Health Technician (Orthopedic Technician)

Description:

This position is aligned under Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, at the Cleveland VAMC, Cleveland OH. The incumbent works under the Supervisory Prosthetist-Orthotist, Orthotic Prosthetic and Pedorthotic Clinical Services. The primary purpose of the position is to perform technical work in the Orthotic, Prosthetic and Pedorthic Clinical Service - and assist in the design, fabrication, repair, modification and fitting of orthotic, prosthetic, and durable medical devices as prescribed.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/26/2026.

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: Specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience that includes the following: communication and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers; maintain confidential of patient/employee information, electronic and print; experience using Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) or it equivalent; knowledge of all safety issues required in machine operation of all potential health hazards involving the use of plastics and chemicals in the fabrication of orthotic fabrications; knowledge and use of all materials and methods of contemporary prosthetic/orthotic practice; experience taking measurements using the appropriate equipment that is usually found in a orthotic and prosthetic clinic; experience reading and understanding prescriptions and applying a thorough grasp of methods, techniques and the sequence followed in the development of orthotic appliances; knowledge of clinical and/or hospital routine, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. 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 to meet the requirements for the GS-7 position in this occupational series as well.
  Please note: One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended. (Transcripts Required to be submitted with your application if you are using your education to qualify.) 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 (please see above).

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/ .

Physical Requirements: The position demands a moderate degree of exertion and a high degree of dexterity. The work requires some physical exertion, some bending, stooping, and crouching to work on devices and fit them to the patient. Work involves some lifting and moving of moderately heavy supplies and equipment such as wheelchairs and durable medical equipment, up to 40 pounds. Work as a Clerk is sedentary. There exists prolonged periods of working at a computer terminal. The Veteran patient is examined in a fitting room where he/she is measured and fitted with a prosthesis/orthosis. Toxic and caustic fumes and materials are handled in orthotic lab. Certain administrative duties and contributions will be conducted in the conference room setting.