Optometry Medical Assistant Float

Sacramento Native American Health Center; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento Native American Health Center in Sacramento, CA is seeking an Optometry Medical Assistant (MA) Float to provide clinical and administrative support across the Optometry Department and assist with Primary Care as needed. The role includes pre-screening eye tests, charting in NextGen, frame selection, patient flow, and HIPAA compliance.

Ideal candidates have Medical Assistant certification and NextGen experience; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Medical Assistant program or credential.
• Experience using NextGen or a comparable EHR system.
• Able to work in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for vision examinations, including histories and chief complaints.
• Conduct pre-screening eye tests (retinal imaging, auto-refraction, VA, tonometry).
• Sanitize, calibrate, and maintain optometric equipment per protocol.
• Assist patients with frame selection, fit adjustments, and minor repairs.
• Coordinate frame ordering and monthly inventory counts.
• Review patient records for completeness and accuracy prior to provider exam.
• Support optometrists with flow and exam assistance within scope.
• Float to Primary Care or other departments as needed to cover coverage.

Skills

Customer service

EHR proficiency

Verbal and written communication

Multitasking

Education

Medical Assistant certification

Tools

NextGen EHR

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: 2020 J Street - Sacramento, CA 95811Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $21.00 - $23.00 HourlyHere at SNAHC, you are joining a team and company at a time of growth and transformation. You will love being surrounded by people who are as passionate as you are about healthcare and giving back to the community.

Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company's sole discretion and the wage range for this role considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At SNAHC, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $21.00/HR-$23.00/HR.

The Optometry Medical Assistant (MA) Float serves in a dual-capacity role, providing both clinical and administrative support to the Optometry Department while remaining available to assist with Primary Care as needed. This position enhances operational flexibility, supports patient flow across departments, and ensures consistent coverage across medical pods. The MA will be trained in essential optometric procedures while maintaining core competencies to support other medical specialties.

Essential Functions

• Prepare patients for vision examinations including obtaining histories, verifying medication lists, and documenting chief complaints.
• Conducts a range of pre-screening eye tests, including retinal imaging, auto-refraction, near and distance visual acuity, depth perception, color vision assessment, intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry), and visual field testing.
• Sanitize, calibrate, and maintain all optometric equipment per protocol.
• Assist patients with frame selection, proper fit adjustments, and minor repairs.
• Coordinate frame ordering and monthly inventory counts.
• Review patient records for completeness and accuracy prior to provider exam.
• Support optometrists with flow and exam assistance within permitted scope.
• Follow California Board of Optometry guidelines regarding Optometric Assistant/Technician scope of practice.
• Float to Primary Care or other departments to provide rooming, intake, and provider assistance based on coverage needs.
• Collect vitals, document patient history in NextGen, administer point-of-care tests, and assist with procedures within MA scope.
• Participate in daily pod huddles, team-based care delivery, and follow-up coordination when needed.
• Monitor and respond to patient and team inquiries via phone and email in a timely manner.
• Support patient engagement efforts, appointment prep, and referral coordination related to Optometry and Primary Care.
• Maintain HIPAA and OSHA compliance and participate in ongoing training.
• At all times demonstrates cooperative behavior with supervisors, clients, colleagues and the community.
• Participate in internal quality improvement teams. Works with team members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals for the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Other duties as assigned in support of medical or optometric operations

Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service orientation with a patient-centered approach
• Proficient in computer use, including electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced clinical setting

Core Competencies

• Operatory and materials preparation for optometric and medical procedures
• Accurate and timely patient charting and documentation
• Patient intake, screening, and preparation for examinations
• Direct assistance to providers during clinical encounters

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications

• Completion of a Medical Assistant
• Experience using NextGen or a comparable electronic health record system

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated compassion and cultural humility when working with low-income and underserved populations
• Experience in a nonprofit or community health center setting
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages reflective of the patient population)

Please Note: This position may be grant funded. Continued employment is contingent upon renewed or additional funding and may be discontinued at the close of the grant cycle. Grant funding for any position does not impart any contractual right, either expressed or implied, to remain in Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc.’s employment for a specific period of time. Grant funding does not affect the Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc.’s status as an “at will” employer.