VCS Health Tech (Lead Optician) Hickory NC

Summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Supervisory Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within the VCS Optical Shop at the Hickory, NC VA Medical Center. This position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional service by coordinating optical operations and serving as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams. Join us and help enhance the experience for our Nation's Veterans.

Duties

• Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greets customers entering the Optical Shop, responds to inquiries, and guides product pricing, availability, and estimated delivery timelines for eyewear. Supervisory Leadership & Personnel Management: Oversees all personnel functions related to Optician staff, including supervision, performance oversight, and daily operational management. Workload Coordination & Team Oversight: Assigns duties, distributes workload, and monitors task completion to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to established operational procedures. Frame Selection & Product Expertise: Actively assists customers with frame selection and product upgrades while maintaining comprehensive knowledge of available frames, lenses, and coatings. Eyewear Fitting & Optical Services: Performs eyewear measurements, fittings, adjustments, and basic repairs while accurately documenting services and patient interactions in the CPRS system. Communication & Follow-Up: Manages customer communications, coordinates follow-up actions, and ensures timely resolution of customer needs and service requests.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience Requirement: Must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of this position. Computer Skills & Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Ability to quickly learn and operate new software systems used by the Optical Contractor and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including DOS-based programs. Prescription Review & Accuracy: Ability to review optical prescriptions, recognize discrepancies or irregularities, and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and compliance with established standards. Lens Measurement & Verification: Skill in measuring and verifying proper lens placement within spectacle frames, ensuring lenses meet required positioning tolerances and quality standards. Lens Selection & Patient Needs: Ability to select and match appropriate lens types, forms, and positioning to meet individual patient vision requirements and comfort. Quality Control & Problem Identification: Ability to identify and resolve optical issues, including prescription verification, transition lenses, optical center alignment, segment heights, and improper frame selections. Identification Requirement: A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Education

Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.