Health Technician (Optometry)

Indian Health Service • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Optometry Department at PIMC in Phoenix, Arizona. The Health Technician (Optometry) serves as front-line health care personnel, performing technical and administrative tasks related to the treatment and care of eye patients in an ambulatory environment. The incumbent performs eye care services and technical tasks for patient care under the direct supervision of the Chief of Optometry.

The technician assists with care and treatment of Eye Clinic outpatients and clinic consultations; collects patient intake information; performs optometric screening and diagnostic testing; administers medications as directed; and supports daily clinic operations by preparing, cleaning, organizing, stocking, and maintaining clinical rooms and equipment. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Requirements

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service, obtained in the private or public sector, performing qualifying optometry-related work.
• Experience preparing patients for eye examinations; performing preliminary vision screenings and collecting patient data; operating, cleaning, and maintaining optometric equipment and instruments; documenting patient care activities and test results in electronic health records; scheduling and coordinating appointments; maintaining clinical supplies and equipment; providing patient education about eye health and follow-up care; and complying with infection control, safety, privacy, and documentation requirements.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Federal employees applying under merit promotion must have completed one year at the next lower grade level; this Time-In-Grade requirement does not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan.
• Selectees may be subject to a probationary period; ESEP appointees typically serve a two-year trial period.
• Successful completion of a federal background investigation is required, including completion of required forms within five calendar days of issuance.
• Applicants must satisfy the financial suitability review and demonstrate financial responsibility.
• Candidates must present two valid forms of identification before appointment; a state-issued ID or driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant.
• Successful completion of the E-Verify employment verification check is required.
• Direct deposit setup is required.
• A confidential financial disclosure form is required.
• At least a one-year service agreement is required.
• Personnel working permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, subject to any available exemption process.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the care and treatment of Eye Clinic outpatients and clinic consultations.
• Obtain and record patient intake information and enter and update clinical information in the electronic health record as directed.
• Perform optometric screening and diagnostic testing in support of provider evaluation and treatment.
• Administer dilating drops and other medications as directed by the optometrist or authorized provider.
• Prepare, clean, organize, stock, and maintain clinical rooms and equipment to support daily Eye Clinic operations.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits are available to employees and their families, subject to eligibility based on position type.
• Annual leave accrual is based on federal service, at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period.
• IHS may credit directly related previous non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed