Health Technician

Summary This position is located in the Optometry Department at Whiteriver Service Unit, Whiteriver, Arizona. The primary function is to provide technical assistance to the Service Unit & Area Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. This position demands a significant degree of personal responsibilities. 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. Learn more about this agency Help Overview Accepting applications Open & closing dates 03/13/2024 to 04/03/2024 Salary $39,576 - $57,354 per year Pay scale & grade GS 5 - 6 Help Location 1 vacancy in the following location: Whiteriver, AZ Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Not required Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent - Work schedule Full-time - Service Excepted Promotion potential 7 Job family (Series) 0640 Health Aid And Technician Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Trust determination process Suitability/Fitness Announcement number IHS-24-PX ESEP/MP Control number Help This job is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee. Federal employees - Competitive service Current or former competitive service federal employees. Federal employees - Excepted service Current excepted service federal employees. Individuals with disabilities Native Americans Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation. Veterans Clarification from the agency The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Videos Help Duties Performs screening to include: visual acuity, confrontation fields, extra ocular muscle movements, pupillary reactions, interpupillary distance measurements, lens neutralization manually or automated. Performs screening which includes taking a case history on all patients and demonstrating competency in interviewing all ages. The technician reviews the chart for pertinent health information and obtains ocular information from outside agencies who have provided services. Performs retinal or anterior segment photography to assist the optometrist or ophthalmologist with photo documentation. Performs optic nerve and macular topography to assist with glaucoma management or other diseases. Inserts and/or prepares applicable patient flow sheets and/or forms for optometrist's or ophthalmologist's use. Completes referral forms for outside services, release of information, and historical entry of ophthalmological care in the electronic health record. Meets and greets patients, directs patient flow, schedules appointments, answers telephones, takes messages, transfers phone calls, responds to patient inquiries, assists patients with referrals, medication requests, pre-op and post-op information, and questions regarding clinic policies and procedures. Help 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. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit 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: Prepares prescriptions, ordering glasses/frames and all optical tools and supplies, tracks patient eyeglass orders, verifying billing, maintaining inventory, dealing and contacting lens companies and frame companies. 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 Have 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. 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: Prepare written material as directed by the optometrist which may require the use of a variety of scientific, technical, or specialized terms requiring accuracy in spelling and punctuation and may require reference to technical dictionaries, textbooks, or similar material; maintains and classifies a variety of files involving many subject headings and subheadings; distributes mail in accordance with established procedures; keeps office and examination supplies at an optimal level including ordering and checking on said orders to ensure their prompt delivery and performs other clerical duties as required. 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 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: 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 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 . click apply for full job details