This position has a Sign-On Bonus of $500

Starting Wage $ 18.17

Retail Optical Sales Associate

Join an amazing organization that puts Veteran’s first for an amazing career! With over 75 years of serving our nation’s Veterans, the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is currently seeking progressive individuals who want to grow with us. We are looking for Retail Optical Sales Associates to join our fast paced environment and have a passion for our Veterans and their families. The VCS is a federal agency under the Department of Veteran Affairs and operates cafés, retail stores, coffee shops and vending machines across the country.

Job Duties:

The candidate works under the general supervision of the canteen chief, supervisor, or his/her designee. Acts as a liaison between VCS, the optical shop, optical contractor, eye clinic and prosthetics. Candidate is responsible for the fitting, measuring, adjusting and minor repairs of eyewear for Veterans and other customers as designated by Medical Center policy. Presents an image of professionalism, self-confidence, helpfulness, and interest in the customer.

Provides excellent and compassionate feedback about aesthetic choices in frames. Performs other related duties such as merchandise control, merchandise display, and recordkeeping.

Greets customers entering the optical shop. Answers customer inquiries and provides advice to customers on price, availability and estimate time frame of arrival of glasses. Takes inquiries from team and assists by offering guidance on a case-by-case basis as needed.

What’s in it for you?

· Great benefits including Medical/Vision, Dental insurance retirement benefits (TSP)

· Minimal night and weekend hours

· Annual pay increases

· 11 Federal (paid) holidays, and earned vacation and sick leave

· Public transportation stipend

We are the best fit for you if…

· You enjoy serving others and working with a great group of coworkers

· Enjoy learning and growing with a company

· Like to keep busy and can multitask

· Have years of food and retail experience, minimal experience….or no experience at all!

Job Types: Full-time

Pay: Competitive

Required Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Must hold and maintain optical license or certification if required by the state, must have at least 1 year as an optician..

Must have the ability to work independently.

Possess thorough knowledge of safety protocols for disease prevention, specifically COVID and proper PPE usage.

Must have ability to use the following:

•Adjustment and bench tools

•Lensometer

•Frame Heater

•PD ruler

•Pupilometer, penlight and interpupillary measuring device

•Frame and lens cleaning products

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment. It is a requirement that all HCP receive the COVID-19 vaccination and annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption has been granted. HCP in violation of these directives may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service

HCP for purposes of the influenza vaccination program are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

HCP for purposes of the COVID-19 vaccination program refers to all paid and unpaid persons who work in or travel to VHA locations who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids); contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air. These HCP may include, but are not limited to, emergency medical service personnel, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, health professions trainees (HPTs), contractor personnel, and persons (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, maintenance, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel) not directly involved in patient care but potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted from HCP and patients. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time, intermittent, fee basis employees who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these locations. HCP also includes VHA personnel and contractor personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.