The New Mexico VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) assigned to the Surgical Care service. The incumbent will perform ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgement. 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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Certifications: 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). Education and 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 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 Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed: (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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, qualifying applicants must have the following: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-08 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled, and demonstrate the the following KSAs: Knowledge of advanced clinical optics, advanced ocular motility, advanced diagnostic testing, and microbiology testing. Knowledge of ophthalmic surgical instruments. Knowledge of appropriate preparatory cleaning of reusable medical equipment. Ability to assist in ophthalmic surgical procedures performed in the main operation room. Preferred Experience: Optical, Eye Glass Fitting Certifications: 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). Grade Determinations: This position is above the full performance level at GS 9 only. References: VA Handbook 5005/142, Part II, ART II APPENDIX G52. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods. There must also be a high degree of eye-hand coordination when working with the small components. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. ["These are some of the required daily duties but not limited to..... Perform refractometry utilizing retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescription. Measure interocular pressure by applanation tonometry and other current methods. Perform B-scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities. Measure eyeglass prescriptions using manual lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Assist with the microbiology testing of patients with sight-threatening ocular infections, preparing instrumentation and media for intraocular biopsy and/or culture. Perform thorough preparatory cleaning of critical reusable medical equipment in the operating room. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday Telework: Not Avaliable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
