Work in Iowa Healthcare Jobs

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities General Description: This position is in the Eye Department which is aligned under the Surgical Care Service Line. Incumbents may work in either the Des Moines facility or at one of the CBOCs. Purpose of Functional Statement: This functional statement is specific to optometrists assigned to surgical subspecialty section under the Surgical Service Line to perform duties as a subspecialist, in the inpatient and/or outpatient setting. It is understood this functional statement is not inclusive of all assigned duties and responsibilities, but provides a general overview of general performance expectations and responsibilities. Responsibilities of the provider: The Optometrist is responsible for seeing patients in the outpatient setting. Responsibilities include performing routine eye care, including eye examinations, diagnoses, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnoses-related systemic conditions. He/she conducts diagnostic evaluations of visual disorders, including but not limited to diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, and routine eye examinations. The Optometrist also reads visual field tests and assists with teaching medical students who rotate to the VA Health Care System. The incumbent is responsible for entering accurate, complete, timely progress notes for each episode of care into the patient's electronic record. This is accomplished by utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). The incumbent is responsible for the proper use, maintenance, and calibration of specialized equipment used in the assessment and care of patients. The incumbent maintains supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency. He/she demonstrates knowledge and maintains standards in the use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). The Optometrist is expected to participate in performance improvement activities, disaster preparedness, administrative duties, and other responsibilities assigned by the SSC SL Director. Standards of Care: The Optometrist is to practice in accordance with National VA guidelines; VA Central Iowa Health System policies/procedures; medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations; and in accordance with current Joint Commission standards. Practice: The incumbent considers age of the patient when performing health care as it relates to functional capacity/limitations, ability to understand and follow directions, provide objective self-assessment of past medical condition and treatment appropriate to the overall treatment goals and plans. The employee possesses knowledge of growth and development, has the ability to assess and interpret age-related data, and is able to communicate based on age related issues. Clinical Duties: The Optometrist is responsible for seeing patients in the outpatient setting. Responsibilities include performing routine eye care, including eye examinations, refractions, diagnoses, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnose-related systemic conditions. He/she conducts diagnostic evaluations of visual disorders including diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, and routine eye examinations. The optometrist also reads visual field tests, and may perform compensation and pension examinations. Service: Works effectively within a team environment contributing to the effectiveness of the team to deliver safe, cost effective, quality, timely, and patient-focused care. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Surgical Service Line. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri/0800 - 1630 EDRP Authorized: Contact, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. The EDRP Coordinator(s) can be reached at VHAVISN23EDRP@va.gov. 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). 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 Required Qualifications: All optometrists must possess an active license in any state or territory in the United States, and must maintain privileges always at VA Medical Center Des Moines, to be able to work as an optometrist. Optometrists must maintain professional competency as indicated in their delineation of privileges. All optometrists must have an active DEA license and state CDS certification. They must also maintain a current BLS certification per medical center policies. Qualifications: The Optometrist must: - Possess a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from a college of optometry approved by the Council on Optometric Education (COE) of the American Optometric Association. - Possess an unrestricted license in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or District of Columbia. - Possess a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) License and a Controlled Drug Substance (CDS) License for state in which licensed. Core Professional Competencies: Information Security: The employee protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from; loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Customer Service Responsibilities: The incumbent meets the needs of customers while supporting the VA and CIHCS missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. 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. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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 1193.01, 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.