Prosthetic Representative (TCF)

About the role

This is a trainee position that aims to train an incumbent to a Prosthetic Representative within the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. The incumbent trainee will serve under the preceptorship of a Supervisory Prosthetic Representative.

Responsibilities

• Affords assistance in planning, developing, and directing a Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Program at the national, VISN, or local level
• Assists serving as an advisor to clinicians about the selection, prescription, and acquisition of prosthetic devices involving furnishing information concerning such matters as new developments in the field of prosthetics and sources of supply for such devices
• Interprets prescriptions of clinicians to make certain that proper prosthetic devices are selected for, or by, the patients
• Authorizes the purchase, fabrication, or repair of prosthetic devices
• Maintains continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies, inspecting their facilities and services, and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts
• Trains the incumbent trainee to perform a broad range of Prosthetic Representative duties including data analysis, statistics, budgeting, contracting, procurement, inventory management, human resources, and supervision

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology
• Knowledge of accounting methods
• Ability to research, 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 work independently and as a member of a team

Qualifications

• One year of creditable experience that demonstrates: Knowledge of basic anatomy and medical terminology; knowledge of accounting methods; ability to research, 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; and ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business
• Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying

Skills

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

Benefits

• None specified

Pay

• GS-07

Schedule

• Mon-Fri 8:00am- 4:30pm

Benefits

• Seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Application Instructions

• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement

Qualifications

• At this level, responsibilities include 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. Assignments include developmental duties involving more complex work performed under supervision. The Prosthetic Representative addresses questions about the provision of prosthetic items, home care equipment, benefits or service issues, to include discharge planning requirements. The employee ensures requests for items or services are complete and received in accordance with established timeframes. Work may include authorizing and preparing purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices, medical supplies and home medical equipment and repairs. For orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, they may conduct market research, price history review, complete justification and approval, and submit to the contracting department. They ensure correct Healthcare Common Procedure Codes are entered into the appropriate database(s). They ensure surgical implants are Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved; shipped to retain product integrity; delivered to correct location; and received before for the surgical procedure. They collaborate with clinical staff when devices and equipment requires repair or replacement and takes necessary actions to resolve issues.

Physical Requirements

• Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job including their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers.

Preferred Experience

• Ability to interpret and apply purchasing laws, regulations, procedures, and policies related to the procurement and provision of prosthetic items and services
• Ability to coordinate, track, and manage multiple concurrent requests for durable medical equipment (DME), including repairs, services, and benefit-related authorizations
• Ability to effectively liaise with healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, and vendors to ensure accurate communication and timely delivery of appropriate devices and services
• Ability to conduct home and vendor visits
• Ability to develop tools that allow monitoring of a quality assurance program in conjunction with The Joint Commission, National Patient, National Patient Safety Goals, and ABC or BOC Standards
• Ability to validate data
• Ability to determine eligibility
• Ability to process and authorize service and payment of monthly Home O2 program
• Ability to coordinate Prosthetic clinics including Major Medical and Amputee
• Ability to make and present reports
• Ability to maintain the service for continuous readiness for unannounced surveys
• Ability to develop a partnering relationship with the Union and Veterans Service Organizations