Orthopedic Technician
What you'd do
The Orthopedic Technician is located in the Surgical Care service line of the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS). The Orthopedic Technician applies and removes casts, performs wound care including suture removal, coordinates communication with patients and clinical staff, prepares charts and radiographs for clinics and rounds, and interviews patients to collect intake data.
Major duties
Performs removal and reapplication of plaster and fiberglass casts during wound and cast clinics, coordinates patient flow, and secures required X-rays for attending physicians. Removes sutures from postoperative wounds under close physician supervision, applies indicated antibiotic or antibacterial ointments, redresses wounds, and reapplies the appropriate cast when needed. Prepares weekly Grand Rounds for the Orthopedics Section by ensuring all necessary X-rays are obtained and available for review. Sets up, maintains, cleans, and routinely inspects portable emergency orthopedic carts, ensuring equipment is ready for use throughout the hospital and that written or illustrated instructions are available. Cleans, checks, and maintains orthopedic equipment in coordination with Engineering and Supply Services, including circo-electric beds, waterbeds, Stryker frames, trapezes, footboards, cradles, and walkers. Removes casts of various types for X-ray preparation or cast re-application for both inpatient and outpatient clinic patients. Learns the operation and function of continuous passive motion machines and programs computerized passive motion devices as required. Performs diagnostic support duties, including taking and recording vital signs, obtaining and labeling lab specimens, positioning and draping patients for examinations, and assisting providers with instruments as directed. Assists patients with transfers to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, and automobiles, and transports patients as directed by nursing staff. Cleans clinic areas after patient care activities, restocks supplies, and orders orthopedic supplies for satellite clinics. Performs EKGs, conducts finger stick procedures using aseptic technique, and uses appropriate protective clothing. Answers telephones, routes calls appropriately, takes accurate messages, and performs clerical tasks such as typing and minute-taking. Performs order entry duties based on provider instructions. Applies various orthopedic devices, including rib belts, neck collars, cloth arm splints, skeletal and skin traction, bed traction, oscillometers, slings, ace bandages, sterile and non-sterile dressings, and assists in setting up isolation protocols. Reports and corrects actual or potential safety hazards, identifies malfunctioning equipment, and adheres to safety and emergency procedures. Reports all accidents promptly. Initiates emergency procedures (e.g., cardiopulmonary arrest, behavioral emergencies, fire codes) immediately upon identifying a qualifying situation. Attends in-service training for new or updated equipment and completes assignments with minimal supervision. Identifies patients properly, verifies medical records and X-ray availability, prepares examination rooms, and assists patients with dressing and undressing as needed. Informs patients of clinic procedures, reviews and coordinates rescheduling for no-show patients, and communicates non-emergent patient concerns to the RN Team Leader. Ensures workload documentation is completed, maintains computer system security, protects patient confidentiality, and provides patient instruction consistent with prior provider guidance. Adheres to established lines of communication, cooperates with team members, participates in performance improvement activities, and follows Medical Center policies including dress code requirements. Reports to team leader when leaving or returning from breaks and completes mandatory training as assigned. Work Schedule: 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Orthopedic Technician/PD01870A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved 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, 07/29/2026. 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-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting orthopedic providers with procedures such as applying, adjusting, bi-valving, windowing, or removing plaster or fiberglass casts, splints, braces, or basic traction setups. Supporting patient care by preparing patients and clinical areas for orthopedic treatments, examinations, or perioperative procedures. Providing patient instruction on the care, use, and maintenance of orthopedic supports or casts, and helping facilitate routine communication with patients and family members. Observing and reporting potential neurovascular or skin concerns related to immobilization devices. Assisting with the operation or upkeep of orthopedic equipment, such as traction frames, emergency orthopedic carts, continuous passive motion machines, or related clinical devices. Documenting patient care, entering basic medical orders, and recording clinical information in electronic health records in accordance with established clinical procedures. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 1 full year or 18 semester hours or more of graduate education that include courses directly related to the work of the position. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 6 months or 9 semester hours of graduate education directly related to the work of the position may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-7 level.. 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/.
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