Summary This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Applicant who applied previously need not reapply unless submitting updated and/or missing information. This position is located at the IHS Rosebud Hospital. The incumbent functions as an independent eye care provider performing a full range of optometric physician duties. Responsibilities Performs a full range of optometric physician duties, i.e., examines, diagnoses, treats diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures. Diagnoses diseases such as diabetes and rheumatological conditions; treats chronic eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, degenerative corneal and retinal diseases; and manages ocular and systemic co-morbidities. Provides direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical optometric care. Diagnoses and treat a wide range of eye diseases. Maintains timely and appropriate medical records in compliance with professional, Service unit, Area and other applicable guidelines. This position is being announced concurrently under the Excepted Service/Merit Promotion procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-24-GP-12395766-ESEP/MP. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered. Requirements Conditions of Employment Selectee may be subject to a probationary period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Confidential Financial Disclosure Form may be required. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service. On-call hours may be required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process. Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Education Applicants must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an educational program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (external link) (ACOE) at the time the degree was obtained. Licensure Applicants must have received a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (external link) (NBEO) examinations and possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level Applicants who meet the above basic requirements qualify for GS-11 grade level. Basic Requirements for GS-12 (or equivalent) Grade Level In addition to the requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: One year completion of a residency program in an institution accredited for such training; or One year of professional experience as an optometrist that is equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: GS-12: Provide technical guidance to optometry staff; review and/or revise policies and procedures; assist with quality assurance activities, etc.; Document history including complaint, relevant symptoms, treatment and referral; Examine eyes using observation, pharmaceutical agents and instruments to determine visual perception, acuity, coordination and focus; Operate optometric diagnostic and treatment instruments and equipment. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.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 Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 90 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required. The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit: For IHS - https://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/ For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/ For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps This position has promotion potential to the GS-12 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied. This position is an open until filled. The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 10 days after the JOA open date starting 05/30/2024.