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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

ORTHOTICS/PROSTHETICS TECHNICIAN

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ORTHOTICS/PROSTHETICS TECHNICIAN
Class Code: 306E
Category: Health Care


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.

Class Specification History

New class, consolidates 6160 Orthotics-Prosthetics Technician, 72570 Orthotics/Adaptive Equipment Technician; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.