VCS Health Tech (Lead Optician) Palo Alto CA
About The Position
The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Supervisory Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within the VCS Optical Shop at the Palo Alto, CA VA Medical Center. The position coordinates optical operations and serves as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping deliver service to Veterans. The role oversees Optician staff and daily operations, assists customers with eyewear choices and product information, performs eyewear measurements, fittings, adjustments, and basic repairs, and documents services and patient interactions in the CPRS system. It also handles customer communications and follow-up to resolve service needs.
Requirements
- At least one year of specialized experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position's duties.
- Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to quickly learn and operate new software systems used by the Optical Contractor and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including DOS-based programs.
- Ability to review optical prescriptions, identify discrepancies or irregularities, and take corrective action to ensure accuracy and compliance with established standards.
- Skill in measuring and verifying proper lens placement within spectacle frames and ensuring required positioning tolerances and quality standards.
- Ability to select and match lens types, forms, and positioning to individual patient vision requirements and comfort.
- Ability to identify and resolve optical issues, including prescription verification, transition lenses, optical center alignment, segment heights, and improper frame selections.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Current, valid REAL ID.
- Subject to a background/security investigation.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must serve a one-year trial period and receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest to remain employed after the trial period.
Responsibilities
- Greet Optical Shop customers, respond to inquiries, and provide information about eyewear pricing, availability, and estimated delivery timelines.
- Oversee personnel functions for Optician staff, including supervision, performance oversight, and daily operational management.
- Assign duties, distribute workload, and monitor task completion to support efficient workflow and compliance with operational procedures.
- Assist customers with frame selection and product upgrades, maintaining knowledge of available frames, lenses, and coatings.
- Perform eyewear measurements, fittings, adjustments, and basic repairs.
- Document services and patient interactions in the CPRS system.
- Manage customer communications, coordinate follow-up actions, and ensure timely resolution of customer needs and service requests.
- Coordinate optical operations and serve as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams.
Benefits
- The job posting states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
