Optical Technician - United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley

Experienced Medical Assistants and/or new Medical Assistant graduates are welcomed!

Our Optical Technicians work directly with our Optometrist provider and they strive to go above and beyond, take pride in their ability to listen to our patients, and provide excellent patient care.

The UHC Optometry Optical Technician (OT) shows genuine warmth with patients and has the ability to make them feel comfortable in the health center while providing effective and technically competent ophthalmic assistance to both patients and UHC optometrists. The optometry OT is also responsible for helping assist patients in the optical area with the fitting, ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses or contact lenses as directed by the optometrist. The OT must be able to read the patient's prescription and educate patients on proper lens and frame choices. The OT must be able to explain insurance benefits and coverage of vision supplies to the patient or call insurances for necessary authorizations. The OT will maintain optical boards by making sure that glasses are restocked and accounted for in the OPTIK electronic program as well as cleaned on a regular basis. The OT will be responsible for maintaining, organizing and reconciling optical inventory. The OT position provides or facilitates the provision of information needed by both patients and clinicians in the optical area. Furthermore, they ensure a smooth and well-connected patient flow after patient has received eye exam and must receive vision supplies to fully correct vision. The OT reports to the lead optician and optometry director.

Works closely with the optometrist and lead optician to:

• Provides prompt optical support; promotes a smooth patient flow; collects and records data accurately; maintains order of optical and vision supplies
• Provides basic education and information to patients, making sure patients' questions are answered and anxieties alleviated and interfaces with community-oriented activities and staff
• Achieves the organizational mission to provide health care access for all the members of the community. Helps make sure patients and families get the care they need when they need it.
• Consistently and openly communicates with supervisor and all staff.
• Works flexible or extended hours where necessary.
• Participates in health center in-services and meeting, listening and respecting others' ideas.
• Abides by Rules of Confidentiality.

EDUCATION:

• High School graduate or GED.
• Preferred past optical experience or optician license

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Possess a valid CPR certificate
• Preferred Optician license

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an optical setting

SKILLS:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred but not required
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Strong computer skills
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
• Positive professional insight
• Flexibility and dependability
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
• Effective leadership/supervisory skills
• Modern office practices and procedures including email
• Intermediate computer skills
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks
• Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds (on wheels).
• Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to patients and staff.
• Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
• Must have high manual dexterity.
• Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.

The pay range for this non-exempt position starts at $21 an hour. Our salary ranges are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!