POSITION DESCRIPTION
This position is an independent health care provider who examines the eyes to evaluate health and visual abilities, diagnoses eye diseases and conditions of the eye and visual system, and provides necessary treatment such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and low vision aides; may co-manage surgical patients as facilities permit; may prescribe drugs to treat eye disease. May assist in supervising the staff assigned to the department, as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
· Coordinating care with other primary and tertiary care providers.
· Discuss customer’s needs, occupation and hobbies to determine best lenses to suit lifestyle.
· Repair frames by replacing hinges, nose pads or temples.
· Maintain knowledge and awareness of current trends in eyewear and ophthalmic lens technology.
· Maintain a neat and orderly appearance to the dispensary at all times.
· Participate in student education, as appropriate.
· Order, verify and receive credits for ophthalmic lenses, eyewear and contact lenses.
· Contact patients regarding their materials (i.e., spectacles, contact lenses) which have arrived.
· Work with patients to provide patient education and how to use their new eyewear.
· Ensure conformance with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and internal policies and controls.
· Assist with the development of policies, procedures, and protocols for use in clinics, in consultation with Optometry.
· Work as a resource person to the clinic staff establishing, refining, and implementing policies, procedures and protocols for use in the Optometry Department.
· Assist with providing written and verbal reports of findings to the Quality Improvement Committee, TIHP Board of Directors and the TIHP senior leadership team regarding the operations of the Optometry Department.
· Assist with planning and coordinating training and/or technical assistance to Optometry staff, as required.
· Uses modern computer programs to enhance job performance, including Microsoft Office Products, Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other programs for charting and productivity.
· Ensure the compliance of laws, regulations, organization policies, and Code of Conduct.
· Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
· Extensive undergraduate work and graduate work to at least earn a Doctor of Optometry Degree.
· Two to five years of experience in a health care environment, preferably Indian Health and/or Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), is highly desirable.
· Ability to develop, integrate, and evaluate clinical policies and procedures, formulating plans to enhance the Optometry Department.
· Strong project management, analytical and operational problem-solving skills.
· The ability at all times, to communicate effectively with patients, the public, subordinates, department heads, and employees at TIHP using tact, courtesy, discretion, confidentiality, and good judgement in handling issues in a sensitive manner.
· Licensed in CA by the Board of Consumer Affairs.
· Must have knowledge of federal and state regulations related to health services, confidentiality, privacy regulations and fraud/abuse laws.
· American Indian preference in accordance with Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code § 472 & 473).
· Must be sensitive and possess an awareness and keen appreciation of Indian traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs of the Indian community.
· Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified or obtain within three months of hire.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
· Bi-Lingual/Spanish Speaking
ALL TIHP EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO:
· Provide the highest possible level of service to clients.
· Promote teamwork and cooperative effort among employees.
· Abide by all immunization and infection control policies.
· Maintain safe practices.
· Abide by the current and future TIHP Policies and Procedures, as they may from time to time be updated.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Sitting / Mobility: Approximately 20% of time is spent working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 80%) is spent moving around work areas. Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, patients and members of outside agencies, in person, by telephone, and by email. Vision: Ability to view x-ray, medical records, effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos, and other appropriate paperwork. Lifting / Carrying: Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Stooping / Kneeling: Ability to provide patient care, access files/stock supplies in low cabinets and shelves. Reaching / Handling: Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment, and supplies. Use of standard Optometry instruments and equipment. Office equipment including, but not limited to computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and fax. Work is performed in a medical office/clinic environment, with continuous contact with other staff and the public.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
INDIAN PREFERENCE: Preference may be given to qualified Native American Indians according to the Indian Preference Hiring Act, CFR 25 USC 472. Other than Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc. adheres to all provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: TIHP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national original, sex, religious preference, age, handicap, marital status, political preference, genetics or membership or non-membership in any employee organization, except as allowed by Federal and/or Tribal Law.
NOTICE OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT REQUIREMENT: TIHP is committed to maintaining a drug free and alcohol free workplace. TIHP believes that a healthy, productive workforce free from the effects of drugs is very important to all employees and patients. Substance abuse is incompatible with the health, safety, efficiency and success of TIHP.
HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability: This act was enacted to deal with these main areas with regard to patient information. Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations (45 CFR 164.506) are also covered under this act. HIPAA
· Security of Private Health Information
· Standards of Electronic Transactions
· Privacy of individually identifiable health information
· Ready access to treatment and efficient payment for health care, both of which require use and disclosure of protected health information, are essential to the effective operation of the health care system. In addition, certain health care operations—such as administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities—conducted by or for health care providers and health plans, are essential to support treatment and payment.
DRIVING RECORD: Employees must have a valid Driver License and be insurable under THIP’s vehicle insurance program.
BACKGROUND CHECKS: All employees must be able to pass a background check per Toiyabe's Background Check Policy.
Toiyabe Indian Health Project is an At-Will Employer. Either the employee or TIHP can terminate the employment at will, without advance notice, at any time, with or without cause.
EMPLOYEE RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have received a copy of this approved position description. The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Board of Directors reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or work environment change. I have discussed any questions I may have about this position description prior to signing this form.
