Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. NOTE: This position is open to candidates who are not yet certified and would benefit from the on the job experience under the 2 years NTE appointment. Full performance level of this position is a GS -8 and requires Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

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The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position:GS-5 Entry Level operates and monitors commonly used equipment performing basic screening procedures. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, complex patients and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance.
GS-5 Entry level position and are trainee in nature. The entry level performs limited routine assignments under daily direct supervision. Deviations from unanticipated problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Obtains and records vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, and glucose levels. Participate in performance of quality assurance activities such as staff meetings, mandatory educational in-services, quality control reports, systems redesign, and team and morale improvement.
GS-6 Developmental Level- operates and monitors commonly used equipment performing basic screening procedures. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, complex patients and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures performed under supervision. In addition to the duties expected of the GS-5 Entry level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-6 Developmental assignment:

• Obtains an accurate medical and ophthalmic history,
• Measures and records visual acuity,
• Administers anesthetic eye drops,
• Performing basic tonometry,
• Estimates the anterior chamber depth,
• Records a simple spectacle reading through automated lensometry.

GS-7 Developmental Level 2- triages patient phone calls or requests; ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; administers eye drops to dilate pupils; performs basic color vision screening; performs visual field testing (using Amsler grid or automated equipment). In addition to the duties expected of the GS-6 Developmental level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-7 Developmental Level 2. Performs basic imaging testing such as corneal topography; external photography; performs basic ocular testing such as pachymetry, tear production with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, potential acuity meter, measuring spectacles using both automated and manual lensometry and transposing cylinders. The employee assists the ophthalmologist during minor ophthalmic surgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures. Performs autorefractor to determine spectacle prescription. In addition to the duties expected of the GS-6 level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-7 assignment:

• Triages patient phone calls or requests;
• Ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies;
• Instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions;
• Accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses;
• Administers eye drops to dilate pupils;
• Performs basic color vision screening;

The GS-8 Full Performance Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures, assists during clinic-based surgical procedures, educates patients and legal representatives, assists with the education of students and residents. The GS-8 Full Performance Health Technician (Ophthalmology) may perform many "direct patient care services" under the supervision of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. In addition to the duties expected of the GS-7 level, duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-8 Full Performance include but not limited to the following:

• Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation
• Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens
• Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting including preparation of the
• surgical field
• Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology
• Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye
• Knowledge of optics
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Compressed/Flexible: No
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be hired as a temporary status employee not to exceed 2 years and then be converted to permanent full performance employee. Please note there is no guarantee of promotion at any development level. Work performance and position metrics are used to determine satisfactory review of the incumbent and are used to determine conversion to permanent employee status.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 38 U.S.C. 7407(d).
• Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

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. OR
• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Certification: Preferably,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). However, if you do not possess one currently, you will have 2 years after hiring , to obtain the COA Certification.

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.

1. 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.
Grade Determinations
(Entry Level) GS-0640-5 - Employees at this grade level serve in a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) entry level position and are trainee in nature. The entry level performs limited routine assignments under daily direct supervision.
Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
Creditable Experience

• Knowledge of Current Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Practice. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with a health care field or knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the current occupation. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid or non-paid employment in the health care field.
• Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to Health Technician (Ophthalmology) experience at the GS-5 level.
• Part-time Experience. Part-time experience as a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week. For example, a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) employed 20 hours per week, or on a ½ time basis, would receive one full-time work week credit for each two weeks of service.

Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.

(Developmental Level 1) GS-0640-6- Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Optometrists and Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position at the Developmental Level operates and monitors commonly used equipment performing basic screening procedures.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general outpatient clinical policies and procedures in a healthcare environment;
• Ability to obtain, document and record demographic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate medical record;
• Ability to use basic ophthalmic equipment;
• Knowledge of basic disinfection of non-critical reusable medical equipment.

The GS-7 Developmental Level 2 Ophthalmology Technician will respond to the needs of the staff ophthalmologists/optometrists, the supervisory technician or other designated administrative supervisor who will maintain daily supervision and guidance. Basic screening assignments under daily direct supervision is an integral part of the position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In addition to the KSAs expected of the GS-6 level, the following KSAs are expected at the GS-7 assignment:

• Knowledge of anatomy and function of the eye and basic ocular pharmacology;
• Knowledge of outpatient eye care policies and procedures in a health care environment;
• Ability to use basic ophthalmic diagnostic equipment to perform preliminary ocular testing;
• Ability to perform minor extraocular surgical assisting; and
• Ability to provide eye care patient education.

GS 8 Full Performance Level
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In addition to the KSAs expected of the GS-7 level, the following KSAs are expected at the GS-8 assignment:

• Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation;
• Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens;
• Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting including preparation of the surgical field;
• Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology;
• Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye;
• Knowledge of optics;
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment..

Reference: See VA Handbook 5005 /98, Part II, Appendix G52For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, 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.