Ophthalmology Technician Job at US Veterans Health Administration, San Francisco, CA 94121

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Job Description

Duties

GS-5 Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
At this level, the incumbent is learning routine assignments as a trainee and will be under daily direct supervision.

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES (MAJOR DUTIES):
Collaborates and assists members of the health care team in data collection, administrative duties, and general care for patients ranging in age from 18 to geriatric. Information is used for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient condition and care.

Conducts initial interview with patients to gather medical history and information. During the initial interview, identifies possible unconventional problem areas that may be affecting the patient's overall well-being. Obtains and records vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, and glucose levels. Records patient data to include the case history, medical condition and medications currently prescribed, allergies, and date of last exam; queries patient regarding new symptoms and or chief complaints and documents findings.

GS-6 Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
At this level, the incumbent will be given increasing responsibility and training to proceed to the next performance level. In addition to the duties expected at the GS-5 level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-6 level:

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES (MAJOR DUTIES):

Collaborates and assists members of the health care team in data collection, visual screening (near vision, distant vision, condition of the pupil and intraocular pressure), and general care for patients ranging in age from 18 to geriatric. Information is used for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient condition and care.

Under supervision, conducts initial interview with patients to gather medical history and information on visual complaints, past eye injuries, and family history of eye diseases. During the initial interview, identifies possible unconventional problem areas that may be affecting the patient's overall well-being. Obtains and records patient data to include the case history, medical condition and medications currently prescribed, allergies, and date of last exam. Queries patient regarding new symptoms and or chief complaints and documents findings.

GS-7 Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
At this level, the incumbent will be given increasing responsibility and training to proceed to the full performance level. In addition to the duties expected at the GS-6 level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-7 level:

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES (MAJOR DUTIES):
Collaborates and assists members of the health care team in data collection, visual screening (near vision, distant vision, condition of the pupil and intraocular pressure), and general care for patients ranging in age from 18 to geriatric. Information is used for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient condition and care.

Independently conducts initial interview with patients to gather medical history and information on visual complaints, past eye injuries, and family history of eye diseases. During the initial interview, identifies possible unconventional problem areas that may be affecting the patient's overall well-being. Obtains and records patient data to include the case history, medical condition and medications currently prescribed, allergies, and date of last exam. Queries patient regarding new symptoms and or chief complaints and documents findings.


GS-8 Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
At this level, the incumbent will be given increasing responsibility and training to proceed to the full performance level. In addition to the duties expected at the GS-7 level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-8 level:

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES (MAJOR DUTIES):
Collaborates and assists members of the health care team in data collection, visual screening (near vision, distant vision, condition of the pupil and intraocular pressure), and general care for patients ranging in age from 18 to geriatric. Information is used to assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient condition and care.

Independently conducts initial interview with patients to gather medical history and information on visual complaints, past eye injuries, and family history of eye diseases. During the initial interview, identifies possible unconventional problem areas that may be affecting the patient's overall well-being. Obtains and records patient data to include the case history, medical condition and medications currently prescribed, allergies, and date of last exam. Queries patient regarding new symptoms and or chief complaints and documents findings.


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • 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 citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience and Education
    • (1) Experience. One year f experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR,
    • (2) Educatin. Tw 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,
    • (3) Experience/Educatin Combination. Equivalent cmbinations 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). For grade levels at or above the full performance level the candidate must be certified. Failure to obtain COA certification may result in termination of employment.
  • Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) must actively pursue meeting certification requirements. Failure to become certified within two years from date of appointment will result in termination of employment.
  • Loss of Credentials. Failure to maintain credentials may also result in termination of employment.
Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including certification requirements. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • (1) Such emplyees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
    • (2) Health Technicians (Ophthalmlogy) who were appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    • (3) Emplyees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of the qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
    • (4) Health Technicians (Ophthalmlogy) who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
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.

Physical Requirements. If selected, you will be required to pass a pre-employment physical exam.

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).

GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
Creditable Experience.
  • (1) 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.
  • (2) Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to Health Technician (Ophthalmology) experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled.
Grade Determinations.

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-5
  • Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-6
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • 1. Knowledge of general outpatient clinical policies and procedures in a healthcare environment.
    • 2. Ability to obtain, document and record demographic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate medical record.
    • 3. Ability to use basic ophthalmic equipment; and
    • 4. Knowledge of basic disinfection of non-critical reusable medical equipment.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-7
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • 1. Knowledge of anatomy and function of the eye and basic ocular pharmacology.
    • 2. Knowledge of outpatient eye care policies and procedures in a health care environment.
    • 3. Ability to use basic ophthalmic diagnostic equipment to perform preliminary ocular testing.
    • 4. Ability to perform minor extraocular surgical assisting; and
    • 5. Ability to provide eye care patient education.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-8
  • Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • 1. Ability to perform advanced tonometry and 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 and physiology;
    • 5. Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye;
    • 6. Knowledge of optics; and
    • 7. Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/98 PART II APPENDIX G52, February 7, 2018

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-5 to GS-8.

Physical Requirements: The position requires the operation of multiple devices for the examination of patients. Dexterity of hand-eye and hand-eye-foot coordination is essential, and testing may involve standing for extended periods of time with arms at shoulder height. Frequent stooping, bending, or kneeling is required. You must have excellent corrected binocular vision to perform the complex duties required.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.


  • Benefits

    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.

    Review our 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.

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

  • Benefits

    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.

    Review our 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.

  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    • Resume (contact information; descriptions of jobs held, including the name and address of employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, whether its full-time or part-time employment and average number of hours worked per week if part-time and supervisor's name and phone number; education, including name and location of college, dates attended, and type and date of any degree earned; other information such as possession of licenses, certificates, etc. Descriptions of duties must be sufficiently detailed to document the level of experience. If the position is was/is with the Federal government, either military or civilian, state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion)
    • Transcripts (if using education to qualify.)
    • Certification - Must include a copy of your COA certification.
    • VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations

    VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.

    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
    • DD-214/ Statement of Service
    • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
    • Disability Letter (VA)
    • License
    • OF-306
    • VA Form 10-2850c - "Application for Associated Health Occupations"
    • PCS Orders
    • Professional Certification
    • Proof of Enrollment
    • Proof of Marriage Status
    • Resume
    • Separation Notice (RIF)
    • SF-15
    • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
    • Transcript


    Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    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.

  • How to Apply

    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 (ET) on 05/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11958795.

    • 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.

    Agency contact information

    AARON POWELL

    Phone

    (916) 843-9150

    Email

    AARON.POWELL2@VA.GOV

    Address

    San Francisco VA Medical Center
    4150 Clement Street
    San Francisco, CA 94121
    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.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume (contact information; descriptions of jobs held, including the name and address of employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, whether its full-time or part-time employment and average number of hours worked per week if part-time and supervisor's name and phone number; education, including name and location of college, dates attended, and type and date of any degree earned; other information such as possession of licenses, certificates, etc. Descriptions of duties must be sufficiently detailed to document the level of experience. If the position is was/is with the Federal government, either military or civilian, state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion)
  • Transcripts (if using education to qualify.)
  • Certification - Must include a copy of your COA certification.
  • VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.

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
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • OF-306
  • VA Form 10-2850c - "Application for Associated Health Occupations"
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Proof of Enrollment
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.


Help

This job is open to

  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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