Health Technician (Optometry)

Summary

This position is located in the Optometry Department at Jicarilla Service Unit in Dulce, New Mexico. This position responsible to perform a variety of optometric and ophthalmic procedures and assist the optometrist in the examination and treatment of patients. This position reports to the Supervisory Optometrist. 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: Health Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) Performs patient intake, obtains medical and ocular histories and vital signs, conducts a full range of ophthalmic tests and measurements, performs ocular imaging, administers prescribed ophthalmic agents as directed, and assists providers during examinations and procedures. Provides patient education regarding ocular conditions, medications, eyewear, contact lens care, hygiene, follow-up care, and warning signs; prepares clinical documentation and referrals and supports vision screenings, outreach activities, and training of staff, students, and interns. Maintains and processes patient records and electronic health record documentation, collects and tracks clinical data, supports audits and performance improvement activities, manages supplies and equipment, and performs reception, scheduling, referral, telephone, and other administrative duties. Performs frame measurements and repairs, verifies spectacle prescriptions, completes basic optical bench work, advises patients on lens and frame options, processes spectacle orders and associated documentation, and verifies eligibility for applicable eyeglass programs.

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: GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the 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: preparing patients for eye examinations; performing preliminary vision screenings and collecting patient data; assisting with optical dispensing activities such as frame measurements, eyewear adjustments, and verification of optical products; operating, cleaning, and maintaining optometric equipment and instruments; documenting patient care activities and test results in electronic health records; scheduling and coordinating patient appointments; maintaining clinical supplies and equipment; and providing patient education regarding eye health, eyewear use, and follow-up care while ensuring compliance with infection control, safety, privacy, and documentation requirements. 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 within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements.