Federal

Supervisory Orthotist-Prosthetist

Veterans Health Administration ยท Department of Veterans Affairs
๐Ÿ“ Birmingham, Alabama GS-13 $107,510 - $139,764/yr
Posted: May 8, 2026 Deadline: May 13, 2026

About This Position

The person in this position functions as an advanced clinical member of the Birmingham VA Medical Center Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services in the role of a Supervisory Orthotist/Prosthetist. The incumbent is this position will be actively involved in patient care, supplying veterans with suitable orthotic and/ or prosthetic devices and treatments while also frequently collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Certification: Must be board certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) as a Orthotist, Prosthetist, or Orthotist/Prosthetist. Education: Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in orthotics and prosthetics from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program.

OR

A bachelor's degree or higher in any major along with a post-graduate orthotics or prosthetics certificate from a CAAHEP accredited program. 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 requirements above, you must meet the grade determinations below: GS- 13 Level: You must have completed one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) as an Orthotist/Prosthetist. AND

In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of regulatory requirements established by ABC, BOC, the National Committee for Orthotic/Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), the International Association of Orthotist and Prosthetist (IAOP), the American Academy of Orthotist and Prosthetists (AAOP), Joint commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO), etc. Knowledge of administrative functions including budget development and management, inventory management, space and workload planning, as well as knowledge of the National Prosthetic Patient Database (NPPD), knowledge of the Prosthetic National Software (PNS) packet, CPRS, Decision Support System (DSS), and knowledge of accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic laboratories and certification requirements for clinical staff in order to develop VISN guidelines and policies, allocate resources within the VISN, and project future workload for the VISN. Ability to analyze data and provide reports using CPRS, VISTA, DSS, HCPCS codes and other patient database information.

Ability to serve as a consultant to orthotist/prosthetists within the VISN on emerging technologies, the most difficult and complex cases, changes in policy, etc. Ability to supervise. 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).

Preferred Experience: Applicant must have hands on experience managing an orthotics and prosthetics clinic. 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-13.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Major Duties

Duties for this position includes but is not limited to: Adheres to established guidelines and protocols to ensure the confidentiality of patient information. Conducts independent clinical evaluations of patients, assessing factors such as gait, range of motion, and lifestyle, particularly for those with multiple health conditions. Engages in communication with physicians and allied health professionals to discuss and evaluate the clinical assessments and care plans of patients.

Serves as the supervisory and laboratory manager for large laboratories or multiple satellite laboratories. Responsible for overseeing contracted employees' work and conducting site surveys of commercial vendors. Engages in the fitting, fabrication, adjustment, and repair of custom prostheses and orthoses using a variety of techniques and materials, while also measuring and fitting patients with advanced and innovative prosthetic and orthotic technologies.

Take measurements, creates casts, and performs scans of patients to produce positive molds for custom devices. Capable of preparing negative casts for scanning purposes, utilizing digitizers, Computer-aided Design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, and carving tools, as well as pouring plaster or alginate and managing shipping processes. Provide educational in-services to physicians groups such as podiatry, primary care, orthopedics, and or other groups as assigned.

The Orthotist-Prosthetist will be able to provide training to other Orthotist-Prosthetists, including residents and trainees. Able to direct, coordinate, or oversee work for leads, team chiefs, group coordinators, committee chairs, or comparable personnel. Evaluates subordinate supervisors or leaders and serving as the reviewing official on evaluations of nonsupervisory employees rated by subordinate supervisors.

Hears and resolves group grievances or serious employee complaints. Reviews and approves serious disciplinary actions (e.g., suspensions) involving nonsupervisory subordinates. Exercise delegated managerial authority to set a series of annual, multiyear or similar types of long-range work plans and schedules for in-service or contracted work.

Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm. Monday-Friday. Subject to change based on needs of agency. Telework: Not Available Travel: 25% or less travel may be required. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61688F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of Employment

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 dentification 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.

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/.

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. 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.

Additional Information

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.

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 05/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12953243. 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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Supervisory Orthotist-Prosthetist position at Veterans Health Administration?
The salary range for this position is $107,510 - $139,764/yr. This is a GS-13 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory Orthotist-Prosthetist job located?
This position is located in Birmingham, Alabama. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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/.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 13, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.