This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered at regular intervals as additional vacancies occur or on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applications will remain on file until Dec 31, 24.
This announcement is open to the public.
Current permanent Department of Veterans Affairs employees MUST apply to INTERNAL job announcement number: CBSU-12599116-25-JMW.
Health Technician-Ophthalmology full performance level duties include, but aren't limited to the following:
Provides technical clinical care to patients who have received care provided by Ophthalmologists for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care & patient counseling
Performs screening procedures such as patient history, pupil responses, visual acuity & color vision testing
Performs highly technical procedures using complex medical equipment, such as keratometry, tonometry, measuring eye's optical status, pachymetry, topography, ultrasonography, scanning laser imaging, retinal photography & angiography, electrophysiology, etc
Performs intraocular measurements used by surgeons to select appropriate lens implant for cataract surgery
Scrubs in & assists w/ surgical procedures including injections, minor & major operative procedures: wound revisions, eyelid lesion biopsies, cultures conjunctiva or cornea; reformation of anterior chamber, evacuates hyphema, repositions corneal endothelial grafts, intra-vitreous injections & laser surgical procedures
Instills ophthalmic pharmaceutical agents, places/removes eye dressings/shields
Maintains/calibrates/tests equipment
Obtains patient physical history, to include chief complaint; reason for visit; pertinent signs/symptoms; past history both ocular & general; family history both ocular & general; social history & medication/allergy review, including current ocular prescription/non-prescription medications
Tests visual acuity at distance & near, w/ & w/out correction or w/ & w/out pinhole
Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, records sphere, cylinder, axis & prism in both plus & minus cylinder
Evaluates pupil: records size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light & accommodation & any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect
Performs basic refractometry uses auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in phoropter
Instills eye medications: i.e., drop or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilation, cycloplegic, or antibiotics
Measures intraocular eye pressure using techniques including Goldman applanation tonometry
Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness & manual keratometry or automated topography to detinning corneal curvature
Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using IOL Master
Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines
Performs external & fundus photography
Performs Optical Coherence Tomography, of anterior segment, retina & optic nerve
Performs urgent ocular patient screening/triages
Educates patients & legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative & postoperative instructions
Educates/trains medical students, residents & fellows
Ensures proper cleaning & disinfection; calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory & orders: instruments, supplies & equipment; obtains quotes as needed & reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering
Maintains current BLS course certification
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance w/ Privacy Act of 1974 provisions & other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes & policies
Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss; alteration or unauthorized deletion
Follows applicable regulations & instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc
Demonstrates I-Care values when interacting w/ all internal/external customers
Maintains current knowledge of & practices according to The Joint Commission requirements
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data according to Federal privacy Act & confidentiality statutes
Follows regulations & instructions regarding release of sensitive/protected patient/ employee information
May serve on Service Line/VISN 19/medical center committees, workgroups, &/or task forces, etc
Performs other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection w/ the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees w/ a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to monthly maximum of $416.66 Retirement: Traditional federal pension-5 years vesting, & federal 401K w/ up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care, many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement Telework: Not available Functional Statement #:PD51477A
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified US citizens
English Language Proficiency Applicants must be proficient in spoken & written English
Experience and Education
Experience. One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician
OR
Education. Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associate's degree in a health care related degree
Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below:
a) Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or
b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces; or
c) Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting
Certification. All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements may be appointed as a graduate Health Technician (Ophthalmology) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) that provides care under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist. The exception only applies below the full performance level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level the candidate must be certified. Failure to obtain COA certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment and may result in termination of employment
Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the uncertified Health Technician (Ophthalmology) with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to become certified within two years from date of appointment will result in removal from the Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-0640 series and may result in termination of employment
Loss of Credentials. A Health Technician (Ophthalmology) who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpreting foreign educational credentials & such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs
Grade Determinations: Following criteria must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements
GS-5
Experience or Education. None beyond basic requirements
GS-6
Experience. One year experience equivalent to GS-5 grade level
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) - Candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience
1) Knowledge of general outpatient clinical policies & procedures in a healthcare environment
2) Ability to obtain, document & record demographic & patient medical information to develop an accurate medical records
3) Ability to use basic ophthalmic equipment &
4) Knowledge of basic disinfection of non-critical reusable medical equipment
GS-7
Experience. One year experience equivalent to GS-6 grade level
AND
Candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience
1) Knowledge of anatomy & eye function & basic ocular pharmacology
2) Knowledge eye care outpatient policies & procedures in health care environments
3) Ability to use basic ophthalmic diagnostic equipment to perform preliminary ocular testing
4) Ability to perform minor extraocular surgical assisting &
5) Ability to provide eye care patient education
GS- 8
Experience. One year experience equivalent to GS-7 grade level
AND
Candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience
1) Ability to perform advanced tonometry & pupil evaluation
2) Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens
3) Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting
4) Knowledge of eye anatomy & physiology
5) Knowledge of medication effects & proper eye instillation
6) Knowledge of optics &
7) Knowledge of proper cleaning & maintenance clinic equipment
Preferred Experience:
At least 1 year experience working in an eye clinic, experience using ophthalmology diagnostic & imaging equipment
Experience fitting, dispensing & adjusting eyeglasses
Certification by The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, COA
Vacancy full performance level is a GS-8. Applicants may be selected in grade ranges GS-5 to GS-8
Physical Requirements:
Requires some physical exertion: prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching & lifting moderately heavy items: manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients.
Requires above average agility & dexterity.
Must possess & maintain valid state's driver's license to travel when required for work
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable).
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Certification by The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, COA
If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Basic Life Support Certification, BLS
Resume
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12599117.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Montana VA Health Care System
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Certification by The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, COA
If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Basic Life Support Certification, BLS
Resume
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12599117.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Montana VA Health Care System
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
