The Health Technician (Optician) works as a member of the Eye Care Service, Operative Care Division under the supervision of the Supervisory Optician at the Portland VA Medical Center or Supervisory Ophthalmic Health Technicians at the COBCs. The incumbent shall Independently provide direct patient care services in ophthalmic dispensing involving education, selection, verification, adjustment and repair of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Works in clinic with other clinical staff. Maintains excellent rapport with other staff members and participates in clinical staff communication and training efforts. Participates in ongoing clinical education and training as directed by the supervisor. The Technician will independently provide direct patient care services related to patient education, selection, ordering, verification, troubleshooting, adjustment and repair of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear. When ordering eyeglasses, the incumbent will educate the patient on the lens materials, lens designs, frames, tints and coatings that they are eligible and entitled to receive. Measurements of interpupillary distances, optical centers, and multifocal or progressive addition lens segment heights will be accurately obtained and documented. The incumbent will assist patients in the selection and ordering of proper fitting standard or safety eyewear frames. The incumbent will properly adjust eyeglasses for comfortable fit and proper alignment of optical centers and segment heights for optimal visual performance. The incumbent will have the skills to repair broken or defective eyeglasses. The incumbent will be the frontline staff member for patients with concerns about their new eyeglasses. The incumbent will address patient concerns by manual or automated lensometry verification and troubleshooting protocol. If patient concerns with new eyeglasses cannot be satisfactorily addressed by adjustment, and the eyeglasses were fabricated as prescribed, the patient will be scheduled for refraction in Optometry or Ophthalmology. All patient care activities will be properly and clearly documented in the patient's electronic patient record in a timely manner. The incumbent is responsible for resolving patient complaints/disputes and acts as a patient advocate working with Providers and staff as needed. Determines nature of inquiry and independently responds to all administrative questions. Assists patients, visitors and others requesting information, guidance, or referral for special assistance. Responds to patients' telephone electronic and in-person inquiries in a timely manner. Maintains a professional image for self and staff which is consistent with the vision, mission and values of the Service, the Division, and PVAMC. The Technician will perform supervised routine and advanced technical procedures to provide optometrists and ophthalmologists with information and data necessary to assist with delivery of comprehensive eye and vision care services. Cares for patients and sets up and gives treatments that require auxiliary equipment. Spectacle lenses will be verified and documented. The technician will be trained and expected to perform diagnostics including but not limited to ophthalmic imaging of the posterior segment using digital retinal cameras, visual fields, OCTs, and topography. All patient care activities will be properly and clearly documented in the patient's electronic patient record in a timely manner. The Technician will safely move and position patients before, during their visit. This will include safe transfer of patients in wheelchairs, and proper use of sighted guide technique for blind Veterans. The incumbent will perform more advanced technical procedures under the supervision of staff optometrists and ophthalmologists. The incumbent will remove, clean and insertion of soft and gas permeable contact lenses as clinically indicated. The incumbent will demonstrate knowledge of instruments, procedures, supplies and equipment. The technician is responsible for the proper use and maintenance of all instrumentation and equipment required for the performance of their patient care duties. This includes proper infection control practices before and after each patient use in addition to following standard protocol for hand hygiene. The incumbent will assist the Eye Care Team in maintaining continued readiness for the Joint Commission with particular attention to the environment of care and information security. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Optician)/PD20589A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: The work requires an ongoing mix of sitting, standing, walking, bending, and carrying light weight items. Many of the positions major duties require a high degree of manual dexterity and accuracy. All patient care activities require PC keyboard and mouse use for data entry in the electronic patient record. Optician will need to assist in occasional repositioning and patient transfers in clinic which requires safe patient handling skills/training. In some instances, interaction with patients, caregivers, and staff can become intense, and the employee may be placed in a position of stress.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all specialized experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. GS-6 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems with particular emphasis on the ocular and visual system knowledge of geometric and ophthalmic optics is required. skilled use of Optical instruments, tools, materials and equipment is required to perform major duties of the position knowledge and skill in adjusting, fixing, repairing, and fitting eyeglasses is mandatory. knowledge of optical lens materials, lens designs and frame materials are required. knowledge of the terminology used in eye and vision care where the work is being performed. knowledge of the fundamentals of microbial control, sanitation, disinfection, sterilization and contamination is required. communication skills both verbally and in writing. Preferred Experience/Certification: Current CPR certification Certification as an optician by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) or National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE); or Certification by the American Optometric Association (AOA) Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CFC) as a Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) or Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT); or Certification by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Certified Ophthalmic Technician (Con or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT) There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Contacts

• Address VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: John Buan
• Phone: 503-220-8262 X59964
• Email: [email protected]