Health Aid/Technician

Summary Join our team of health care porfessionals committed to improving the quality of health care delivery against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains' snowcapped peaks and sweeping vistas of the Great Plains in the Billings, MT area This position is located at the Little Shell Service Unit at Great Falls, MT and reports to the Supervisory Optometrist. The incumbent will provide receptionist, clerical, and technician duties for the Optometry Clinic. Responsibilities Perform advanced optical work including lens and frame selection, spectacle measurements and eye glass repairs. Perform patient assessment prior to being examined by Optometrist including case history, chief complaint, and preparation of eye wear. Perform ancillary testing as indicated. Provide patient education on optical ocular disease conditions and the proper care and wear of eyeglasses and other optical wear. Perform clerical duties such as, schedule patients, answer telephone calls, receive and prepare mail, and maintain files. Open Until Filled: This position is being readvertised to extend the closing date to "Open Until Filled" and solicit additional applications. Applicants who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information. This announcement is open until the vacancy is filled. It may be extended or closed prior to the current closing date. Cut-off date for applications is 15 business days and every 3 weeks thereafter until filled (Aug. 26, Sept.16, Oct. 7, Oct. 28, 2024 etc.) Requirements Conditions of Employment Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial 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 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. 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: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process. Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. Individual Occupational Requirements Specialized Experience (for positions at the GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. OR Education and Training For GS-3: Successful completion of l year of study that included study in medical, health, or related fields OR 6 months of general experience. For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position OR 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience. For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position OR 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4. General Experience (1) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Specialized Experience Example GS-04: Perform tests requested by an optometrist, such as entry testing and visual fields, understanding the protocol of the test from the optometrist, verifying glasses prescriptions, and repairing glasses. Specialized Experience Example GS-05: Perform tests requested by an optometrist with thorough understanding of the protocol and not requiring direct supervision; proper use of pharmacological agents; order, verify, and troubleshoot glasses prescriptions; repair glasses independently; educate patients about glasses and contact lens adaptation and use; act as an office manager by using computer software and clerical organizational skills. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education There are no education requirements. Additional Information Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. This position has promotion potential to the GS-05 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.