Launch Your Career as a Health Tech (Optician) with the VA in Knoxville

Are you an experienced optician looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is currently seeking a motivated Health Tech (Optician) to join the dedicated medical team at the Knoxville, Tennessee VA Medical Center. This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide essential services to the men and women who have served our country.

About the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)

Since its inception in 1946, the VCS has served as a vital component of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a program office within the Veterans Health Administration, the VCS provides reasonably priced merchandise, cafe services, and optical shops to Veterans, their families, and caregivers. We strive to provide comfort, value, and convenience to those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Role Responsibilities

As a Health Tech (Optician), you will be the face of our optical department. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Patient Engagement: Greeting Veterans and helping them select the frames and lens options that best fit their lifestyle and clinical needs.
Optical Measurements: Utilizing precision tools like digital pupilometers and lensometers to ensure accurate fittings.
Record Management: Documenting all measurements and orders within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Supply Chain Coordination: Managing inventory and acting as a liaison between the shop, eye clinics, and laboratory vendors.

Comparison: Traditional Retail vs. VA Optical Shop

Feature	Traditional Retail	VA Optical Shop (VCS)
Primary Goal	Profit Margin	Veteran Well-being
Patient Base	General Public	Veterans & Families
Environment	Commercial	Clinical/VA Medical Center
Mission	Sales-Driven	Service-Driven

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Experience: At least one full year of experience working as an optician.
Education: A high school diploma or GED.
Identification: A current, valid REAL ID.
Independence: The capability to manage an optical shop with minimal supervision and high technical accuracy.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $48,142 to $62,565 per year. Pay-setting is determined through a formal process based on the candidate's experience and the agency's needs.

Application Tips

Detail Your Tools: Explicitly mention your proficiency with lensometers, bench tools, and thickness calipers in your resume.
Be Transparent: If you have volunteer experience, include it. It counts toward your qualifying work experience.
Check for Completion: Use the USAJOBS status tool to verify that all your documents were uploaded and processed correctly before the deadline.

If you have the technical expertise and the heart to serve our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers a unique professional environment where your daily work directly contributes to the quality of life for the Veteran community in Knoxville.

Why This Vcs Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville Tn Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career as a Health Tech (Optician) where your professional skills directly enhance the comfort and well-being of America's Veterans.

Vcs Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville Tn Job Overview

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at the Knoxville, TN VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Optician to join our team. This role is essential to our mission, serving as a primary point of contact for Veterans needing optical services. You will act as a bridge between the VCS, eye clinics, and prosthetic departments, ensuring that every Veteran receives accurate, high-quality eyewear with the care and respect they deserve.

Requirements for Vcs Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville Tn

Minimum of one year of professional experience as an Optician.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of patient service.
Proficiency with optical bench tools, lensometers, pupilometers, and thickness calipers.
Current, valid REAL ID required for employment.
Subject to a federal background and security investigation.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Vcs Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville Tn

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex optical prescription discrepancies.
Experience managing inventory, including cleaning products, frames, and lens components.
Technical aptitude in navigating computerized patient record systems (CPRS).
Proven track record in delivering high-touch customer service and consultative sales.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Opportunity to serve the Veteran community
✓Stable professional environment within the VA healthcare system
✓Access to federal career development resources

💡 How to Apply Vcs Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville Tn Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Vcs Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville Tn Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your optician experience and technical proficiencies.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and required supporting documentation (such as SF-50 if applicable) before the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal to confirm receipt of materials.

💡 General Tips

Be specific regarding your experience; provide concrete examples of when you used specific optical tools or solved complex prescription issues.
Ensure your resume clearly maps to the requirements mentioned in the job posting.
Double-check your application packet for missing documentation, such as performance appraisals or transcript copies.
Upload your documents well before the deadline, as the virus scan process can take several hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of this position?

This position focuses on the provision of optical services, including measuring, fitting, and ordering eyewear for Veterans at the Knoxville VA Medical Center.

Is Veterans' Preference applied to this role?

Because the Veterans Canteen Service operates under 38 U.S.C. 7802, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply, though qualified Veterans are given full consideration.

What is the trial period?

Employees are required to serve a one-year trial period to evaluate performance and ensure their continued employment advances the public interest.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation assistance is not provided for this position.*

Is this role eligible for telework?

*A: No, this position is onsite at the Knoxville VA Medical Center.*