Ophthalmic Service Specialist, Lead - Arcadia Eye Institute Clinic - Full Time Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Non-union)

The Lead Ophthalmic Services Specialist provides advanced technical ophthalmic and administrative assistance to the medical staff of the assigned area(s), serving as an integral part of the Ophthalmology Clinic. Incumbent also acts as a liaison among patients and providers, ensuring patient inquiries and concerns are resolved in a timely manner. Under the direction of the Technician Supervisor(s) and Clinical Manager, the Lead Ophthalmic Services Specialist responsible for coordinating the activities of the assigned area(s) and interacts with designated staff and faculty to maximize clinic efficiency and patient satisfaction. In addition, the Lead Ophthalmic Services Specialist is able to comfortably perform the full range of patient care and administrative support functions. The Lead Ophthalmic Services Specialist is also an active member of the clinic team and serves as an exemplary resource to patients, faculty, and clinic personnel. Additional responsibilities include cross-training, productivity metrics oversight, and assistance with ongoing back-office support schedules. Daily interactions with technician supervisors and doctors, as well as periodic meetings with clinical manager. Incumbent is expected to work with minimal supervision; periodic and regular progress checks are performed to evaluate and adjust workload accordingly.

Essential Duties:

• CLINICAL DUTIES
• * Provide advanced technical support to ophthalmologists and optometrists. * Obtain complete medical histories, chief complaints and vision testing results and conduct appropriate diagnostic tests to evaluate patient's condition. * Measure and record pertinent vital signs, such as intra-ocular pressures (IOPs). * Perform lensometry, refractometry, tonometry, visual field testing, and ocular motility testing. * Perform diagnostic testing as ordered by the provider. * Assist ophthalmologists for the administration of ocular injections. * Set-up and assist the ophthalmologist in minor procedures and laser treatments. * Assist in obtaining consent for procedures.
• * In the absence of Technician Supervisor(s) and/or Clinical Manager, provides supervision of ophthalmic technicians and administrative clinic staff * Responsible for establishing support assignments, assisting in supervising, and counseling technical support staff. * Oversee administrative clinic staff, including coordination of work shifts and problem-solving. * Provide tools and training for staff to enable them to perform their job functions effectively and efficiently. * Monitor staff workflow and adjust assignments appropriately. * Provide guidance to staff in all aspects of work assignments. * Reconcile work, overtime, vacation and sick leave hours and report via Kronos. * Provide additional support for absent employees and vacated positions. * Monitor and document staff attendance and performance. * Communicate to management any follow up items to improve performance. * Resolve patient care administrative issues.
• * Maintain patient examination rooms.
• * Maintain equipment and supplies for patient examination rooms and the diagnostic suite. * Arrange timely repair of equipment, as appropriate. * Arrange periodic calibration and preventative maintenance of equipment, as appropriate. * Interface with equipment vendors to ensure acquisition and maintenance of appropriate equipment. * Organize and monitor the medical supply room to keep it adequately stocked and tidy at all times.
• * Patient/Clinic Flow * Coordinate and monitor patient flow and provide guidance to ophthalmic technicians, as needed. * Coordinate and monitor patient flow and provide guidance to ophthalmologists and optometrists.
• * Assist with coordination and oversight of ocular injections. * Provide and maintain medical instruments and supplies for injections performed in the clinic. * Clean and disinfect various ophthalmic instruments and properly prepare for sterilization/reprocessing. * Replace instruments, as needed.
• * Set-up, operate, and maintain equipment to conduct appropriate tests and procedures.
• * Provide patient care support for other services, when necessary.
• * Report patient concerns, symptoms, reactions, and changes to licensed clinic personnel.
• * Serve as liaison between the medical staff and patients to answer questions, coordinate patient care, and/or provide patient education.
• * Monitor and track work requests.
• * Perform all tasks in a safe manner in compliance with organizational safety policies and according to applicable regulations; maintain a neat workstation and environment.
• * Provide excellent customer service.
• * Maintain confidentiality of all records and information related to patients, physicians, employees, the University and in related interests.
• * Obtain, document and update in appropriate system(s) all necessary patient information.
• * Special projects * Data collection and analysis, upon request. * Monitor and record technician productivity, as needed.
• GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
• * Triage patient issues to achieve timely resolution.
• * Respond to requests by doctors and staff during clinic.
• * Maintain clinic/patient flow, balancing diagnostic testing requirements, patient appointment times, and non-appointment activities.
• * Follow up on diagnostic testing (radiology reports, culture results, pathology results, lab work) ordered by the provider for their review.
• * Coordinate service requests with appropriate vendors and USC IT teams.
• * Assist technician supervisors and/or clinical manager with design and implementation of educational programs, which support professional growth and staff development.
• * Assist technician supervisors and/or clinical manager with safety monitoring program efforts, which support hospital policies and procedures.
• * Provide structured cross training to enhance ophthalmic personnel skill sets.
• * Always maintain and protect patient confidentiality.
• * Support and participate in department huddles and team meetings.
• * Demonstrate KNOWN service standards.
• Perform other duties or projects, as assigned, or requested

Required Qualifications:

• Req Associate's degree Degree in a related field

• Associate Degree required or Combined experience/education, as substitute for minimum education.

• Req 5 years Minimum five years' experience serving as an ophthalmic technician in a high-volume setting.
• Req 2 years Minimum two years' experience managing/supervising ophthalmic staff.
• Pref Experience working in a university-based medical facility/academic teaching environment.

• Req Possess a working knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy & physiology, medical procedures, terminology and protocols, specialized equipment and instruments, and general scope of multi-specialty practice.
• Req Excellent interpersonal skills which promote pleasant and effective communication with patients, staff, and doctors.
• Req Demonstrate professional and effective work skills to handle all responsibilities within a fast-paced, high pressure setting.
• Req Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Req Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Req Ability to multitask effectively.
• Req Flexibility and adaptability given the dynamic nature of medicine and departmental needs.
• Req The ability to interact calmly and effectively with patients with difficult personalities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Certified Ophthalmic Technician Required upon hire.
• Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.00 - $45.20. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, .education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.