Health Technician (Optometry)

Summary

The primary function is to provide technical assistance to the Service Unit & Area Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. The technician must perform procedures and assist the Optometrists and Ophthalmologists in the examination and treatment of patients that increase the overall efficiency of the Optometry Department. Incumbent report to Optometrist Supervisory A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Provides technical and patient care by assisting with non-diagnostic support. Supports patient flow, preparing examination areas, setting up equipment and supplies. Performs preliminary screenings, data collection, and records information related to patient care. Provides basic optical dispensing support. Maintains infection control, safety, and environmental standards within service areas.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: FOR GS-5 Grade Level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: providing technical and administrative support in an optometry, ophthalmology, vision care, or healthcare setting by assisting with patient preparation for examinations and treatments; performing routine non-diagnostic clinical support activities such as preliminary vision screenings, collecting and documenting patient information, and assisting healthcare providers during patient care; documenting patient care activities in electronic or paper health records; assisting with basic optical dispensing activities, including frame selection, measurements, eyewear adjustments, and verification of optical products; cleaning, disinfecting, preparing, and maintaining optometry equipment, instruments, and examination rooms; assisting with appointment scheduling, patient intake, and maintenance of clinic records; monitoring supplies and equipment; and communicating effectively with patients and healthcare staff while following established infection control, patient privacy, and safety procedures. Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform recurring support duties, follow established policies and procedures. OR completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position OR combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-05 grade level. FOR GS-6 Grade Level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Experience must demonstrate the ability to support efficient clinic operations and deliver quality patient care in accordance with established policies and procedures. Preparing patients for examinations; performing non-diagnostic clinical support activities and preliminary vision screenings; documenting patient information in electronic health records; assisting with optical dispensing activities such as frame measurements, eyewear adjustments, and verification of optical products; operating, cleaning, and maintaining optometry equipment and instruments; scheduling appointments and maintaining clinic records; monitoring supplies; and communicating effectively with patients and healthcare staff while following established infection control, patient privacy, and safety procedures. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

If you are substituting education for experience; You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.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/.