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. Responsibilities 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 Tech (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. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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-XX 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.); skill 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Education Additional Information The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related 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. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.