Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Summary The entry level Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs limited routine assignments under daily direct supervision. Deviations from unanticipated problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to supervisor for a decision or help. Obtains and records vital signs including blood pressure - pulse - and glucose levels. Qualifications 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 aCitizenshipCitizen of the United StatesbExperience and Education ExperienceOne year of experience in a health care field - such as but not limited to nursing - medical assistant - or health technicianOR EducationTwo 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 degreeOR Experience/Education CombinationEquivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifyingExamples are listed below:(a) Six months of experience in the health care fieldand one year above high schoolor(b) 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 Forcesor(c) Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical AssistingcCertificationAll 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)Grade DeterminationsIn addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidatesHealth Technician (Ophthalmology) - GS-5 (Entry Level) Experience or EducationNone beyond the basic requirementsHealth Technician (Ophthalmology) - GS-6 (Developmental Level 1) ExperienceOne year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade levelDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1Knowledge of general outpatient clinical policies and procedures in a healthcare environment2Ability to obtain - document and record demographic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate medical record3Ability to use basic ophthalmic equipmentand 4Knowledge of basic disinfection of non-critical reusable medical equipmentHealth Technician (Ophthalmology) - GS-7 (Developmental Level 2) ExperienceOne year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade levelDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1Knowledge of anatomy and function of the eye and basic ocular pharmacology2Knowledge of outpatient eye care policies and procedures in a health care environment3Ability to use basic ophthalmic diagnostic equipment to perform preliminary ocular testing4Ability to perform minor extraocular surgical assistingand 5Ability to provide eye care patient educationHealth Technician (Ophthalmology) - GS-8 (Full Performance Level) ExperienceOne year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade levelDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation2Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens3Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting4Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology5Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye6Knowledge of opticsand 7Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipmentExperience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professionalphilanthropicreligionsspiritualcommunitystudentsocial)Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employmentYou will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experienceThe full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: The Health Technician-Ophthalmology should be able to lift and/or carry up to 45 pounds (intermittently)They will also straight pull/push up to 45 pounds (intermittently)They will stoop - squat and kneel (occasionally)The incumbent will have overhead work (intermittently)Position requires prolonged walking and standing (up to 4 hours per day) and sitting (up to 2 hours per day). Duties Obtains and records vital signs including blood pressure - pulse - and glucose levelsParticipate in performance of quality assurance activities such as staff meetings - mandatory educational in-services - quality control reports - systems redesign - and team and morale improvementShadowing journey level Ophthalmology techniciansPracticing and developing Ophthalmology technician skills/competencyComplete all VA mandated training in a timely fashionThis includes online intranet courses and any other venue as required by the V Maintains an active BLS certificationProperly schedule patient appointments - testing - procedures - and consultsCompletes appropriate paperwork and computer entries in a timely mannerProperly completes paperwork to order suppliesEnsures availability of medications - supplies and equipment in a clinic areaEnsures proper cleaning and disinfection - calibration - maintenance - backup and ordering of instruments - supplies and equipmentand reports needed repairs to Biomedical EngineeringGreets - checks-in patients - fields telephone calls and messages in a pleasant and efficient manner and then communicates the information in an appropriate fashion to the appropriate personnelWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (or as determined by supervisor depending on needs of the service) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 01787F -01788F -01789F -01790F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized