Optometrist - White River Junction, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

This Optometrist position is located within the Surgical Care Service at the White River Junction VA Medical Center at the White River Junction, Vermont location.

This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

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Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

05/16/2024 to 05/23/2024

• Salary

$81,963 - $191,900 per year

• Pay scale & grade

VP 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• White River Junction, VT 1 vacancy
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

15

• Job family (Series)

0662 Optometrist

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBTD JES

• Control number

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

• The public

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

Clarification from the agency

Open to current Department of Veteran Affairs employees and Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

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Duties

The primary duties & responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Delivering high quality primary eye & vision care services, including outpatient, inpatient & emergency care; and rehabilitative care as needed.
• Practicing full-scope medical optometry, to the extent of optometric licensure & clinical privileges; including examining for & prescribing corrective lens, ordering diagnostic imaging & laboratory studies; preparing referrals for diagnosis, treatment & management of systemic & ocular conditions revealed through optometric examination, including collaboration with other medical specialties when appropriate.
• Providing patient & family education regarding ocular health issues and the risks, benefits and alternative treatments regarding optometric care, in a manner that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.
• Collaborating with other optometrists, ophthalmologists, health technicians & administrators to facilitate operations within the service to meet common goals.
• Performing the administrative components of patient care management, including timely completion of progress notes, consults & encounters for all patients.
• Participating in after-hour call duties (WHEN hours).
• Participating in the training of optometry students and residents, as well as medical students & residents rotating through the WRJ VA hospital. This includes, but is not limited to, serving as a clinical preceptor, attending weekly journal club/case discussions, and assisting with other didactic requirements.
• Adhering to hospital clinical privileges, optometric accrediting agencies, medical staff by-laws, rules, policies and regulations, including semi-annual Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).
• The incumbent is to have a high level of flexibility & commitment to meet the dynamic needs of an evolving patient care system.
• Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides the customer with high quality Eye Care services according to VA and community standards. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, compressed work schedules may be considered.


Compressed/Flexible:
May be Available.


Telework:
Available


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.


Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not Required


Notifications:
This position is in the Excepted Service.

This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position.

This position is covered by special salary pay.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications


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.
• Education. Degree of doctor of optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.

Approved schools are:
(1) United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed. (2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia as qualifying for full or unrestricted licensure.

• Licensure or Registration. Licensed to practice optometry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Optometrists are required to possess full and unrestricted licensure and to maintain a current registration in their State of licensure if this is a requirement of the particular State. The facility Director may waive this requirement if the optometrist is to serve in a country other than the United States and the optometrist has licensure in that country.
• English Language Proficiency. Optometrists appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations:

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

a. Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements.

b. Full Grade. Two years of optometric practice or its equivalent.

One year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of the 2 years of practice.

Candidate must have demonstrated the professional competence and performance necessary to provide independently the full range of clinical optometric diagnosis and treatment for all the most prevalent types of vision dysfunctions and the detection and referral of patients with ocular disease or ocular manifestations of systemic disease.

c. Intermediate Grade.

Meets the requirements in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) below:

• Four years of optometric practice or its equivalent. One year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of 2 years of practice.
• The optometrist at this level has successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and has attained either of the following: (a) The stature that would warrant appointment at the clinical instructor or higher level at a school or college of optometry. (b) The professional ability and personal attributes which have merited significant recognition by a recognized professional organization, such as election to a Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry.
• Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples: (a) Is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and complicated visual dysfunctions. Typically, in this capacity serves as a consultant to optometrist and other professionals in other health facilities or provides expert clinical services in such areas as the partially sighted or contact lenses for aphasics. (b) Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted optometric program including clinical research and/or training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative and new and advanced instrumentation and treatment techniques. Typically, the program is in an educationally affiliated health care facility having an optometric training program of moderate scope involving liaison with other medical services and affiliated schools. (c) Has played a significant part in the conduct of vision research in a problem area of considerable scope and complexity which required novel approaches and which resulted in answers to important questions or important changes in existing methods and techniques. Publications authored by the optometrist are of considerable value to others in the individual's field. Typically, overall contributions are recognized by serving on important committees or other bodies in the profession. (d) Has had full responsibility for carrying out an optometric training program of significant size in which the optometrist has been responsible for maintaining liaison with the affiliated school and other educational institutions and professional or scientific organizations. Innovative approaches in development of curriculum and course content and in expanding and improving the educational program have been displayed by the individual.

d. Senior Grade.

Meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) below:

• The optometrist at this level possesses such academic stature as would warrant a faculty appointment of a professional level in an approved school or college of optometry.
• Has demonstrated recognized superior professional attainment as evidenced by one or more of the following examples: (a) Has served as a team leader in attacking major optometric problems affecting the continued provision of quality care health services at a VISN, statewide, or national level. There is such confidence in the optometrist at this level that there is unusual support of the individual's recommendations and conclusions. (b) Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level. (c) Has conducted high level studies in a difficult area of vision research which has contributed to a substantial advance in the health field, with important professional publications.

e. Chief Grade.

Meets the requirements for Senior grade and must demonstrate a sustained very high level of professional performance with evidence of exceptional professional and/or administrative development by the following:

• Has assumed substantial professional and/or administrative responsibilities in which the individual is expected to fully advise and make professional clinical and educational recommendations as to courses of action on problems and considerations of national scope in all areas of optometry. Typically, the optometrist at this level has had responsibility for a major optometric program segment on a nationwide basis and has been consistently called upon to represent the organization in an authoritative manner in matters dealing with development of new and/or revised concepts and programs having a major impact upon the academic, medical, and optometric communities.
• Outstanding professional attainment.

Examples of such attainment are:
(a) Achievement of outstanding results in research which are regarded as having a major impact on advancing the field. (b) Significant number of noteworthy publications in professional journals.

References:
VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G5 Optometrist Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education


IMPORTANT:

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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:
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


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Additional information

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).

VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.

If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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• Benefits

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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.

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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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

• Current Permanent VA employees of the facility.
• All Other VA employees
• All other applicants

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.


NOTE:
A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

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 candidate's 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.