Optometry Technician

Summary The position is located within Pine Ridge Service Unit (PRSU), Pine Ridge Indian Health Service in the Optometry Department. The incumbent serves as an Optometry Technician for the hospital. The purpose of the position is to provide technical duties in support of the optometry clinic, to provide coordination of the optometry department, outpatient services, and the Joslin Vision Network (HIS-JVN) Diabetes Eye Care Program Imaging services for diabetic and eye clinic patients. Learn more about this agency Help Overview Accepting applications Open & closing dates 06/07/2023 to 06/06/2024 Salary $37,696 - $60,703 per year Pay scale & grade GS 5 - 7 Help Location 1 vacancy in the following location: Pine Ridge, SD Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent - Work schedule Full-time - Service Competitive Promotion potential 7 Job family (Series) 0640 Health Aid And Technician Supervisory status No Security clearance Other Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Trust determination process Suitability/Fitness Announcement number IHS-23-GP DE Control number Help This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. 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 Receives and prepares patients for Optometric services and optical dispensing, including performance of Optometric screening. Interviews patients and records health history and other appropriate findings. Performs simple repairs of damaged or broken frames. Performs visual screening and procedures at the request of the optometrist. Performs filing, computer operation, telephone receptionist duties, and record keeping duties, including maintaining recurring reports for the department. Help Requirements 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. 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): OPM Link: Health Aid and Technician Series 0640 (opm.gov) In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-05: 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: 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 health history and other appropriate findings; reviewing electronic and/or paper charts of assigned patients to determine appropriate services based on patient needs. GS-06: 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: 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: 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: assisting in the triage of patients who present themselves to the clinic, or on the phone, to determine the severity of complaint; maintaining calibration for all necessary equipment and instrumentation on a regular basis; ensuring proper storage of pharmaceutical, supplies, and instruments to comply with professional standards or regulations; instilling pharmacological agents into patient's eyes in preparation for ocular evaluation; assisting in the coordination of eye care programs of an optometry clinic. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education There are no education requirements. 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. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required. 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 Benefits Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits 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 . click apply for full job details