Optometric Assistant Jobs in Meriden, CT (NOW HIRING)

First Choice Health Centers is looking for an Optometric Technician to work alongside our Optometry and Operations team in delivering patient care by preparing patient rooms for patient use, cleaning, maintaining, and setting up equipment for use and assisting in any procedures within scope as noted below.

Why First Choice?

We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and employee well-being!

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for employees working 30 hours or more
• 20 days of Vacation, 8 Paid Holidays, and 2 Floating Holidays per year
• Retirement savings program, including a safe harbor 401k with up to a 4% company match after 6 months of employment
• Company paid Life insurance
• Voluntary Term, Whole Life, Accident and Critical Care Insurance
• Complimentary premium Calm membership for you and 5 additional memberships you can share (#1 mental health app)
• Recognition programs
• Paid Basic Life Support certification with renewal every 2 years.
• Primarily a Monday through Friday schedule working 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. There is one late night until 6 pm but you will get out on Friday at 3 pm.
• The hourly range for this position is $17 - $22/hour. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to work experience certifications, etc.

For more than 25 years First Choice Health Centers has been a leading nonprofit human services organization that breaks down barriers to care helping individuals and communities live healthier lives. To learn more about First Choice Health Centers, visit us at firstchc.org.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Experience with an electronic health record
• Familiarity with medical terms associated with eye treatment.
• Excellent with multitasking, organization, and time management in prioritizing appointments to maintain efficient patient flow.
• This position requires the ability to communicate, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.
• Knowledge of medical assisting normally associated with obtaining an associate degree in medical Assistance is (preferred)
• National Certification as a Medical Assistant (preferred)

Experience and Training:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience in an optometry office (preferred)
• BLS Certification
• Billing and coding experience in an EMR system.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) (preferred)

Standard Job Duties:

• The Optometric Technician will assist the optometrist in providing patient care, performing tests, maintaining equipment, and managing patient records
• Act as a member of the care team, including preparing patients to be seen by collecting and recording clinical information as per process, responding to patient phone calls and documenting patient interactions.
• Assist optometrist with patient care, including taking medical histories and performing preliminary tests
• Perform verbal interview with patient prior to visit with optometrist to determine medical issues and reasons for their visit for communication to optometrist prior to appointment
• Assists optometrist to care for patients in a timely, effective manner, as closely to appointed schedule as possible.
• Records and maintains patient records / files in compliance with company, federal, and state policies (HIPAA)
• Manage patients according to approved protocols and consistent with appointment and scheduling guidelines.
• Clean and maintain equipment and instruments
• Document all patient interactions and other clinical activities accurately and timely in the electronic health record
• Schedule tests, treatments and follow up visits on behalf of patients, assist patients with identifying suitable outside resources and other services where appropriate
• Monitor task list (telephone encounters) in order to respond in a timely manner, follow up on overdue orders and monitor status of critical referrals
• Adhere to all patient safety standards and infection control guidelines
• Assist care team to assure smooth office operation and delivery of excellent service through teamwork.
• Performs other duties within the Practice as requested and as time allows

First Choice is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. This includes testing for marijuana per policy.

First Choice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.