Health Technician (Optometry)

Indian Health Service•Whiteriver, AZ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function is to provide technical assistance to the Service Unit & Area Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. 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. Incumbent report to Optometrist Supervisory.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary 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.
IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers.
Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: FOR GS-5 Grade Level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to 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: providing technical and administrative support in an optometry, ophthalmology, vision care, or healthcare setting by assisting with patient preparation for examinations and treatments; performing routine non-diagnostic clinical support activities such as preliminary vision screenings, collecting and documenting patient information, and assisting healthcare providers during patient care; documenting patient care activities in electronic or paper health records; assisting with basic optical dispensing activities, including frame selection, measurements, eyewear adjustments, and verification of optical products; cleaning, disinfecting, preparing, and maintaining optometry equipment, instruments, and examination rooms; assisting with appointment scheduling, patient intake, and maintenance of clinic records; monitoring supplies and equipment; and communicating effectively with patients and healthcare staff while following established infection control, patient privacy, and safety procedures. Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform recurring support duties, follow established policies and procedures.
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 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.
FOR GS-6 Grade Level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to 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: Experience must demonstrate the ability to support efficient clinic operations and deliver quality patient care in accordance with established policies and procedures. Preparing patients for examinations; performing non-diagnostic clinical support activities and preliminary vision screenings; documenting patient information in electronic health records; assisting with optical dispensing activities such as frame measurements, eyewear adjustments, and verification of optical products; operating, cleaning, and maintaining optometry equipment and instruments; scheduling appointments and maintaining clinic records; monitoring supplies; and communicating effectively with patients and healthcare staff while following established infection control, patient privacy, and safety procedures.
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.
You must meet all qualification requirements of the closing date of the announcement.

Nice To Haves

Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.
Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance.
Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.
Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).
If you are substituting education for experience; 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.
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.
If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.
Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.
If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.
You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the 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.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
Your responses are optional and will not be scored. However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

Provides technical and patient care by assisting with non-diagnostic support.
Supports patient flow, preparing examination areas, setting up equipment and supplies.
Performs preliminary screenings, data collection, and records information related to patient care.
Provides basic optical dispensing support.
Maintains infection control, safety, and environmental standards within service areas.