What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Technician (Optometry) position at HHS Careers?
Summary
This position serves as a Health Technician within the Optometry Department of the Pine Ridge Service Unit in Pine Ridge, SD. The position performs technical duties in support of the optometry clinic and services provided eye clinic patients. The position reports to the Supervisory Optometrist.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Conditions of Employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
Work requires walking, standing, bending and carrying light items such as manuals and files.
You may occasionally travel to other healthcare facilities within the Service Unit to provide coverage if needed.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/ .
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
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
Your resume must demonstrate the following education and/or experience as outlined below for the grade level(s) you are applying to. Any specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the tasks as identified.
GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the 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: preparing prescriptions and ordering glasses from optical manufacturers; managing the optical activity of an optometry clinic; documenting care activities in electronic health records; interviewing patients and records healthy history and other appropriate findings; reviewing electronic and/or paper charts of assigned patients to determine appropriate services based on patient needs.
Or completion of 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 a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.
GS-06: 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: performing complicated frame measurements necessary to assure correct cosmetic, physical and optical performance; verifying spectacle prescription through use of lensometer, lens gauges and other instrumentation; assisting with one-to-one and group patient education relative to optical, ocular disease conditions and refractive problems; ordering all optical supplies and tools; preparing instrument, materials and equipment prior to beginning of clinic.
GS-07: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: assisting in the triage of patients who present themselves to the clinic, or on the phone, to determine to severity of complaint; maintaining calibration for all necessary equipment and instrumentation of a regular basis; ensuring proper storage of pharmaceutical, supplies and instruments to comply with professional standards and regulations; instilling pharmacological agents into patients' eyes in preparation for ocular evaluation; assisting in the coordination of eye care programs of an optometry clinic.
Or completion of 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.
Or a combination of graduate education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the of the respective cut-off date for application review.
Education
You may qualify for this position with education. 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/ .
Additional Information
This announcement is advertised as Open Until Filled. The first "cut-off" for review of applications will be 5 working days from the opening date, which is 1/13/25, and every 5 working days thereafter unless the position has already been filled before the next cut-off date.
Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-07 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Read more
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.
If you meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within each of these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-preference eligibles.
Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your category rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions will be evaluated against the duties you provided in your resume, along with your submitted documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following.
This position serves as a Health Technician within the Optometry Department of the Pine Ridge Service Unit in Pine Ridge, SD. The position performs technical duties in support of the optometry clinic and services provided eye clinic patients. The position reports to the Supervisory Optometrist.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
- Receives and prepares patients for Optometric services and optical dispensing.
- Cleans treatment rooms and disinfection of optometry equipment and instruments.
- Coordinates optometry scheduling. Interviews patients and records health history and other appropriate findings.
- Performs filing, computer operation, telephone receptionist duties, and record keeping duties.
- Performs simple repairs of damaged or broken frames. Orders optical supplies and tools.
- Maintains a number of recurring reports, including those concerning patients, materials, and equipment.
Conditions of Employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
Work requires walking, standing, bending and carrying light items such as manuals and files.
You may occasionally travel to other healthcare facilities within the Service Unit to provide coverage if needed.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/ .
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.
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
Your resume must demonstrate the following education and/or experience as outlined below for the grade level(s) you are applying to. Any specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the tasks as identified.
GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the 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: preparing prescriptions and ordering glasses from optical manufacturers; managing the optical activity of an optometry clinic; documenting care activities in electronic health records; interviewing patients and records healthy history and other appropriate findings; reviewing electronic and/or paper charts of assigned patients to determine appropriate services based on patient needs.
Or completion of 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 a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.
GS-06: 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: performing complicated frame measurements necessary to assure correct cosmetic, physical and optical performance; verifying spectacle prescription through use of lensometer, lens gauges and other instrumentation; assisting with one-to-one and group patient education relative to optical, ocular disease conditions and refractive problems; ordering all optical supplies and tools; preparing instrument, materials and equipment prior to beginning of clinic.
GS-07: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: assisting in the triage of patients who present themselves to the clinic, or on the phone, to determine to severity of complaint; maintaining calibration for all necessary equipment and instrumentation of a regular basis; ensuring proper storage of pharmaceutical, supplies and instruments to comply with professional standards and regulations; instilling pharmacological agents into patients' eyes in preparation for ocular evaluation; assisting in the coordination of eye care programs of an optometry clinic.
Or completion of 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.
Or a combination of graduate education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the of the respective cut-off date for application review.
Education
You may qualify for this position with education. 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/ .
Additional Information
This announcement is advertised as Open Until Filled. The first "cut-off" for review of applications will be 5 working days from the opening date, which is 1/13/25, and every 5 working days thereafter unless the position has already been filled before the next cut-off date.
Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-07 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Read more
- Help
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.
If you meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within each of these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-preference eligibles.
Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your category rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions will be evaluated against the duties you provided in your resume, along with your submitted documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following.
- Attention to Detail
- Clerical
- Optometry
- Teaching Others
- Veterans, i.e. (VEOA, VRA, and 30% or more disabled) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
- Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) - http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/support-documents/
- Interagency Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
- Schedule A Appointments for the Disabled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/
