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Optometrist (SECTION CHIEF)

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Salisbury, NC, USA
USD 129,636-225,700 / year
Posted on Jun 14, 2025
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Summary

The Optometry Service provides care primarily in outpatient settings with limited inpatient care. Optometrists assigned to the Optometry Service provide comprehensive eye care for inpatients and outpatients. The Optometry Section Chief has programmatic responsibility to ensure that both the Section and the Service meet the Hefner VA Healthcare Center's goals and objectives, in particular those benchmarks and performance measures assigned to Optometry Service.

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Overview

  • Accepting applications
  • Open & closing dates

    06/13/2025 to 06/26/2025

  • Salary

    $129,636 - $225,700 per year

  • Pay scale & grade

    VP 13 - 15

  • Help

    Location

    1 vacancy in the following location:

    • Salisbury, NC 1 vacancy
  • Remote job

    No

  • Telework eligible

    No

  • Travel Required

    25% or less - Travel to and/or assignments at facilities affiliated with the Salisbury VAHCS is expected.

  • Relocation expenses reimbursed

    No

  • Appointment type

    Permanent

  • Work schedule

    Full-time - Compressed-TBD by service.

  • Service

    Competitive

  • Promotion potential

    15

  • Job family (Series)
  • Supervisory status

    Yes

  • Security clearance

    Not Required

  • Drug test

    Yes

  • Position sensitivity and risk

    Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  • Trust determination process
  • Financial disclosure

    No

  • Bargaining unit status

    No

  • Announcement number

    CBTA-12750141-25-TD

  • Control number

    838721100

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This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

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. Current facility employees will receive first consideration(please submit most recent SF-50).

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Duties

General Description:
The Optometry Service is based at the W.G. Hefner VA Healthcare System in Salisbury, North Carolina and serves affiliated VA clinics (e.g., Charlotte, Kernersville or Salisbury). The Advanced Low Vision Section includes the Advanced Low Vision Clinic - based at the VA Salisbury VA Medical Center - as well as Basic Low Vision clinical programs at all clinics affiliated with the Hefner VA Medical Center. Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator positions, that serve blind and visually impaired veterans enrolled at all Hefner VA clinical sites, and a Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) also are organizationally assigned to the Advanced Low Vision Section, Optometry Service.

Functions:
The Section Chief is a "working chief" position and functions in various roles including:

Clinical Care:
- Provides quality patient care to outpatients and inpatients as assigned.
- Keeps informed of developments in the management and treatment of diseases and illness through continuing medical education, both formal and informal.
- Successfully integrates patient care activities in Optometry Section/Service and other patient care programs of the VA healthcare system and in the community.
- Consistently demonstrates expertise in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients.
- Revises work schedules and assignments on short notice to meet frequent, abrupt, and unpredictable changes in prescribed workloads and deadlines to meet performance targets.
- Participates in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary activities involving treatment plan and discharge of patients.
- Participates as a peer reviewer when requested
- Provides other clinical services as assigned consistent with clinical privileges

Administrative-Supervisory:
- Assign work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of difficulty and requirements for assignments, and the a capabilities of employees
- Evaluate work performances of subordinates
- Give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters
- Hear and resolve complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager
- Effect minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other action in more serious cases
- Identify developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training
- Find ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed.
- Participates and attends VA healthcare system committees as assigned by the Chief or Assistant Chief of Optometry Service
- Assists Service Chief and Assistant Service Chief to supervise Advanced Low Vision clinic, VIST and BROS programs and interacts with out-patient clinic administrations to develop and coordinate local VISN and System-wide programs.
- Selects/Recommends new staff based on a performance based selection process.
- Participates in various facility programs designed to enhance and improve the delivery of patient care services such as Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams, CARF, The Joint Commission, etc.
- The incumbent may have access to the Veteran Health Information Systems (CPRS, VistA, etc.) and various VA databases and dashboards (VSSC, RAMP, Pyramid Analytics, etc); and may supervise individuals who have access to the scheduling package, and are responsible to:
o Follow all local and VHA policies and procedures (e.g., VHA Dir 2006-055) dealing with access and utilization of the Scheduling Package and Advanced Clinic Access.
o Assure that the VistA Scheduling Package is used to schedule all outpatient clinic appointments (including appointments made for clinic visits or consultations for medical, surgical, dental, psychiatric, home care, and diagnostic procedures).
o Assure that informal patient appointment scheduling systems are not used. and that no wait lists or informal systems are used for clinical services.

Academic:
- Provides guidance and supervision for optometry residents and optometry externs assigned to
- Optometry Service as outlined in VHA Handbook 1400.1, "Resident Supervision" and applicable Optometry Service-Level Policy.
- Participates in the formal education of the residents, optometry externs, and other trainees by presenting teaching rounds, lectures, conferences, etc.
- Assists in the development and implementation of education and training programs for optometry externs and residents and trainees in blind rehabilitation disciplines as assigned by Chief or Assistant Chief, Optometry Service.

Research:
- Supports the VA healthcare system-wide research mission.
- Assists in conducting studies regarding treatment modalities, and other outcomes as appropriate.

Work Schedule: Compressed, TBD by the service.
Financial Discloser Report: Not required
Functional Statement: FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT SECTION CHIEF, ADVANCED LOW VISION, VP15

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • 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. 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, driver's 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).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

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: 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 OR (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 - 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.

Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements.

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.

Intermediate Grade. Meets all the requirements 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: The stature that would warrant appointment at the clinical instructor or higher level at a school or college of optometry. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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.

Senior Grade. Meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the requirements in paragraphs 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: 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. Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level. 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.

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

Education

Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are:
  1. Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted, or
  2. Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted.
  3. For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, facility officials must verify with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) that the applicant has met requirements for certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. [If the applicant does not claim an ECFMG certificate, facility officials must still confirm that the medical school meets (or met) ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year the candidate graduated.]
NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities. The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area.

Additional information

The full performance level of this vacancy is Chief (VP-15). The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Associate (VP-12 to Chief (VP-15).

Preferred Experience: Preferred Low Vision VA and supervisor experience and completion of Optometry Residency desired.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G5, Qualification Standard.
For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: The position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing.


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

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

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 applicant's 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.

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How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other 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.

Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.


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

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
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How to Apply

  1. 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.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
To apply for this position online complete steps 1 and 2 above by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/26/2025 to receive consideration. Please note, this announcement may close prior to the closing date indicated if the position is filled through other means. If you are unable to apply online before the closing date click here and include the CBTA-12750141-25-TD in the Notes field.

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.

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.
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Agency contact information

Tamashia Dixon
Address
WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center
1601 Brenner Avenue
Salisbury, NC 28144
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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