Health Technician (Orthotic Fitter)
What you'd do
This position is located at the (1) Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami, FL. and (1) William "Bill" Kling Outpatient Clinic in Sunrise, FL in the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services. The purpose of this position is to fit orthotic devices to patients in need in our Orthotic Lab section, with a specialization in bracing and device fittings. The selectee reports to the Orthotic Lab Supervisor.
Major duties
This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants will be referred each week for consideration until a selection is made. Duties include but are not limited to: Measures, design, fabricate, fitting, alteration and repairs of such orthopedic appliances, assistive devices, orthopedic shoe modifications and orthotic supports that are prescribed for veterans. Design and fabricate devices when there are no standard guidelines. Instructs resident physicians and other medical staff in the prescription and application of various orthoses. Serves as a technical advisor to physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists and other staff members in the use and application of appliances. Custom designs and manufacture devices to make custom shoe modifications as needed to ensure proper compliance of application of prescription. Issue detailed instructions on assignments that are of a nonstandard nature. Assures the proper fit and functions of all prescribed appliances, and work of other prosthetic/orthotic lab staff must be of the highest quality. Requests and maintain an inventory of prefabricated prosthetic and orthotic devices lo meet anticipated needs of patients. Responds with minimum delay to prescriptions from physicians and requests for replacements from veterans. Maintains proper stock levels, not to exceed thirty days, and the requisitioning of supplies and materials. Preferred experience: Orthotic Fitter Certificate holder Preferred, Ability to read and analyze prescriptions/consults from physicians, therapists, and patient representatives, experience assisting physicians and nurses by performing clinical, diagnostic, and administrative duties to support direct patient care, knowledge of medical terms used to describe and prescribe prosthetic and Orthotic items, have hands on experience fitting OTC orthopedic items, ie: wrist splints, ankle supports, neck collars, back supports, shoes, compression garments, etc. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on the facility/patient care needs.) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Orthotic Fitter)/PD08342A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/27/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-7 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-6. This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR).Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Measuring, designing, fabricating, fitting, altering and repairing orthopedic appliances, assistive devices, orthopedic shoe modifications and orthotic supports; instructing physicians and other medical staff in the prescription and application of various orthoses; requesting and maintaining an inventory of prefabricated prosthetic and orthotic devices to meet anticipated needs of patients. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one full year of graduate education. NOTE: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. PHYSICAL DEMAND: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity, long periods of standing, and long-distance walking from clinic to clinic. The work requires some physical exertion, prolonged periods of standing and working at a variety of machines, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching and stretching to work on devices and appliances and to fit them to the veteran. There may be recurring lifting and moving of moderately heavy supplies and equipment such as wheelchairs and durable medical equipment. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Toxic and caustic fumes and materials are handled in the Orthotic Lab. Lab coat must be worn. Wards and clinics will be visited. The work environment is generally in the prosthetic/orthotic laboratory. The work is frequently around machines which may expose the incumbent to dust, noise and potential injury. The incumbent will ensure that all machine safeguards are in place and properly used at all times. The incumbent will ensure that gloves, hearing protection and proper dust masks are used when needed. Work may also be performed in a variety of settings, including wards, State veteran homes or other nursing homes, the homes of veterans and in adapted vehicles. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Before you apply
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