Work performed requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems

It is expected that an orthotist or prosthetist/orthotist oversees client evaluation, cast measurement and fittings, wherever possible

Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of output of others

Work is undertaken in accordance with organisation policy and procedure

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Ascertain footwear requirements

1.1 Review prescriptions or instructions from appropriate health professionals to confirm all required information has been provided

1.2 Discuss and agree requirements with client under the guidance of an appropriate health professional as required

1.3 Select materials and style of footwear as specified to match client's requirements

1.4 Order off-the-shelf footwear as required from appropriate suppliers and confirm availability within specified timelines

2. Select footwear

2.1 Select/manufacture off-the-shelf/custom footwear to meet client requirements

2.2 Assess footwear in terms of mechanical, dimensional and therapeutic factors

2.3 Document specifications for modification in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

3. Modify and fit footwear and/or orthoses

3.1 Modify footwear using appropriate materials and using hand tools and/or machinery correctly in accordance with safety requirements and manufacturers' specifications

3.2 Arrange fitting of modified footwear with client in accordance with organisation policy and procedure

3.3 Establish, maintain and store job records in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Anatomy and physiology of the foot and ankle

Applied anthropometrics of the foot, the variables in and effects of physical force systems (orthotic and footwear) on the body and dimensional, shape and other physical characteristics of off-the-shelf footwear.

Common flaws and irregularities in leather

Cutting and finishing of leather materials

Footwear construction and standards; terminology; diagnostic and definitive constructions; modification processes; materials and tools/equipment used.

Full range of procedures to adjust off-the-shelf footwear

Identify various soling materials and accessories

Organisation policy in relation to the scope and supervision of the role of the prosthetic orthotic technician

Range and characteristics of off-the-shelf medical grade footwear and how they can be used to meet specified footwear problems.

Relative clinical, practical and other advantages/ disadvantages of off-the-shelf footwear.

Relevant WHS standards/legislation, regulatory requirements, health fund reimbursement policies and codes of practice

Role and function of other practitioners in the field and in major related fields

Safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Use of stockings, bandages and orthotic devices.

Use and properties of footwear materials relevant to the role of the Prosthetic Orthotic Technician

Workplace procedures; recording/documentation processes/techniques.

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply procedures and processes including report requirements.

Communicate effectively with clients and health professionals

Communicate effectively with the client to obtain clear and precise information about problems with the footwear

Communicate and work effectively with work colleagues, associates and clients encompassing teamwork, client confidentiality, and appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Conduct fittings under supervision of an appropriate health professional or in accordance with organisation policy

Correctly select appropriate footwear modification materials

Correctly and safely operate a range of common footwear modification hand tools and electric machines

Demonstrate hand and machine leather cutting, sewing and finishing

Demonstrate literacy in English or a community language depending on the language used in pamphlets or workplace manuals

Evaluate, problem solve and address a variety of common off-the-shelf footwear and orthoses problems

Identify and safely use a range of commercial adhesives

Identify and safely use a range of adhesives

Maintain accurate records

Make minor adjustments

Recognise, report and manage errors and risk within work role

Safely use electric machinery to sew and finish footwear modification materials

Select and modify and fit footwear to meet client and clinician requirements

Select appropriate materials and techniques

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use hand tools and machinery to undertake footwear modifications, as required.

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete arithmetic calculations, to measuring and completing modifications on footwear

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Use oral communication skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including:

skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

competence in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use problem solving skills in the development of prostheses to meet a range of client needs

Use reading and writing skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading and interpreting technical specifications, OH&S and organisation policy and procedure manuals, and documenting client information

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal education/training courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviews/questioning

Role plays

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently

However holistic assessment practice with other health technician units of competency is encouraged

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Footwear may include:

Off-the-shelf

Custom made

Extra depth

Post operative shoes

Ready-made or therapeutic footwear

Appropriate health professionals may include;

Prosthetist Orthotist

Medical Practitioner

Podiatrist

Pedorthist

Prescriptions may include:

Assessments

Referrals

Requests for modification

Materials may include:

Leather

Sewing materials

Ethyl Vinyl Acetate

Sole repairing products

Nails and hand tacks

Rivets

Velcro

D. Rings

Adhesives

Footwear styles may include:

Slip ons

Court

Boot

Sandal

Inner shoe

Selection may include:

Design - style eg: court, boot

Size - to specific landmarks - width, length, toe angle, arch

Structure - heel height and width, counter stability, sole flexibility

Features - for individual needs/use eg: cushion sole

Function - eg: fit, walk, stairs

Mechanical, dimensional and therapeutic factors may include:

Physical and anatomical conditions of the foot (e.g. bunions)

Feet dimensions - width, length, arch height

Therapeutic factors such as skin condition - ulcers, pressure sores

Modification may include:

On-site - fit eg: stretch footwear, apply insole,

trim orthotic as required

Off-site - shoe repairer, orthotist for brace

Raisers

SACH heels

Rocker sole

Wedges and flares

Metatarsal bars

Heel ferrules

T. Straps

Velcro closure

Fitting adjustments

Hand tools and machinery may include:

Hand tools - knives, skiving tools, hammers, pincers, hole punchers, hack saw

Machinery - footwear finishing, router, band saw, flat bed sewing machine, post sewing machine, overlocker, patcher, shoe stretcher, infra red heat lamps, pneumatic tools

This unit contains Employability Skills