- Position Title
- Health Technician-Optometry
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CBTC-12729910-25-DC Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025 to Wednesday, May 28, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
2.
Are you an employee of the facility indicated for this position?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
3.
Are you a current permanent Federal employee from an agency other than Department of Veterans Affairs?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form.
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
3.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
- Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
- Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
- Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Health Technician- Optometry position with our Bay Pines Veterans Health System at Cape Coral. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. The full performance level for the Health Technician - Optometry is GS-7
BASIC REQUIREMENTS - Please answer Yes or No to the following questions.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
1.
Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
Are you a US citizen?
Are you a US citizen?
2.
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.? 7403(f).In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in a direct patient care position unless they are proficient in written and spoken English.
Are you proficient in written and spoken English?
Are you proficient in written and spoken English?
GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTH TECHNICIAN - OPTOMETRY. Please answer YES or NO to the following grade level requirement questions and make sure your resume fully supports the Grade(s) you select.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
3.
HEALTH TECH - OPTOMETRY GS-4. To be eligible for this position, you must meet ONE of the GS-4 grade level requirements
1) Experience. One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field demonstrating the applicant's ability to perform the work or by demonstrating a basic understanding of work in the health care field;
OR
(2) Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours related to health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant or associate degree, or completion of an independent study course in an optometry related technician or assistant field;
OR
(3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below:
1) Experience. One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field demonstrating the applicant's ability to perform the work or by demonstrating a basic understanding of work in the health care field;
OR
(2) Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours related to health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant or associate degree, or completion of an independent study course in an optometry related technician or assistant field;
OR
(3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below:
- (a) Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge of optometry assistant theory and practices and general understanding of the health technician/assistant duties and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant related courses.
- (b) Successful completion of a course for health care technicians or assistants, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training in a program given by the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or the U.S. Public Health Service, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis.
4.
Grade Requirements: HEALTH TECH - OPTOMETRY GS-05 Requirements
(1) Experience: In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4)
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
a. Knowledge of basic eye anatomy and function.
b. Ability to obtain, document and record ophthalmic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate electronic progress note.
c. Ability to practice basic hygiene and infection control in a patient care setting.
d. Ability to follow eye clinic and patient care medical policies and procedures.
e. Ability to perform minor eyeglasses repairs, such as replacing nose pads and screws.
Note: KSAs must be clearly reflected in your resume under description of duties to be found qualified for this position/grade level.
Do you have the experience as described, and are you able to fully demonstrate the KSAs listed above?
(1) Experience: In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4)
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
a. Knowledge of basic eye anatomy and function.
b. Ability to obtain, document and record ophthalmic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate electronic progress note.
c. Ability to practice basic hygiene and infection control in a patient care setting.
d. Ability to follow eye clinic and patient care medical policies and procedures.
e. Ability to perform minor eyeglasses repairs, such as replacing nose pads and screws.
Note: KSAs must be clearly reflected in your resume under description of duties to be found qualified for this position/grade level.
Do you have the experience as described, and are you able to fully demonstrate the KSAs listed above?
5.
HEALTH TECH - OPTOMETRY GS-06 Requirements
(1) Experience: In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5)
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
a. Ability to provide patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions, to include assisting with patient contact lens insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection) care.
b. Ability to accurately enter into a phoropter the autorefractometry or habitual refractive prescription (i.e., eyeglasses prescription) or lensometer findings, including sphere, cylinder and axis.
c. Ability to perform patient spectacle fitting and dispensing, including selection of appropriate frame, ophthalmic lenses, interpupillary measurements (distance and near) and proper segment height determination, as well as the ability to transpose sphere, cylinder and axis.
d. Ability to provide basic triage of patient telephone calls or optometry requests.
e. Knowledge of ophthalmic medications and supplies needed in the process of restocking the eye clinic exam rooms.
Note: KSAs must be clearly reflected in your resume under description of duties to be found qualified for this position/grade level.
Do you have the experience as described, and are you able to fully demonstrate the KSAs listed above?
(1) Experience: In addition to meeting all the basic requirements listed above, One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5)
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
a. Ability to provide patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions, to include assisting with patient contact lens insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection) care.
b. Ability to accurately enter into a phoropter the autorefractometry or habitual refractive prescription (i.e., eyeglasses prescription) or lensometer findings, including sphere, cylinder and axis.
c. Ability to perform patient spectacle fitting and dispensing, including selection of appropriate frame, ophthalmic lenses, interpupillary measurements (distance and near) and proper segment height determination, as well as the ability to transpose sphere, cylinder and axis.
d. Ability to provide basic triage of patient telephone calls or optometry requests.
e. Knowledge of ophthalmic medications and supplies needed in the process of restocking the eye clinic exam rooms.
Note: KSAs must be clearly reflected in your resume under description of duties to be found qualified for this position/grade level.
Do you have the experience as described, and are you able to fully demonstrate the KSAs listed above?
6.
GS-07 (Full Performance Level)
(1) Experience. One year of experience comparable to the next lower level (GS-6) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:
a. Ability to determine preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, not to include the patient's final subjective refraction.
b. Ability to triage and manage eyeglasses issues (e.g., measurement of vertex distance, base curve, prism correction, center thickness, slab off, Fresnel prism, decentration, etc.).
c. Ability to perform accurate assessment of accommodation, near point of convergence and ocular alignment (far and near).
d. Ability to assist the eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) with ophthalmic procedures.
e. Ability to assist with obtaining accurate ocular cultures and smears.
f. Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions.
Do you have the experience as described, and are you able to fully demonstrate the KSAs listed above?
(1) Experience. One year of experience comparable to the next lower level (GS-6) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:
a. Ability to determine preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, not to include the patient's final subjective refraction.
b. Ability to triage and manage eyeglasses issues (e.g., measurement of vertex distance, base curve, prism correction, center thickness, slab off, Fresnel prism, decentration, etc.).
c. Ability to perform accurate assessment of accommodation, near point of convergence and ocular alignment (far and near).
d. Ability to assist the eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) with ophthalmic procedures.
e. Ability to assist with obtaining accurate ocular cultures and smears.
f. Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions.
Do you have the experience as described, and are you able to fully demonstrate the KSAs listed above?
7.
Verification Statement
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001): my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001): my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
REMINDERS:
Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each position listed: Job Title; Grade Level - if applicable; Duties (be as detailed as possible); Employment dates (month and year started and ended) (e.g., June 2007 to April 2008); and hours worked per week. Be aware that your answers will be verified against the information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we can fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
Transcript - If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
SF-50 for Federal Employees - If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date (shown in box 4) within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the 1 year specialized experience, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50. The yearly Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50, issued in January, does not prove a full year of specialized experience. Monetary or time off award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
*** Failure to submit the appropriate supporting documents will cause you to be ineligible for consideration of this position. - You will not be able to submit documents after the closing date of this announcement.***
Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each position listed: Job Title; Grade Level - if applicable; Duties (be as detailed as possible); Employment dates (month and year started and ended) (e.g., June 2007 to April 2008); and hours worked per week. Be aware that your answers will be verified against the information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we can fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
Transcript - If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
SF-50 for Federal Employees - If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date (shown in box 4) within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the 1 year specialized experience, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50. The yearly Cost of Living Adjustment SF-50, issued in January, does not prove a full year of specialized experience. Monetary or time off award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
*** Failure to submit the appropriate supporting documents will cause you to be ineligible for consideration of this position. - You will not be able to submit documents after the closing date of this announcement.***