Summary

The Health Technician (Optician) position is located at the Cheyenne VAHCS- and its supporting Community Based Outpatient locations. The incumbent is responsible for providing optical service and a knowledge of opticianry services essential to the direction and operation of the VA Eye Care Clinic - Surgical Service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-6 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge - skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position - and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled - in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: knowledge of customer service - communication skills and multitasking abilities; knowledge of work performed in an optical environment; proficiency with computers and VA-specific programs (i.e. Vista - VATAS - CPRS - etc.); skills in medical and optical terminology; knowledge of patient demographic trends in order to assist with the best eyewear for the individual patient; comprehensive knowledge of VA mission - organization and work processes in order to efficiently and correctly process glasses orders; knowledge of instruments used in specialization for troubleshooting - adjusting and repairing eyewear and lenses; knowledge and understanding of eye anatomy; skill to recognize and properly use equipment - material and supplies for the purpose of understanding and carrying out assigned instructions; knowledge in adapting instruments to perform a full range of optical fitting that may require many steps and various approaches based on findings from previous steps; ability to work as a team member when performing proper fitting procedures that require accurate observation and adjustments to establish appropriate outcomes. There is no educational substitution for the GS- 6 level 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.

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Independently provides direct patient care services related to patient education - selection - ordering - verification - troubleshooting - adjustment and repair of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear
• Completes measurements of interpupillary distances - optical centers and multifocal or progressive addition lens segment heights will be accurately obtained and documented
• Serves as the front-line staff member for patients with concerns regarding eyewear and will triage patient concerns by manual or automated lensometry verification - troubleshooting all optical issues and verify with that eyeglass fabrication is completed as prescribed
• Documents all patient care activities properly and clearly in the electronic medical record in a timely manner
• Formulates and implements plans to ensure the Optical is stocked - supplies are ordered and received in timely manner and staffing is aligned with needs of the Optical Clinic
• Clean/Disinfect equipment and sample frames - use proper hand hygiene between patient encounters and maintain optical space - including frame displays and optical fitting area
• Maintains all TMS and ABO or equivalent requirements - as needed
• trains other staff as needed
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Optician/PD13376A Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position include the ability to stand and walk freely to assist patients and the ability to lift 10-15 pounds as needed on an infrequent basis.