Health Technician (Optician)

The incumbent works as a member of the Eye Care Service, Operative Care Division under the supervision of the Supervisory Optician at the Portland VA Medical Center. The Eye Care Service provides comprehensive outpatient and surgical eye and vision care, and low vision rehabilitation services to eligible veterans with approximately 50,000 patient visits annually.

This is an open-continuous announcement. Positions will be filled as they become available. The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be August 12, 2026, the remaining cut-off dates will be at 2-week intervals. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Independently provide direct patient care services related to patient education, selection, ordering, verification, troubleshooting, adjustment and repair of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear. Performs supervised routine and advanced technical procedures to provide optometrists and ophthalmologists with information and data necessary to assist with delivery of comprehensive eye and vision care services. Educates patients on lens materials, lens designs, frames, tints, and coatings they are eligible to receive. Obtains measurements of interpupillary distances, optical centers, and multifocal or progressive addition lens segment heights. Assists patients with the selection and ordering of proper fitting standard or safety eyewear frames. Repair broken or defective eyeglasses. Triage patient concerns by manual or automated lensometry verification and troubleshooting protocol. Resolves patient concerns and acts as a patient advocate. Monitors patients for adverse reactions and takes corrective action based on established policy. Medication reconciliation will be performed. Responsible for the proper use and maintenance of all instrumentation and equipment required for the performance of the patient care duties. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Intermittent hours between 8:30am - 5:00pm PST Telework: Not Authorized Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Optician)/PD20589A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.