Optometrist - Designated Education Officer

<p>The Designated Education Officer located at Chillicothe VA Medical Center, Chillicothe, OH under the Chief of Staff. The Designated Education Officer (DEO), frequently known as the Associate Chief of Staff for Education (ACOS-E), is the designated VAMC employee who has oversight responsibility for all health professions training at the VAMC. The DEO receives guidance on Health Professions Education (HPE) program requirements from the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA).</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. The Designated Education Officer (DEO) is frequently known as the Associate Chief of Staff for Education (ACOS-E) is the designated VAMC employee who has oversight responsibility for all health professions training at the VAMC. The DEO receives guidance on Health Professions Education (HPE) program requirements from the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA). Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provides oversight to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risk of injury to HPTs (Health Professions Trainee), patients, staff and visitors in collaboration with facility Occupational Health and Patient Safety. Reviews and ensures that minimal qualifications and credentials are met by HPTs coming to VA for academic programs as attested to by the Trainee Qualifications Certification Verification Letter (TQCVL). Interacts with affiliated institutions as appropriate on matters pertaining to HPT assignments and curricula and on evaluation of the VA medical facility as a training site. Acts as a consultant to other VA medical facility staff on educational matters and interpreting policies according to VA requirements; provides comprehensive support to residency and training program and site directors. Acts as the liaison with the sponsoring institution's Designated Institution Officer (DIO) and other education leaders in the academic programs of education and research. Advocates for sufficient VA resources for appropriate management of HPE programs. Exercises oversight and administration of all clinical training programs at the VA medical facility and ensures compliance with all pertinent requirements and program accreditation standards. This oversight responsibility includes fiscal matters, affiliation and disbursement agreements, programmatic accreditation, credentials of HPTs, appointment, and payment of HPT stipends. Establishes local procedures for Educational Activity Record (EAR) keeping and disbursement including training, reconcile invoices, submitting rate schedules and reimbursing affiliates in a timely manner. Works closely with OAA to expand programs, collect and report data, and obtain guidance for unusual circumstances. Reviews and signs appropriate Program Letters of Agreement prepared by the affiliated institution. Manages special situations and issues pertaining to HPTs and advising the VA facility Director and the program director of the affiliated institution (or VA-sponsored program) concerning HPT competence, conduct, and compliance with VA regulations and policy. Ensures that all VA-sponsored programs maintain accreditation, collaborating with VA program director(s) on reporting, site visits, and making timely payments to match organizations and/or certifying bodies. Assigns work to staff in the HPE service. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Telework: This position may be authorized for telework ad-hoc. Telework eligibility will be at agency's discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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. 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. 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.<h3>Education</h3>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 (VA) for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.