Location Lead Ophthalmic Tech - Stony Point - Days

VCU Health; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

VCU Health is seeking a Lead Ophthalmic Tech Specialist in Richmond, Virginia. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of the outpatient clinic, managing and training clinical staff, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. The ideal candidate must have at least 5 years of experience as an Ophthalmic Tech and relevant certifications.

The position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to problem-solve and engage effectively with patients. A collaborative approach to improve patient care quality is essential.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience as an Ophthalmic Tech is required.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to learn complex concepts are essential.
• Professional demeanor with strong people skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the outpatient clinic.
• Train and mentor new staff members.
• Ensure compliance with safety and health regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Time management

Patient care

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Job description

In collaboration with the Chief Ophthalmic Tech Specialist, the Lead Ophthalmic Tech Specialist provides direction and education to staff at assigned location. Provides operational oversight to the department/business functions of designated location to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Job Description

Essential Job Statements

Under the direction of the attending physician and in collaboration with the Chief Ophthalmic Tech, responsible for all day-to-day operations of outpatient clinic. Responsible for activities at assigned location including audits, chart reviews, and other regulatory tasks. Collaborates with the Chief Ophthalmic Tech for the employee lifecycle which includes interviewing new employees and making hiring decisions; training, coaching and mentoring new hires regarding their responsibilities; writing and conducting performance evaluations; recommending counseling/corrective action plans with guidance from Chief Ophthalmic Tech, Senior Manager and HR when necessary. Organizes and delegates work and assignments to clinical staff (OA, OP, COA, COT, COMT, and CRA) at assigned location to optimize patient care and to ensure that the clinic flow at that location is consistent. Regularly assigns, instructs, and checks the work of others; provides feedback on performance; develops staffing schedule and reviews leave requests. The lead will participate in the orientation, training, and education of new team members and ensures compliance with required certifications in a timely manner. Serves as a point of contact for resolving issues for other Lead Ophthalmic Tech Specialists and their location when needed. Initiates clinic maintenance activities such as evaluating supply inventory, assessing equipment, and equipment maintenance procedures; responsible for inventory, stock and ordering supplies at their assigned location(s). Maintains a clean environment; coordinates instruments to be sent to Sterile Processing Department; and monitors the functioning of equipment. Responsible for addressing safety issues/events and filing a Safe Event if necessary. Identifies potential safety hazards in clinic and initiates the resolution process. Assists staff with resolving complaints from patients, families, staff, and physicians and refers any unresolved issues to the Chief Tech Specialist or Business Manager. Works in the clinic when needed because of staff call-outs, shortages, etc. Other duties as assigned.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0–4 weeks), Infant (1–12 months), Pediatrics (1–12 years), Adolescents (13–17 years), Adults (18–64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older).

Employment Qualifications

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Licensing / Certification

Licensure/Certification Required: Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) certification by Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Licensure/Certification Preferred: NA.

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: 5 years of experience as an Ophthalmic Tech. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to learn and apply complex concepts to their daily work. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Candidates must be professional, motivated, dependable, and have strong people skills. Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree.

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse. May be required to use physical restraints. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. May have periods of constant interruptions. Prolonged periods of working alone.

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Lifting/Carrying (0–50 lbs.), Lifting/Carrying (50–100 lbs.), Lifting/Carrying (100+ lbs.), Push/Pull (50–100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Crawling, Climbing, Balance. Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing.

Additional Physical Requirements / Hazards

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near. Hazards: Depth perception, Use of latex gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to X‑ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure.

Mental / Sensory – Emotional

Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran