Prosthetic & Orthotics Technician

Health Sciences North (HSN) is seeking an innovative individual for the position of Prosthetic & Orthotics Technician. While in this role, you will have the opportunity to support the Prosthetic (e.g. artificial limbs) and Orthotic (e.g. braces) services provided to both inpatient and outpatient clients, and work collaboratively with health care professionals in the fabrication, design, and repair of all devices.

**KEY FUNCTION**:
Support the Prosthetic (e.g. artificial limbs) and Orthotic (e.g. braces) services provided to both inpatients and outpatients, and work collaboratively with health care professionals in the fabrication, design, and repair of all devices.

**REPORTING**:
Under the general direction of the Coordinator, Rehabilitation Business Development.

**DUTIES**:

- Assemble, build, and create artificial limbs and braces, and participate in the design of these devices to meet the specific needs of clients.
- Utilize molds, tracings, and written and verbal instructions to fabricate each device to be unique to each patient.
- Fabricate specialty items that are not related to Prosthetic and Orthotics for other departments (e.g. keyboard guide covers for speech and augmentative communications, shoe lifts for physiotherapy assessment, etc.).
- Fit devices to patients independently or with clinical personnel and provide the patient with wearing instructions and device care.
- Adjust, modify, and repair devices as per the clinicians’ specifications; repair or improve various items to assist other departments (e.g. russet leather wrist restraints and zippers on Operating Room (OR) transfer stretchers).
- Assess and troubleshoot patients’ devices to diagnose and determine cause of malfunction.
- See patients and staff for proper fitting of regular and specialty footwear, off-the-shelf soft-goods, bracing, and interface products for their Prosthesis and/or Orthotic.
- Participate and provide input into the design process of Prostheses and Orthotics in consultation with the Orthotist or Prosthetist.
- Create custom-made devices in a three-dimensional (3D) patient model or directly customize devices to a patient's body part; make allowances for adjustments to the patient’s changing needs.
- Remain abreast of new technology, fabrication techniques, and materials to fabricate devices that are lightweight, durable, and functional; ensure to include clinician’s criteria and the appropriate technical standards of construction or inventive construction designs to facilitate ease of repairs and maintenance.
- Provide regular maintenance checks on the machine; contact HSN maintenance personnel if repairs are required beyond the scope of the Prosthetic and Orthotics Technician.
- Ensure all chemicals are stored properly and that Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policies are followed and reviewed.
- Ensure a safe work environment, maintain education and handling procedures of hazardous and toxic materials used in the manufacturing process, and ensure a suitable inventory is maintained.
- Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
- Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
- Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
- Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
- Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
- Perform other duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**EDUCATION AND TRAINING**:

- Minimum of a two (2) year Diploma as an Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician, from an accredited college.
- Current Certificate as a Registered Prosthetic Technician (RTP), Registered Orthotic Technician (RTO), or both is preferred.
- Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

**EXPERIENCE**:
Minimum of six (6) months’ related experience is preferred.

**KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES**:

- Demonstrated biomechanical and anatomical skills with the ability to build and fit custom-made devices to each individual.
- Demonstrated knowledge of pathologies being treated by the service.
- Demonstrated knowledge of material sciences and their stress modulus (e.g. metals, plastics, leather, foams, and wood), and structural and architectural design to ensure the materials and components used in each device can withstand the forces and movements involved in the function.
- Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of lean methodology for process improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
- Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
- Demonstrated superior inte