Optometric/Optical Assistant

Department: Optometry

Program: Optometry

Reports to: Optometry Manager

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary

The position of an Optometric/Optical Assistant is a paraprofessional role. In this position, work is done under the supervision and guidance of the Optometrist and Optometry department manager. As an Optometric/Optical assistant, the primary duties are to assist the Optometrists with eye examinations, help un'ina (patient) with their vision hardware needs and perform general office tasks.. The Optometric/Optical Assistant is responsible for helping the Optometrist provide efficient and effective optometric/optical services, with a focus on customer service, to our un'ina.

Essential Functions

• Obtains and records un'inas medical history
• Prepares un'ina for vision examination; this includes, but is not limited to testing for near and far acuity, depth perception, macula integrity, color perception and visual field
• Assists un'ina with frame selection, fitting, lens selection, and obtaining measurements of the eye
• Verifies prescription glasses for accuracy
• Educates un'ina on proper eye care, proper contact lens insertion and removal and proper care of eyeglasses
• Repairs and adjust eyewear as needed
• Cleans and disinfect instruments
• Schedules appointments, update un'ina records, track sales, and notify when eyewear is ready for pickup
• Receives un'ina to the department in a friendly, professional and courteous manner
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Light work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

OSHA Categories

• Category I - Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue

Equipment and Tools

List Equipment used for job: Computer, Copier, Fax, Scanner and other office equipment

List Tools: Specialized optometry tools and equipment

Drives KIT or Personal Vehicle: Personal

Travel

• Kenaitze Indian Tribe Service Area
• In-State
• Out-of-State

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED)

Experience

• Experience working in customer service from an office-based environment
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office

Preferred

• AK state Licensed Dispensing Optician
• Experience in an eye care or optical clinic is preferred
• Experience assisting healthcare providers to ensure the highest quality of patient care
• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities

License/Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required, or obtain within 90 days of hire
• Certified Paraoptometric Certification (CPO) required, or obtain within 1 year of hire
• AK state Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) or register as an apprentice optician upon being hired and achieve Alaska state LDO licensure (Spectacles) within 2 years of starting this position
• Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy

Special Skills

• Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers, and others
• Excellent problem solving, organizational and administrative skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a team setting
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate
• Ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments and coordinate a variety of activities, with good attention to detail and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Professional judgment in day-to-day situations, research and investigate problems and summarize findings
• Interacts and communicates with others promoting a harmonious and cooperative work environment

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.