical proficiency with prosthetic software and patient data management systems like VistA and CPRS.
- Experience in administrative oversight, including budget management and inventory control.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with annual increases.
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance plans.
- âś“Federal retirement system (FERS) including a pension and TSP (401k-style) with government matching.
- âś“Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Extensive career development and training programs.
- âś“Flexible work environments in a specialized mobile unit.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Orthotist-Prosthetist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Orthotist-Prosthetist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume and professional curriculum vitae (CV).
- Gather supporting documents: transcripts, professional certification, and SF-50 (if applicable).
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 6, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with complex cases and mobile care.
- Be precise with your work dates and scope of responsibility; do not leave room for the recruiter to make assumptions.
- Review your application thoroughly for missing documents, as omissions may disqualify you.
- Use the 'Veteran Preference' tool in the questionnaire if applicable, and provide your DD-214.
- Monitor your email for status updates after the application window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is a mobile, field-based position requiring you to travel to various outpatient clinics and patient homes in a specialized vehicle. It is not a virtual role.
What level of independence will I have?
This role acts as the sole on-site clinician for the mobile program, meaning you will independently manage your daily caseload and operations while coordinating virtually with the larger medical team.
What is the work schedule?
The typical schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though this may fluctuate based on service needs.
What type of vehicle will I be operating?
*A: You will be driving a Ford Transit 350, custom-fitted as a mobile workshop.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, this position does not offer relocation or PCS incentives.
Can I apply if I am not currently a VA employee?
*A: Yes, this position is open to qualified candidates from the general public.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served in our nation's military. Our core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide every interaction. By joining the VHA, you become part of a network that prioritizes the whole health of our Veterans.