Optometrist

Summary The positions of Optometrist are located at the various hospitals and health centers in the Billings Area Indian Health Service (IHS). Position reports to the Supv. Optometry Officer or designee depending on location. The incumbent functions as an independent eye care provider performing a full range of optometric physician duties. A housing subsidy of up to $668.76 per pay period without dependents or $912.46 per pay period with dependents may be available. Learn more about this agency Help Overview Accepting applications Open & closing dates 02/02/2024 to 12/31/2024 Salary $102,477 - $158,703 per year Pay scale & grade GS 11 - 12 Help Locations FEW vacancies in the following locations: Browning, MT Crow Agency, MT Lame Deer, MT Wolf Point, MT Show more locations (1) Fort Washakie, WY Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Appointment type Permanent - Work schedule Full-time - Service Competitive Promotion potential 12 Job family (Series) 0662 Optometrist Supervisory status No Security clearance Other Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Trust determination process Suitability/Fitness Announcement number IHS-24-BI 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. Individuals with disabilities Native Americans Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista 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. Help This job is also open in another announcement to: The public Help This job is also open in another announcement to: The public Videos Help Duties Diagnose and treat a wide range of eye diseases, i.e., glaucoma, related systemic condition related to diabetes, high blood, thyroid, sexually transmitted diseases and rheumatologic conditions and visual and ocular problems, neuromuscular impairments or anomalies of binocular function. Communicate medical eye care with other medical professionals concerning ocular conditions and interpretation of vision testing. Use various equipment and devises for optometry and ophthalmology services. Provide specialty services, clinics and community based screenings to school age children, individuals prone to diabetic retinopathy, low vision, contact lenses, geriatric and special needs patients. NOTE: This is an open continuous vacancy announcement and applications will be referred when vacancies occur. There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. This Announcement is intended as a mechanism of providing consideration for the greatest number of potential candidates. Candidates with a complete application will be considered for all vacancies that occur for a 8-month period or the closing date of this announcement, whichever comes first. You will be considered for those vacancies that match your desired geographic locations, skills and or job preferences. Positions may be filled at ANY of the grade levels indicated in this announcement, with or without promotion potential as vacancies occur. Positions may be filled with or without payment of relocation expenses or incentives. Applicants should specify the lowest grade (GS level) that they will accept. 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. 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 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Optometrist Series 0662 (opm.gov) In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade LevelApplicants who meet the above basic requirements qualify for GS-11 grade level. Basic Requirements for GS-12 (or equivalent) Grade LevelIn addition to the requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: One year completion of a residency program in an institution accredited for such training; or One year of professional experience as an optometrist that is equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples of Specialized Experience including, but not limited to : Provide technical guidance to optometry staff; review and/or revise policies and procedures; assist with quality assurance activities, etc.; Document history including complaint, relevant symptoms, treatment and referral; Examine eyes using observation, pharmaceutical agents and instruments to determine visual perception, acuity, coordination and focus; Operate optometric diagnostic and treatment instruments and equipment. 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 . click apply for full job details