Health Technician (Optometry)

Summary

The position is located within Gallup Indian Medical Center, Clinical Branch. The purpose of this position is to provide technical and patient care support for optometry and ophthalmology services. The incumbent prepares patients for examination, independently performing established ophthalmic procedures and tests, providing optical dispensing support and maintaining clinical documentation. Re-announcement, previous applicants do not have to apply again.

Duties

• Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Health Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) Performs patient intake, vital signs, and ophthalmic screening by obtaining relevant medical and ocular histories, interviewing patients of all ages, reviewing pertinent health information, and obtaining prior eye care information from outside healthcare sources as needed. Conducts a full range of ophthalmic tests and measurements in accordance with established protocols and provider instructions, including visual acuity and field testing, ocular motility, pupillary response, interpupillary distance, lens neutralization, tonometry, color and depth perception, pachymetry, autorefraction, Amsler grid testing, and other assigned optical tests. Performs established tests independently within defined protocols. Assists the provider during exams and procedures by position patients head or eyelids during, preparing patients, examination rooms, instruments and supplies; cleaning designated areas before and after procedures. Retrieves, organizes, routes, and returns patient records and uses electronic health record systems and other automated applications. Collects and maintains data, conducts chart reviews, prepares records for audits and performance improvement activities, and maintains tracking logs for specialty clinics and ocular conditions. Performs frame measurements, verifies spectacle prescriptions, repairs damaged frames, and completes basic optical bench work. Advises patients on appropriate lens materials, lens options, and frame selection. Processes spectacle orders, including preparing required documentation, providing price quotes, maintaining order records for accounting purposes, and verifying Medicaid and other eyeglass program eligibility. Assists dispensary staff with optical services and related duties as needed.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A valid driver's license is required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Education

If you are substituting education for experience; You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.