Summary This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Tomah VA Medical Center located at 500 East Veterans Street, Tomah, WI, Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). The PSAS provides support to optimize the health and independence of the Veteran services provided within various settings, including the Veterans Integrated Service (VISNs), Inpatient Clinics, Outpatient Clinics, and domiciliaries throughout the United States.
Duties
- Serves as an entry-level basic trainee Prosthetic Representative performing a variety of technical, administrative, and analytical prosthetic related assignments. Works closely with supervisor and PSAS senior-level staff to receive advice and guidance, on a full range of all prosthetic and sensory aids developmental assignments, projects, and activities.
- Gains PSAS program exposure that is designed to build upon the basic trainee knowledge, skills, and abilities while receiving detailed training and instruction. Receives formal and informal on the job training and exposure on the full range of Prosthetic Representative duties.
- Completes basic trainee contracting and procurement assignments working closely with supervisor and/or senior Prosthetic Representative to prepare and authorize purchase orders and; confers with contractors, vendors, and other health care workers as needed regarding PSAS's procurement needs.
- Monitors contracts for compliance to the statement of work; and receives, analyzes, and completes requests for prosthetic equipment and services under close guidance from senior staff and/or supervisor.
- Procures materials, supplies, and equipment; familiar with inventory stock and works collaboratively with Supply Chain to provide oversight of prosthetic service inventories; and refers veterans to proper clinical area for evaluation with guidance from supervisor and senior staff.
- Identifies and selects codes for the National CMS/Health Care Procedural Coding System (HCPCS). Ensures codes are entered for every item purchased through and/or billed to ensure proper reporting.
- Uses analytical and communication skills, and social awareness abilities, to identify, analyze, and resolve routine prosthetic issues to effectively complete assignments.
- Reviews, interprets, and applies laws concerning benefits available to disabled patients. Maintains awareness regarding medical and psychological problems related to patients need to use prosthetic devices. Maintains a specialized knowledge and understanding of the fabrication and satisfactory fitting of prosthetic devices.
- Assist with the drafting of responses to a variety of policy and routine correspondence inquires related to i.e. contractors' needs, Home O2 program issues, new local and national guidelines implementation.
- Reviews medical and administrative files of veterans; interviews veterans to determine if eligibility requirements are met and inspects prosthetic equipment /appliances; and schedules patients and provides the necessary documentation to obtain the device needed.
- Participates in home and vendor visits, with a supervisor and/or senior Prosthetic Representative, to authorize benefit payments, reimbursement, and contract compliance. Processes and authorizes service and payment of monthly Home O2 program under the guidance of PSAS's senior staff or supervisor. Reviews, monitors, analyzes, and evaluates the results of various databases' prosthetics data referring to staff for guidance.
Work Schedule: (M-F) 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:10547F, 10548F, 10549F, 10550F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedQualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English
- Experience: Possess 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;
- OR
- Education: Possess 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. The 24 semester hours could include but is not limited to any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree;
- OR
- Basic Combination Education and Experience: Possess equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education that are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In Addition to the Basic Requirement Candidates must meet the following Grade Requirements:
GS-5 Level: Possess nothing beyond the basic required experience, education or combination of experience and education.
GS-7 Level: Possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled.
And must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- 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.
GS-9 Level:
Possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled.
OR
Must possess education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited educational institution AND at least 24 semester hours in course work related to health care, public administration, or business. The 24 semester hours may include, but is not limited to, any combination from the following fields: occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, social work, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, respiratory therapy, assistive technology, business law, leadership, healthcare, public administration, or business management. This course work may have been completed within the degree or in addition to the degree.
And must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and monitor actions to ensure timeliness
- Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available. This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors.
- Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations.
- Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices.
GS-11 Level: Possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled.
And must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to work independently to set priorities; delegate tasks; meet multiple deadlines; analyze organizational problems; and develop and implement effective solutions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity.
- Ability to work with a team, to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities to effectively complete job duties of assignment, such as distributing workload; and monitoring the accuracy, status and progress of work.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels.
- Ability to assist in staff development, outcome management, and strategic planning.
- Ability to act as liaison between staff to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns.
- Knowledge of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in specialized programs and knowledge of those specific program requirements.
Preferred Experience: Knowledge of EHR, Prosthetics Consults
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Anything specific to add ?????
Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Requirements
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.How you will be evaluated IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
- Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
- All other VA employees.
- Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
- All other applicants.
Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. How to apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/03/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099706.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Other information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.