State of Washington Classified Job Specification
ORTHOTICS/PROSTHETICS TECHNICIAN
Definition
Designs, fabricates and modifies orthotic or prosthetic devices and/or adaptive equipment according to individual needs as determined by an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Physician.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under general supervision, fabricates, fits, and repairs orthotic or prosthetic devices and/or adaptive equipment.
Typical Work
Consults with Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and/or Physician to determine appropriate orthoses, prostheses and/or adaptive equipment;
Performs fabrication techniques for orthotic or prosthetic devices and/or adaptive equipment including lamination procedures, finishing processes for orthoses and prostheses, prosthetic bench alignment, vacuuming forming of orthoses and prostheses and cast preparation;
Fabricates devices and equipment from metal, wood, leather, cloth or plastic; uses band saws, electric knives, hand tools, arc welders, sewing machines, drill presses, files, and other tools;
Modifies helmets by measuring, drilling, cutting and attaching straps, buckles and face masks; removes and replaces foam liners;
Cuts large foam positioning blocks including side blocks, leg blocks, prone wedges, postural drainage blocks, side tubes and special foam floor chairs;
Designs and fabricates straps and other devices needed for behavior programs and medical restraints;
Determines or assists in determining if wheelchair seating systems should be purchased through a distributor or designed and fabricated in house;
Constructs and modifies custom parts for wheelchairs; upholsters wheelchair seats, backs and headrests; adjusts positioning devices; replaces electric motors and repairs minor electrical problems in control switches and power drive wheelchairs; cuts and custom fits lap trays to wheelchairs;
Assists or provides training in use of positioning equipment and wheelchair maintenance;
Maintains laboratory inventory and equipment; orders materials and equipment;
Maintains a safe and clean working environment;
Provides patient and family education in the use and maintenance of foot orthoses, footware and prostheses;
Documents work performed for patient billing;
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: common methods, practices and materials used in fabrication of orthoses, prostheses, and adaptive equipment; use and care of hand and power tools.
Ability to: interpret drawings and specifications; perform ordinary arithmetic; comprehend forms in space and understand relationships of plane and solid objects; work within precise tolerances; use hand and power tools with skill; work safely.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
One year of experience in the fabrication of orthoses, prostheses, and/or adaptive equipment under the direction of an Orthotist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Physician OR completion of a formal Orthotics-Prosthetics Technician program.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.