Optometry Assistant Jobs in Bakersfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

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

Our Optometry Assistant's 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. United Health Centers is looking for someone who can communicate clearly and warmly with a diverse patient population and who has the technical skills to assist providers in their patient's medical care. If this sounds like you, then you might be our next Optometry Assistant!

Works closely with the Director of Optometry Operations and other members of the clinic management team to:

• Provide prompt medical support; promote a smooth patient flow; collect and record data accurately; maintain order of exam rooms, equipment and ophthalmic supplies
• Primary tasks are to interview patients and obtain chief compliant, ocular and medical histories, perform auto refraction, automated tonometry, lensometry, and ancillary ocular tests as directed by the Optometrist such as color vision tests (Ishiara or Farnsworth), depth perception, visual fields and retinal photos.
• The optometry OA must also document all findings in the ophthalmic template in the EHR. The OA 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 OA will maintain optical boards by making sure that glasses are restocked and accounted for in the electronic program. The OA provides or facilitates the provision of information needed by both patients and clinicians. 
• Provide basic education and information to patients, making sure patients' questions are answered and anxieties alleviated and interfaces with community-oriented activities and staff
• Achieve the organizational mission to provide health care access for all the members of the community as well as help make sure patients and families get the care they need when they need it.
• Consistently and openly communicate with supervisor and all staff.
• Work flexible or extended hours when necessary and requested.
• Participate in health center in-services and meeting, listening and respecting others' ideas.
• Abide by Rules of Confidentiality of patient information.

EDUCATION

• High School graduate or GED.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Possess a valid driver's license
• Valid lifesaving certification (CPR, BLS, etc.)

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 1 years of recent experience in a healthcare setting, preferred. 
• Optometric Assistant certification or one (1) year recent prior experience in optometry or ophthalmology field, preferred.

SKILLS

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish) 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 hourly wage range that UHC reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire starts at $22 an hour. Our salaries 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!