Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
What you'd do
The Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center works in the Ophthalmology Clinic and support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care, and patient counseling. At the GS-9 Lead level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs complex ophthalmic technical duties with significant independent judgment and also carries additional responsibilities that include oversight of specific services within the ophthalmology clinic.
Major duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to: Respond to the needs of the staff ophthalmologists, the supervisory technician or other designated administrative supervisor who will maintain daily supervision and guidance. Plan and carries out examinations in line with training and accepted practices, and independently makes recommendations about clinical situations, procedures or changes to procedures in some situations. Able to accept the technician's assessment without rechecking the work Use methods, recognizes conditions that cause erroneous results or creates dangerous situations, and may independently troubleshoot clinic problems and complex instruments. Resolve most differences that arise with patients, coordinates work with others as necessary and interprets policy such as eligibility for prosthetic devices. Responsible to the Supervisory Ophthalmology Technician (if present), the Ophthalmology Program Coordinator (if present) and the Chief of Ophthalmology Make work assignments Monitor work flow Provide input on performance Resolve daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient flow of patient care. Provide training to eye care staff, students and/ or trainees. Provide input into special advancements, promotions, and disciplinary actions Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 42054F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
What you need to qualify
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Experience and Education: Experience: One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR Education: Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associate's degree in a health care related degree. OR Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below: Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces; or Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting. Certification: All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-9 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs 1. Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities of a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) in order to effectively complete job duties of assignment such as distributing workload, monitoring the status and progress of work, monitoring accuracy of work, etc.; 2. Ability to communicate effectively in order to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels; 3. Ability to assist in Health Technician (Ophthalmology) development, outcome management, and strategic planning; and 4. Ability to act as liaison between Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019) Vision: Must have adequate visual acuity (with corrective lenses, if needed) to perform fine diagnostic exams and operate ophthalmic equipment. Manual Dexterity: Must be able to handle small instruments, perform precise tasks, and assist with equipment setup. Mobility: Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during patient examinations and procedures. Lifting/Carrying: Must manage moderate loads-such as medical instruments or equipment-frequently (typically up to 10--20 pounds, depending on local duty-analysis requirements). Endurance: Must sustain physical activity throughout the workday. Immunization/TB Screening: Mandatory before duties begin.
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