VCS Health Tech (Optician) -Chicago

Summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Chicago VA Medical Center and multiple Out Patient Clinics in the Location area. This position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional service by coordinating optical operations and serving as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams. Join us and help enhance the experience for our Nation's Veterans.

Duties

• Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines. Maintain a professional, welcoming environment while supporting patients in making informed eyewear decisions. Eyewear Fitting & Optical Measurements: Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment such as digital pupilometers, lensometers, and other tools. Document patient information and measurements within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Order Processing & Sales Support: Process eyewear orders, collect payments, prepare sales documentation, and enter orders into contractor and VA systems. Promote appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure sales approach. Coordination & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues related to missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear. Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary. Inventory & Merchandise Management: Maintain eyewear displays in a clean, organized, and visually appealing manner. Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.

Qualifications

Licensure & Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working as an Optician required. Independent Work Capability: Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing responsibilities efficiently and maintaining high standards of patient service. Prescription Interpretation & Problem Resolution: Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction. Optical Verification & Quality Assurance: Skilled in identifying and resolving optical issues, including prescription verification, transitions verification, optical center alignment, segment height accuracy, and appropriate frame selection. Technical Equipment & Tools Proficiency: Proficient in the use of optical equipment and tools, including: Adjustment and bench tools Lensometer and lens clock Frame heater PD ruler and pupilometer Penlight and interpupillary measuring devices Frame and lens cleaning products Thickness caliper Vertex densometer Tolerance charts Visual acuity charts Identification Requirement: A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Requirements

As a Condition of Employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-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 - 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. Additional Conditions of Employment include: -Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. -Subject to background/security investigation.

Education

Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the 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 09/07/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS 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, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application 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.