Retail Optical Sales Associate - Veterans Canteen Service

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!

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
• 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.