Mobile Optometry Assistant

Job description

Starting salaries are set in accordance with our compensation plan, which considers multiple individual and organizational factors, including internal equity. To uphold pay equity in alignment with the compensation plan, starting salary ranges are not negotiable. Before applying, please ensure that the compensation for this position meets your needs.
Our Mission
To promote the well-being of the underserved by providing access to high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay.
Our services, activities and governance reflect the Islamic values and moral principles which inspired our founders. These include the core values which are universally shared and revered by society at large: Service, Compassion, Human Dignity, Social Justice, and Ethical Conduct.
Working at UMMA
UMMA is looking for passionate and mission-driven Staff who look to make an impact on the lives of our patients and the members of our community. These roles include Physicians and Medical Staff, Behavioral Health Staff, Administration, and more! For more information on the services we provide, Click Here
Benefits and Compensation
UMMA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package with comprehensive and cost-effective medical plans. Benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, AD&D and Supplemental Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement, loan repayment opportunities, 403(b) savings plan, employee discounts, extended lunch on Fridays, and more!
Our compensation plan also includes Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (accruals begin on the first day of hire), Employee Recognition, and more!!
SUMMARY
The Mobile Optometry Assistant serves as the primary onsite clinical support team member for patients receiving services through the Mobile Optometry Program.
Working inside the mobile optometry unit or designated portable clinical space, the Optometry Assistant prepares patients for their tele-optometry examination, operates approved diagnostic and imaging equipment, assists with the telehealth connection between the patient and remote optometrist, and supports the patient throughout the examination process. This position is responsible for obtaining accurate pre-examination information and diagnostic images, ensuring that required equipment and technology are properly prepared, assisting patients with eyeglass-related services and next steps, and maintaining an organized, safe, patient-centered clinical environment. The Optometry Assistant does not independently diagnose conditions, interpret diagnostic findings, prescribe treatment, or provide medical advice. Clinical interpretation, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and prescriptions are the responsibility of the licensed optometrist.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Patient Preparation and Clinical Support
• Welcome patients into the mobile unit or portable optometry examination area.
• Confirm patient identity and readiness for the examination.
• Review the patient's examination workflow and explain what the patient should expect during the visit.
• Prepare patients for their tele-optometry examination.
• Obtain required preliminary information according to established workflows.
• Perform approved pre-testing and screening procedures under established protocols.
• Operate optometric diagnostic and imaging equipment for which the employee has been appropriately trained.
• Obtain clear, complete, and technically acceptable images and measurements for review by the remote optometrist.
• Repeat images or tests when necessary to obtain acceptable image quality.
• Ensure results and images are accurately transmitted to the tele-optometry platform and available to the remote provider.

Telehealth Examination Support
• Prepare and test telehealth equipment prior to scheduled patient encounters.
• Connect patients with remote optometrists and other remote clinical personnel.
• Remain available during the examination to assist the patient or remote provider as needed.
• Position patients and equipment appropriately during remote examination procedures.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment, connectivity, camera, audio, or workflow problems.
• Escalate unresolved technology or equipment issues to the appropriate vendor, Program Manager, or technical support resource.
• Maintain patient privacy during telehealth encounters.

Patient Education and Follow-Up Instructions
• Reinforce instructions and next steps provided by the licensed optometrist.
• Provide patients with approved educational materials and information regarding follow-up appointments, referrals, prescriptions, or eyeglass services.
• Direct clinical questions to the licensed optometrist or appropriate licensed clinical team member.
• Ensure patients understand where and how they will receive eyeglasses or other ordered services.
• Communicate outstanding follow-up needs to the Program Coordinator.

Eyeglass and Optical Support
• Assist patients with frame selection and other approved optical services.
• Assist with basic eyeglass fitting and adjustment activities when performed under appropriate supervision and organizational protocols.
• Obtain measurements necessary for eyeglass orders when trained and authorized.
• Confirm eyeglass order information is complete and accurately documented.
• Assist with distribution of completed eyeglasses when applicable.
• Identify eyeglass fitting or adjustment concerns requiring additional clinical or optical support.

Equipment and Mobile Unit Readiness
• Complete daily equipment startup, calibration, readiness, and shutdown procedures.
• Maintain optometry equipment according to manufacturer and organizational requirements.
• Clean and disinfect equipment and patient-contact surfaces between patients.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of clinical supplies.
• Notify the Program Manager of low inventory, damaged equipment, maintenance needs, or equipment failures.
• Assist with loading, unloading, securing, and transporting portable optometry equipment when required.
• Ensure equipment is safely secured when the mobile unit is in transit.

Documentation
• Accurately document completed pre-testing, imaging, measurements, and other assigned information in the appropriate system.
• Ensure documentation is completed before the patient encounter is finalized.
• Follow organizational standards regarding patient confidentiality and protected health information.
• Notify the provider or Program Manager of incomplete or potentially inaccurate information.

Mobile Operations and Transportation
• Serve as the backup driver of the mobile optometry vehicle and be prepared to drive when operationally necessary.
• Safely operate the vehicle in accordance with organizational policy when assigned.
• Assist with daily vehicle safety checks and reporting of vehicle concerns.
• Assist the Program Coordinator with setup and breakdown of the mobile service location.
• Support transportation and secure movement of equipment and supplies between sites.

Quality and Patient Experience
• Provide courteous, culturally responsive, and patient-centered service.
• Maintain an efficient patient flow within the mobile clinical environment.
• Immediately communicate urgent patient concerns or unexpected findings to the licensed optometrist or appropriate clinical personnel.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, workflow reviews, and staff training.
• Assist with monitoring wait times and identifying workflow opportunities that improve patient throughput.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this job. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.
To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:
• Regulatory Requirements:

Successful completion of post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and criminal background check. Compliance with recommended healthcare personnel vaccination and preventative testing requirements, including Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, TDAP, and TB
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a Medical Assistant, Optometric Assistant, Ophthalmic Technician, or similar healthcare training program preferred.
• Previous experience in optometry, ophthalmology, medical assisting, imaging, or direct patient care preferred.
• Experience operating optometric diagnostic equipment preferred but training may be provided.
• Comfortable using computers, electronic health records, imaging systems, and telehealth technology.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently obtain high-quality clinical images and measurements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with children, adults, families, and diverse patient populations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred based on patient population.
• Acceptable driving record consistent with organizational requirements.
• Ability and willingness to drive the mobile optometry vehicle when assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
While performing this work, the incumbent:
• Will spend substantial time standing, sitting, speaking and listening
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Is expected to travel via vehicle throughout the community on a frequent basis

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
ENVIRONMENT
Position requires frequent travel between clinic, school, and community locations and regular operation of the mobile optometry vehicle. Work may occur outdoors and may include setting up temporary registration or waiting areas. Position requires the ability to move tables, chairs, tents, registration materials, supplies, and other program equipment.
EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE OPERATION
The incumbent in this position may operate any/all of the following equipment:
• Telephone, cell phone, fax
• Computer, printer and related equipment
• Copy machine
• Audio-visual equipment
• Personal automobile

Computer software may include any or all of the following:
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Access
• Design / Publishing software
• Internet Explorer
• Donor Software