MAJOR DUTIES 1. Manages a clinic on a day-to-day basis without input from any outside source. Incumbent is responsible for all aspects of the Orthopedic appliance shop which provides a professional, highly technical, and complex administrative aspects in direct support of an active duty Army installation consisting of 35,000 active duty soldiers and 80,000 dependents and retirees. Provides supervision to two orthotists (all types of custom-made appliances requiring a high level of skill). These employees will be designing, fabricating, and fitting orthotic and prosthetic devices. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work. Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective considerations of difficulty and requirements of assignments, and capabilities of employees. Evaluates work performance of subordinates. Coordinates work of subordinates with others outside the office. Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates. Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Prepares requests for filling vacancies, recommends appointments, promotions, or reassignments. Approves and disapproves leave; investigates and controls abnormal use of sick leave. Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher-level supervisor. Puts into effect minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other actions in more serious cases. Periodically reviews job descriptions of employees for accuracy. Identify developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training. Develops performance standards. Participates in the review and improvement of work methods, organizational features and the structuring of positions to improve production and increase quality of work directed. Implements specific and general provisions of government-wide and installation personnel, EEO and other programs. 2. Participates as member of health care team; accompanies physicians on rounds; attends conferences and participates in discussions related to the technical and anatomical features of the case to resolve individual patients problem through the team concept. Accommodates priority patients from BACH and outlying clinics. Coordinates with the Chief of Orthopedics on matters pertaining to the special needs of patients and how those needs may be best served within budgetary constraints. Measures and fits patients with all types of custom-made orthotic appliance. Provides services to patients with a range of disabilities to include those of serious, complicated, or emergency nature with combinations of disabilities/ unusual physiological conditions. Reads and interprets prescriptions, applies methods, techniques, and sequences in developing/fabricating appliances; a thorough understanding of materials and their application; a basic knowledge of physiology, anatomy, and tissue characteristics in order to recognize physiological abnormalities and appropriately measure and fit devices. Utilizes a high level of skill to operate all shop machines and hand tools required to perform fabrication, alteration and repair of orthotic appliances. Is able to operate the Amfit Orthotic machine. Performs work in blacksmithing, welding, brazing, annealing, machining, laminating, tool and die making, pattern and template making, forging, woodworking, sewing, metal and leather working, engineering and design and experimental work. Uses and works with a variety of fabrics, leathers, metal, synthetics, plastics, plasters, and adhesives. Coordinates interpretation of prescription with patient and physician; plans approach; and determines technical procedure involved. Modifies and adapts appliances in common usage; prepares specifications; and makes molds, casts, patterns, and templates for each procedural step together with drawings and charts. Measure patients, makes tracing of extremities, takes plaster of paris molds and wraps, marks body prominence and sensitivity areas. Considers factors as age, sex of the patient, duration of use, cosmetic needs, mental and emotional conditions, degree of acceptance of disabilities, how recent the disability is and other considerations of the patients successful use of the appliance. Studies and analyzes the unique aspects of each case and the individualized problems they present (i.e. attitude of patient, type and complexity of disability, types of deformities involved, contractures, or disarticulations, and other conditions that necessitate special consideration and fitting techniques). Applies knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology to ensure maximum comfort and assistance to the patient. Reworks or repairs old appliances or fabricates new appliances using different materials and new designs as appropriate. Provides services for the following: a. Assistive appliances: static spinal, upper and lower extremity bracing for children and adults; includes treatment of fractures and foot disorders. b. Corrective appliances: dynamic spinal, upper and lower bracing for children and adults; includes Milwaukee braces. c. Develops patterns and specifications for procurement of proper orthopedic shoes through the Department of Defense Central Shoe Agency. 3. Serves as the Quality Improvement Coordinator for the Orthotic Laboratory. Ensures acceptable quality standards are maintained within the work area and that appliances produced meet required specifications. Maintains and secures equipment assigned to the Orthotic Laboratory. Serves as fire and safety officer for the laboratory and conducts periodic inspections and monitors area for safety violations. Insures supplies and equipment are used in a proper and efficient manner. Prepares administrative reports and coordinates quarterly budget reports and provides supply requests through the hospital supply system. 4. Serves as the primary instructor in an established ongoing training program that instructs subordinate personnel, orthopedic cast technicians, and other personnel in the application and fabrication of simple orthotic devises. Identifies developmental and training needs of subordinate employees and provides needed training. Designs, builds, adjust, modify, and or repair orthotic devises to be used for training aids in both formal classroom and on-the-job training. Attends meetings and seminars on improved methods and developments in orthotic appliances to keep abreast of advancement in the field. Performs other duties as assigned