Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

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Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Health Administration

Thomas H. Corey Veteran Affairs Medical Center Veterans Health Administration

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• Summary
• This job is open to
• Duties
• Requirements
• How you will be evaluated
• Required documents
• How to apply

Summary

The Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center works in the Ophthalmology Clinic and support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care, and patient counseling. At the GS-9 Lead level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs complex ophthalmic technical duties with significant independent judgment and also carries additional responsibilities that include oversight of specific services within the ophthalmology clinic.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

The Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center works in the Ophthalmology Clinic and support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care, and patient counseling. At the GS-9 Lead level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs complex ophthalmic technical duties with significant independent judgment and also carries additional responsibilities that include oversight of specific services within the ophthalmology clinic.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

West Palm Beach, FL

1 vacancy

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $65,735 - $85,460 per year Pay scale & grade

GS 9

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 0640 Health Aid And Technician

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union Yes

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CBTC-13029715-26-OC Control number 879562400

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to the public. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This is a shortage occupation and Veterans Preference is WAIVED (does NOT apply).

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Duties

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Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to the needs of the staff ophthalmologists, the supervisory technician or other designated administrative supervisor

who will maintain daily supervision and guidance.

• Plan and carries out examinations in line with training and accepted practices, and independently makes recommendations about clinical situations, procedures or changes to procedures in some situations.
• Able to accept the technicians assessment without rechecking the work
• Use methods, recognizes conditions that cause erroneous results or creates dangerous situations, and may

independently troubleshoot clinic problems and complex instruments.

• Resolve most differences that arise with patients, coordinates work with others as necessary and interprets policy such as eligibility for prosthetic devices.
• Responsible to the Supervisory Ophthalmology Technician (if present), the Ophthalmology Program Coordinator (if present) and the Chief of Ophthalmology
• Make work assignments
• Monitor work flow
• Provide input on performance
• Resolve daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient flow of patient care.
• Provide training to eye care staff, students and/ or trainees.
• Provide input into special advancements, promotions, and disciplinary actions

Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 42054F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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, drivers licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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

• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

• Experience and Education:

• Experience: One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR

• Education: Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associates degree in a health care related degree. OR

• Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below: Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces; or Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting.

• Certification: All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPOs entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology).

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 meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-9

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA).

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs

1. Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities of a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) in order to effectively complete job duties of assignment such as distributing workload, monitoring the status and progress of work, monitoring accuracy of work, etc.;

2. Ability to communicate effectively in order to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels;

3. Ability to assist in Health Technician (Ophthalmology) development, outcome management, and strategic planning; and

4. Ability to act as liaison between Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) to resolve informal employee complaints and concerns.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019)

• Vision: Must have adequate visual acuity (with corrective lenses, if needed) to perform fine diagnostic exams and operate ophthalmic equipment.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to handle small instruments, perform precise tasks, and assist with equipment setup.
• Mobility: Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during patient examinations and procedures.
• Lifting/Carrying: Must manage moderate loads-such as medical instruments or equipment-frequently (typically up to 10--20 pounds, depending on local duty-analysis requirements).
• Endurance: Must sustain physical activity throughout the workday.
• Immunization/TB Screening: Mandatory before duties begin.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.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/

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Whole Health Statement: The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model that is based in a partnership across time, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veterans community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor Americas Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidates abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Professional Certification
• Resume

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

This is a shortage occupation and Veterans Preference is WAIVED (does NOT apply).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/17/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13029715.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Orienfro Chestnut

Phone 561-422-1381 Email orienfro.chestnut@va.gov Address West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

7305 North Military Trail

West Palm Beach, FL 33410

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Professional Certification
• Resume

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted Resume document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the Other document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

This is a shortage occupation and Veterans Preference is WAIVED (does NOT apply).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/17/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13029715.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Orienfro Chestnut

Phone 561-422-1381 Email orienfro.chestnut@va.gov Address West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

7305 North Military Trail

West Palm Beach, FL 33410

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincolns promise "To care for those who have served in our nations military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are Americas Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center provides health services to Veterans throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast at its main facility in West Palm Beach and six contractor-operated community-based outpatient clinics in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Pierce, Okeechobee, Stuart and Vero Beach. The facility also operates a 108-bed Community Living Center and 13-bed Blind Rehabilitation Service, which is the referral center for blind and visually impaired Veterans throughout the state of Florida. A Post-Combat Trauma (PCT) Clinic with adjacent expanded services is located in Port St. Lucie. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is part of the Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), which includes facilities in Florida and Puerto Rico.

Agency contact information

Orienfro Chestnut

Phone 561-422-1381 Email orienfro.chestnut@va.gov Address West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

7305 North Military Trail

West Palm Beach, FL 33410

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.va.gov/jobs/

Summary

The Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center works in the Ophthalmology Clinic and support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care, and patient counseling. At the GS-9 Lead level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs complex ophthalmic technical duties with significant independent judgment and also carries additional responsibilities that include oversight of specific services within the ophthalmology clinic.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

West Palm Beach, FL

1 vacancy

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $65,735 - $85,460 per year Pay scale & grade

GS 9

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 0640 Health Aid And Technician

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union Yes

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CBTC-13029715-26-OC Control number 879562400

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