Health Technician (Optometry)

The GS-7 Health Technician provides independent optician services with the Charleston VAMC. Duties include optical measurements, prescription fitting and verification, repairs and adjustments, patient education, and clinical support for Optometry. The non-supervisory role promotes quality eyewear, clinic efficiency, Veteran satisfaction, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but not limited to: Provide courteous, culturally competent assistance to Veterans/caregivers; explain frame options, lens choices, pricing, timelines, expectations. Perform complex optical measurements (PD, segment height, base curve, prism) using digital/manual instruments. Ensure proper fit, comfort, safety with advanced frame adjustments (pantoscopic tilt, temple spread, nose pads). Document all measurements, fittings, verifications, repairs, dispenses, patient interactions in CPRS per VHA/Joint Commission standards. Independently verify prescriptions; reconcile spectacle orders; resolve discrepancies before fabrication. Ensure eye-wear meets ANSI Z80.1/Z87.1 requirements; conduct final inspection for power, axis, prism, PD, seg height, bevel fit. Perform repairs and adjustments; dispense eyewear ensuring fit, function, satisfaction. Maintain inventory organization, cleanliness, visual display; support merchandise control, record keeping, pricing accuracy. Provide patient education on eyeglass care, cleaning, safe handling, storage, lens adaptation; troubleshoot adaptation issues. Track orders; resolve missing, damaged, delayed eyewear issues; provide updates. Support Optometry clinical workflow (pre-exam readiness, imaging prep, optical measurements). Triage walk-in optical issues; resolve minor concerns independently. Communicate with Optometrists regarding prescription issues, adaptation concerns, lens compatibility Protect PHI per HIPAA, VA Handbook 6500; ensure proper system use and documentation security. Work Schedule: 8:00 - 4:30 Monday through Friday, subject to change depending on the needs of the agency Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 63620 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.