Back Office - Optometry Assistant

Job Summary

Medical Assistant II will assist and support doctors of optometry in a collaborative relationship to provide patients with optimum levels of general optometric care. Under the direct supervision of the doctor, will provide technical and support assistance to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the doctors of optometry. Medical Assistant II works under the Clinic Manager to assist with maintaining efficient patient flow and quality care during clinic hours. The Medical Assistant II works as part of a health care team including physicians, NP/PA’s, patient services representatives, medical records, health educators and social workers to provide comprehensive care in a non-judgmental manner. Unicare Community Health Centers is a federally qualified health center providing comprehensive patient-centered primary care services including medical, dental, substance abuse treatment, mental health, ophthalmology and outreach services to low income, multiethnic, uninsured and underinsured populations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with reasonable accommodation.

Accurately record patients medical and visual history, review and prepare other clinical information (PST, Medicare refresh, etc.) for doctor(s).

Take and record patient vitals when indicated in EMR. Perform appropriate pre-testing, such as but not limited to assessing gross visual skills, extraocular muscle action and pupillary reflexes.

Perform OCT, Visual Fields and Diabetic Photos.

Maintain accurate records and reports as instructed by the doctor.

Utilize eCW system to schedule and review appointments for need and accuracy.

Interprets for the provider and staff as needed.

Instill eye-drops when ordered by the doctor. Assist in therapeutic procedures such as foreign body removal.

Receive and process phone calls and other patient communication, from patients, assess the nature of the situation and manage triage accordingly. Manage all aspects of doctor(s) schedule, including booking appointments.

Maintain diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and equipment to ensure that they are clean and accurate. Assess condition of instruments and arrange for repair and/or recalibration as necessary. Maintain instruments and medications for ophthalmic therapeutics; ensure that instruments and medications are available and sterile.

Respond to patient concerns and resolve or forward them to the proper person or area for resolution.

Coordinate patient optometric care with optical dispensing, membership services, family practice, ophthalmology, pharmacy and other Unicare departments and services.

Follow all Unicare policies, procedures, and behavior guidelines and standards for the treatment of members and confidentiality of their care.

Assist with intake, financial screening, and set-up for patient visits.

Assist as needed including medication refill requests, specialty and procedure referrals, pre and post clinic chart review.

Work with Manager to oversee dispensary logs and storage to maintain quality assurance.

Coordinate the inventory, ordering and supply stock maintenance of medical supplies.

Assists with daily and monthly quality assurance reviews including emergency kit check off.

Non-Essential Functions

As directed by the Clinic Manager, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Professional Requirements

Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

Maintain current license, registrations and/or certifications.

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Report to work on time and as scheduled as attendance and punctuality is necessary.

Ability to work well with a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to problem solve and be self-motivated.

Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.

Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.

Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.

Must have excellent written and oral skills, strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.

Expected to have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions.

Able to work independently with little or no supervision.

Must have reliable transportation.

Qualifications

High school diploma, or GED required.

Paraoptometric Technician, Paraoptometric Assistant, Ophthalmic Assistant or Ophthalmic Technician Certificate preferred.

Completion of medical assistant training program preferred.

Minimum of one (1) year experience in an outpatient medical clinic or hospital, medical office setting.

One (1) year of previous experience in optometric or other ophthalmic practice.

Bilingual in English/Spanish required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.

Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.

Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities.

Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.

Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.

Ability to work with a diverse population.

Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings.

Must be self-directed and work productively with minimal supervision.

Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team

Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook

Knowledge of Electronic Health Records

Thorough knowledge of basic science and optics, familiarity with optometric and/or ophthalmic procedure related to preliminary testing.

Basic knowledge of instillation of optometric diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceuticals as applied to the practice of optometry.

Demonstrate the skills to provide age-appropriate care to the clients of the clinic.

Demonstrate knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to interpret information relative to the patients age related needs.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.

Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.

Frequent wrist, hand, and finger dexterity to perform fine motor function.

Position requires light to moderate work with 25 lb. maximum weight to lift and carry.

Full range of body motion requires twisting body, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, listening, talking, and/or hearing, and seeing.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Working Conditions

Non-Ionizing Radiation (microwaves)

Hazardous Exposure (chemical [E.G. Latex] and infectious)

Work Schedule

You will generally be scheduled to work each day Monday through Friday, with starting times each day varying between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and ending time between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., as required to meet the operational needs of the company. There will be occasional Saturdays as needed.

You will need to travel to other clinic locations as needed for cross coverage support.

Our Mission

The mission of Unicare is to be a community health care organization that treats everyone with dignity, respect and cultural sensitivity to help create an environment in which all can prosper.