This position is assigned to the Ophthalmology Section of Surgical Service and the Fayetteville NC Coastal Health Care System within the Mid Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6). Position provides a wide variety of clinical and technician work and direct patient care support.
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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 38 U.S.C. 7407(d). Experience and Education (1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR (2) Education. Two 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 degree. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or (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 Forces; or (c) Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting. Certification. All 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-9 (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at this level performs a range of advanced and complex diagnostic procedures with little guidance from the Ophthalmologists. In addition to the duties expected of the GS-9 level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected for the GS-9 Lead Health Technician assignment: - Assist with technician oversight duties including making work assignments, monitoring workflow, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient flow of patient care. - Provide training to eye care staff, students and/or trainees. - May provide input into special advancements, promotions, and disciplinary actions. The health technician will perform these duties with minimal supervision and be capable of making evaluations and adjustments that are not specifically described. The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the Eye Clinic Supervisor designee. Routine work is performed independently following set procedures. The incumbent will refer to the supervisor or medical provider for guidance with unfamiliar situations. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm