The Syracuse VAMC is currently recruiting for 1 Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) in the eye clinic. The incumbent is under the general supervision of the Chiefs of Ophthalmology and Optometry. Technician responsibilities and ancillary support function ensure consistent and regular clinic flow in a high patient volume clinical environment.
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. 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. c. 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). (1) Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) who were appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of the qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations GS-9: Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities of a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) in order to effectively complete job duties of assignment such as distributing workload, monitoring the status and progress of work, monitoring accuracy of work, etc.; Ability to communicate effectively in order to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels; Ability to assist in Health Technician (Ophthalmology) development, outcome management, and strategic planning; and Ability to act as liaison between Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix GS-52. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. 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).
Major duties and responsibilities Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities of a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) and effectively complete job duties of assignments such as distributing workload monitoring the status and progress of work. Monitors and records patients condition including recognizing deviations in patients condition adverse reactions and taking appropriate actions, making gross visual observations and identifying subtle changes regarding patients condition, setting up and giving treatments that require auxiliary equipment, and securing patient confidence and cooperation during procedures. Resolves daily workplace issues and maintaining efficient flow of patient care. May provide training to eye care staff, students, and/or trainees. May provider input into special advancements, promotions, and disciplinary actions. Performs Humphrey and MP-1 automated visual fields. Performs Visual Acuity measurements (Aided, Unaided, and Pinhole at distance and near). Check in patients to the Eye Clinic and enters all pertinent medical history information. Consults with staff providers to determine best courses to achieve timely care of patients' concerns. CPR certification preferred. Perform Neutralization of patients glasses (automated or manual lensometry). Uses Automated refraction and Keratometer. Uses Tonometry (Tono-pen, Goldman applanation). Performs pupil evaluation and Installation of topical anesthetics, mydriatic, and cycloplegic eye drops. Uses EMR (Electronic Personal Record). Performs manifest refraction through phoropter, Goldman Visual Fields (Kinetic and Diplopia). Contributes/facilitates with coordination and/or scheduling of surgical cases for surgical patient on coordination with medical staff assistants (MSAs) and Nurse Case Managers. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 0700-1530 Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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 #:000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional