Advance Your Career: Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the Madison VA
Are you a skilled Ophthalmic Assistant looking to transition into a leadership role? The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology). This role offers a unique blend of high-level clinical practice and administrative management, providing essential support to the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Health Technician, your impact will extend beyond the exam room. You will:
- Clinical Management: Direct the day-to-day operations of the ophthalmology unit, including staff scheduling and workflow planning.
- Quality Assurance: Monitor compliance with accrediting agency standards and conduct competency assessments for staff.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Utilize advanced equipment such as OCT, fundus photography, and automated visual field machines.
- Leadership: Foster a collaborative team environment, handle conflict resolution, and support the training of residents and fellows.
- Administrative Oversight: Execute budget responsibilities and maintain interdepartmental relationships to ensure seamless care delivery.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Certification: Must hold a current Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential via JCAHPO.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level.
- Proficiency: Must demonstrate fluent written and spoken English.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background investigation and drug screening.
Comparison: GS-9 Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Required transcripts (Associate's degree or equivalent) |
| Certification | JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) |
| Leadership | Demonstrated ability to manage staff and resolve clinical conflicts |
| Technical | Proficiency in lensometry, tonometry, and OCT |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $80,243 per year. Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and job security.
Serving as a Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the Madison VAMC is more than a job; it is a commitment to the health and well-being of our Veterans. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, we encourage you to review the full details on USAJOBS and submit your application today.
Why This Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Matters
Lead a dedicated team providing vital eye care to those who served our nation at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.
Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) to join the team in Madison, Wisconsin. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee clinical operations, guide staff performance, and ensure our Veterans receive world-class ophthalmic diagnostic services. This position offers the opportunity to combine advanced technical expertise with management responsibilities, directly impacting the quality of care for our patient population.
Requirements for Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available).
- Current certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the JCAHPO.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-8 level or equivalent.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Completion of a background/security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
- Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills in a clinical environment.
- Proficiency in advanced diagnostic ophthalmic equipment, including OCT, pachymetry, and perimetry.
- Experience in training and evaluating clinical staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and patient triage.
- Ability to develop and implement clinical policies and procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance programs
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with employer matching
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume using the standard clinical template provided by the VA.
- Gather your JCAHPO certification and academic transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of July 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA-provided clinical resume template to ensure your application is processed correctly.
- Be detailed and specific about your technical skills and supervisory experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
- Submit all required documents, including your COA certification, before the deadline.
- Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after you submit.
- Verify your eligibility documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.) to ensure they are current.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this facility?
The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychiatric care to Veterans across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Is this position eligible for telework?
This is generally not a telework position, though it may be evaluated based on the specific needs of the Surgical Service Department.
What if I am a student or resident currently in training?
The facility actively supports the training of residents and fellows; however, applicants must meet the specific GS-9 requirements, including professional certification.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to our nation's Veterans. The Madison VAMC is a major tertiary care facility that serves a vast population of Veterans in Wisconsin and Illinois. As part of a mission-driven organization, you will work in an environment that prioritizes compassionate care, innovation, and clinical excellence. Affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, this facility offers an intellectually stimulating environment for career growth.