Summary This position is located in an Indian Health Service facility, a general medical and surgical hospital serving the local Indian tribes and communities. This position supports the Indian Health Service- Joslin Vision Network (IHS-JVN) Tele- Ophthalmology Program. The program officer's diabetic patient's access to vision saving retinal examinations using a specialized retinal camera and other activities involving eye care and treatment for diabetes retinopathy. Responsibilities Accepts diabetic referrals/recruits from hospital staff and others to offer them access to diabetic eye exams using the JVN IAS camera and equipment. Interprets elements such as the patient's condition, medication or instrument performance to ensure acceptable results, adapting procedures to meet especially difficult situations. Remains cognizant of patient's responses and equipment operations at all times. When necessary, communicates with medical staff regarding procedures being performed on individual patients. Assists clinicians in interpreting image data from the equipment. Ensures the reliable operation of the JVN Image Acquisition Station in the Primary Care Clinic at PIMC. Provides first line maintenance and troubleshooting in the operating areas, setting up and calibrating equipment; cleaning and maintaining equipment, and keeping it ready for use at all times. Ensures adequate supplies are available at all times. Prepares required paperwork and provides follow up on missing items, supplies or equipment. Works with the Ophthalmology Department to obtain pricing and other appropriate information. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must pass pre-employment examination. Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial 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. Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service. 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, GS-0640-05:Your resume must demonstrate at least 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: Examples Include: Experience in conducting preliminary vision/health assessment of patients, including diabetics; provide basic education to patients, including diabetics; has the ability to learn to operate specialty cameras used in teleophthalmology eye examinations; alert clinician when patient displays adverse reaction; collect data for reporting purposes and enters into automated system, and ensures adequate supplies are available. OR Successful 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. (Note: Transcripts required for this option) OR Posses a 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. (Note: Transcripts required for this option) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-06: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: Examples Include: Knowledge and experience working as an imager in a teleophthalmology program and able to perform imager training and education. Able to screen patients, identifying urgent and emergent ocular conditions to report to the eye care professional. Has basic knowledge of ocular/medical anatomy, physiology, common medical diseases and ocular conditions/complications. Experience in providing basic diabetes education and knowledge on the standards of care for diabetic patients. Experience in performing clerical duties, such as operating computer systems, using the Electronic Health Record or similar systems. Creating reports, spreadsheets and graphs using computer software. 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 the closing date of the announcement. This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Applicants who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information. Education This position has an education requirement. 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 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-06 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. This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Applicants who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information.