Vision Care Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CABVI is seeking a Vision Care Coordinator/Optic Tech to provide information on CABVI services and programs. Reach out to consumers, market programs, complete intakes, develop service plans, coordinate therapy, process referrals, provide service and rehabilitation therapy assistive services to enable consumers who are blind and visually impaired to achieve their highest level of functioning.

Provide clinical assistance to the CABVI Low Vision-Watertown Center and Low Vision Specialist by collecting & documenting patients’ medical and ophthalmic data while maintaining outstanding customer service.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to consumer inquires and reach out to inactive consumers. Provide comprehensive accurate information on services available. Encourage and support consumers as they pursue services and address their rehab needs. Respond to new consumer inquires and accept referrals for rehab service.
• Market special programs, residential services, new initiatives and events. Assist and support our outreach efforts including assisting our Manager of Rehabilitation Sales as needed. This may include health fairs, community presentations and more.
• Assist and participate with specialized events such as residential programs, open house, adaptive sports and recreation programs, and other rehab related service programs.
• Complete agency intakes and establish rehab plans. Secure appropriate program funding. Complete insurance and medical network information including releases of needed information. Review privacy practice policy and confidentiality guidelines.
• Make consumer referrals within the rehabilitation department and monitor timelines of service. Monitor consumer progress, coordinate services, complete ongoing documentation and report final results. Follow up to ensure all consumer identified needs are met and quality outcome achieved. Advocate for consumers as needed.
• Maintain the CABVI-Watertown case file system, ensure accuracy, completeness, and organization of consumer case records. Add low vision paperwork and information to the charts when and if service is completed. Establish new patient charts. Secure and manage receipts of eye reports, other medical requested documentation, service reports and other case file information. Purge records as needed. Ensure consistent file set up and completeness.
• Maintain a current understanding of community resources, making referrals to other organizations as needed. Complete applications for special services including but not limited to NYS Park passes, Veterans Annuity Applications, talking books and more. Network with the CABVI social workers as needed.
• Consult, refer, and network with primary caregivers. Communicate and network associated professionals involved in the consumer’s rehabilitation plan, this may include NYSCB, the VA, Access VR, school or vocational programs and other associated professionals. Follow HIPAA guidelines.
• Provide instruction and dispense equipment in introductory rehabilitation therapy areas including areas of communication, timepieces, calendars, writing equipment (bold line paper, dark pens, etc.). Document progress, consult with VRT staff as needed and make referrals for complex cases.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and assist with vision rehabilitation group instruction for community programs, residential programs, staff training events, and external community support events under the direction of a certified VRT or O&M.
• Work with the Low Vision staff in Utica to schedule patients for low vision exams. Track and maintain low vision and adaptive inventory levels to ensure ample supple for dispensing and low vision exams. Complete disbursements and dispense equipment to patients ensuring they understand the usage and care of all devices.
• Establish a friendly and welcoming presence in host Watertown Medical Practice. Engage professionally with their practice staff. Keep in mind we are a guest; respecting their equipment, space and responsibilities/roles. Collect and document patient co-pays and make copies of insurance cards.
• As an optic technician, obtain concise, complete ocular medical history. Complete low vision pre-evaluations. Conduct brief external exam to understand and recognize normal and abnormal findings and record with the preliminary work up.
• During low vision exams, work as medical assistant to our optometry staff providing patient support, organizing and maintaining the medical records and working as a scribe for the doctor. Process and facilitate patient requests for copies of medical records. Maintain open and professional communication with all low vision staff as well as patients.
• Complete low vision follow-up. Document consumer challenges, success and overall findings. Communicate with LV Specialist. Ensure consumers have a clear understanding of how equipment is to be used. Provide and review device care and usage guides. Identify natural supports leading to long term success. Schedule follow up low vision exams as needed. Provide patient education and follow up instructions as prescribed by the doctor. Provide a high level of customer service. Demonstrate above average communication skills.
• Coordinate, conduct, and complete low vision telemedicine exams with the Low Vision doctor. Must be comfortable with diagnostic equipment, remote services, use of an IPad and electronic documentation.
• Develop weekly schedule to maximize efficiency and enter your schedule on outlook. Document mileage and services on TICR daily.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, health care, education, or related field with a minimum of two years of experience in the Human Services field required. Prior work experience in a medical practice, health clinic, or vision center preferred. Work experience in customer service, marketing or sales helpful.
• Extensive travel required. Instruction may occur in a variety of environments including consumer’s home or school, CABVI and/or the community. Must be flexible to meet the business demands and alter ones work schedule/work hours as needed.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Basic knowledge of computer systems and office software; Word, Excel, databases, Zoom and more. Must have a good knowledge of the use of an iPad and electronic documentation.
• Must be willing to learn new technology.
• Must have the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from consumers, professionals, and the general public. Must have the ability to persuade and encourage those in need to pursue services and programs.
• Must have the ability to address correspondence and emails in a timely manner. Must have excellent listening skills.
• Must have excellent organizational skills. Strong skillsets in areas of teamwork. Must have a positive attitude.

Benefits:

CABVI offers a generous benefit package along with a family friendly work environment. We offer three health insurance plans to choose from along with dental and vision insurance. A retirement benefit through a 403(b) is offered to include employee and employer contributions. We also have paid time off, paid holidays, mileage reimbursement, a fitness center accessible to CABVI employees, employer sponsored life insurance along with many other employee sponsored benefits. Visit us at www.cabvi.org!

CABVI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform key job elements.

The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a not-for-profit agency with professional and support staff who provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs annually to more than 2000 people who are blind and visually impaired in a nine-county area. We teach independent living skills, as well as orientation and mobility, and we offer low vision services, children’s services, and continually-expanding technology and employment programs. One facet of our employment services is Central Industries, the Association’s manufacturing division that helps support agency services. Our mission is to assist people who are blind or visually impaired achieve their highest levels of independence.