Massachusetts Healthcare Jobs

Summary Prosthetic Representatives perform the work of rendering prosthetic and sensory aids services to disabled patients. The work may include planning, developing, and directing a prosthetic and sensory aids program. The Prosthetic Representative works with Veterans, caregivers, vendors, and the clinical team to ensure the right devices, equipment, services, and benefits are matched with patient rehabilitative and medical needs. Responsibilities Serves as a Prosthetic Representative completing a variety of prosthetic and sensory aids assignments, projects, activities independently to meet Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) long-and-short term program goals. Performs technical, administrative, and analytical prosthetic related assignments for the PSAS. Drafts, develops, and implements new local organizational policies, directives, and procedures that are consistent with national policies, procedures, and programs. Maintains awareness of VA's, VHA's, and PSAS's requirements by governing bodies, i.e. The Joint Commission (JC), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). Provides training, advice, and guidance related to administrative functions, including statistics, data analysis, budgeting, contracting, procurement, inventory management, human resources, logistics/space, equipment, and supplies. Oversees the operation of the Prosthetic, Orthotic, optical laboratories, including restorations activities. Completes contracting and procurement assignments independently to prepare and authorize purchase orders for a wide variety of prosthetic and orthotic devices. Monitors and ensures requests for items or services are completed and received under established timeframes; and confers with contractors, vendors, and other health care workers as needed regarding procurement status and other needs and concerns. Provides oversight and management of contracts. Monitors contracts for compliance with the statement of work; receives, analyzes, and completes requests for prosthetic equipment and services. Monitors and analyzes PSAS compliance reports, Delayed Order Report, aged credit card transactions, compliance metrics and scorecards. Works in collaboration with supervisor and senior staff to plan, develop, and prepare budget estimates; to develop cost-containment measures for prosthetic equipment and services; to authorize benefit payment and reimbursement. 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 national CMS/ Health Care Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) codes are entered for every item purchased through and/or billed to ensure proper reporting. Conducts data analysis using the program's statistical data to prepare various VHA and PSAS reports regarding prosthetics and sensory aids. Ensures surgical implants are Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved/cleared; collaborates with Supply Chain Management to establish local procedures and to disposition implants appropriately. Collaborates with clinical staff when devices and equipment require repair or replacement and takes necessary actions to resolve issues. Reviews, interprets, and applies laws concerning benefits available to disabled patients. Authorizes the purchase, fabrication, fitting, or repair of prosthetic devices. Responds to a variety of policy and correspondence inquires related to Veteran concerns, contractors, congressional inquiries, Home 02 program issues, new local and national guidelines implementation, and develops tools that allow monitoring of a quality assurance program, etc. Processes Veteran appeals and responses. Reviews medical and administrative files of veterans; interviews veterans to determine if eligibility requirements are met and inspecting prosthetic equipment /appliances; and schedules patients and provide the necessary documentation to obtain the device needed. Interacts with Veterans, caregivers, and clinical staff by answering questions related to benefit programs, including questions about the provision of prosthetic items, home care equipment, benefits, or service issues, and discharge planning requirements. Informs veterans and family on different appliances and services available. Coordinates specialty programs, which include clothing allowance, Home 02 program issues, Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE), Home Improvement & Structural Alterations (HISA), etc. Attends clinics, i.e. Major Medical, Wheelchair, Amputee, etc. Conducts 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 02 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: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Functional Statement #: F03308 (GS-11 Target Full Performance Level) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. b. Experience and Education. Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below. (1) Experience. 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 (2) Education. 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 (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. c. English Language Proficiency. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: (1) GS-5 Prosthetic Representative (Entry Level) (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirement. (b) Assignment. Assignments at this grade level are entry level trainee in nature where the individual receives developmental assignments designed to build upon the base knowledge, skills, and abilities. At this level, the Prosthetic Representative receives training and instruction to develop proficiency in essential occupational tasks. The work is performed under close supervision. (2) GS-7 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental Level) (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to understand and apply processes, procedures, regulations, and laws as it applies to purchasing and the provision of prosthetic items/services. 2. Ability to coordinate multiple requests for durable medical equipment (DME), including repairs, services, and benefits. 3. 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. 4. Ability to monitor contractors and vendors for compliance with contract requirements. (c) Assignment. 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. (3) GS-9 Prosthetic Representative (Developmental level) (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, (b) Education. 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. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of methods to identify trends and causation factors sufficient to analyze prepared data and gather information to inform and advise management. 2. Ability to organize, prioritize, and monitor actions to ensure timeliness. 3. Ability to understand and articulate the benefits program options available. This includes communicating with patients, caregivers, health care providers and vendors. 4. Ability to apply and educate others about national, VISN, and facility directives, policies, procedures and regulations. 5. Ability to work effectively with a clinical team and provide recommendations for prosthetic devices. (d) Assignment. The employee ensures devices, equipment, and services are based on the patient's rehabilitative and medical needs. They work closely with the treatment team in development of prescriptions and provide technical assistance and guidance to assist in planning and coordination to obtain equipment, services, and benefits. (4) GS-11 Prosthetic Representative (Full Performance Level) (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Ability to assist in staff development, outcome management, and strategic planning. 5. Ability to act as liaison between staff to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns. 6. Knowledge of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in specialized programs and knowledge of those specific program requirements. (c) Assignment. Work at the full performance level is performed independently and with minimal supervision. Prosthetic Representatives provide oversight, administration and coordination for a number of services including but not limited to procurement, clinical services, customer service/reception, inventory management associated with medical, rehabilitative, and durable medical equipment devices; home durable medical equipment delivery/setup/installation; visual or hearing devices; assistive technology; and orthotics/prosthetics. The Prosthetic Representative assists with management and oversight of contract programs such as home oxygen, durable medical equipment, and eyeglasses. They are responsible for the administration of benefit programs, such as home and structural alterations, automobile adaptive equipment, and clothing allowance. The Prosthetic Representative is aware of rehabilitative treatment goals and strategies that are unique to patients in order to obtain specialized service programs. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to experience gained in conventional United States programs. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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. 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires is generally sedentary. At times, incumbent is required to move such items as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment and other durable equipment, as well as drive an automobile. Incumbent works in office settings with visits to clinics, equipment stock rooms, and trips to warehouses and vendor locations. These settings present the possibility of coming into contact with ill or diseased patients and periodically may handle equipment returned or in patient's home with contagious diseases. The work areas are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.