Program Assistant, Vision Program

Helen Keller International; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established organization dedicated to improving vision care for low-income communities is seeking Program Assistants to join their dynamic teams in New York City. In this role, you will travel to various locations, conducting vision screenings and promoting eye care education. The ideal candidates will possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to serving diverse populations. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals receive the vision care they need, while also adhering to professional standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of many.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of related experience in school or health settings preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively across cultures and maintain relationships.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vision screenings and assessments in schools and communities.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and manage program files and records.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-solving

Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

One-year certificate from college or technical school

Tools

Basic Computer Literacy

Job description

Guided by the remarkable legacy of its co-founder, Helen Keller, Helen Keller Intl partners with

communities that are striving to overcome longstanding cycles of poverty. By delivering the

essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition and clear vision, we help millions of

people create lasting change in their own lives. Working in more than 20 countries - across

Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States - and together with a global community ofsupporters, we are ensuring every person has the opportunity - as Helen did - to reach their

true potential.

Background

Recognizing a lack of accessible, adequate vision care among low-income adults and children

in the US, Helen Keller International established the US Vision Program (formerly known as

ChildSight). Since 1994, Helen Keller has provided free vision screenings for more than 2.2

million individuals in the United States and provided more than 375,000 of them with

prescription eyeglasses to solve common vision problems.

We are seeking several Program Assistants to join multiple dynamic implementation teams

serving New York City.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Services

* Travel to schools and/or other host locations in target communities with materials needed to

conduct program activities.

* Partner with representatives at host location to set up space to ensure safe and smooth

operations. Break down and pack up at close of day.

* Conduct on-site program processes such as vision screening, refraction assessment,

eyeglass selection and ordering, assembly and distribution of eyeglasses, and completion of

all program paperwork per program guidelines.

* Promote follow-up eye care by conducting educational information sessions to program

participants and families/guardians regarding the screening assessment, vision health,

potential vision difficulties, and treatments.

* Cultivate and maintain relationships with key program partners to assist in gathering

information and collecting data on program participants.

* Collect and prepare summary of results from impact surveys and share results with

supervisor.

Administrative Duties

* Assure understanding and adherence to HIPAA policy and procedures (national standards

to protect sensitive patient health information).

* Follow Helen Keller's procedures for maintaining all program files, records and documents to

ensure HIPAA compliance.

Requirements

* One-year certificate from college or technical school; plus 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Experience working in school and/or health settings and with adolescents preferred.

* Solid organizational skills and reliable attention to detail.

* Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively across cultures.

* Willingness to travel within the target communities, potentially using own personal vehicle, with supplemental business insurance to be reimbursed by Helen Keller.

* Demonstrated ability to liase effectively with community partners, troubleshoot issues, propose solutions and take proactive approaches to improve program processes including:

o asking for information in a way that is clear and specific; and

o interacting with internal colleagues and community partners with diplomacy and tact.

* Oral and written proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

* Ability to work independently and prioritize workload, assume responsibility for work, and follow through to completion.

* Ability and willingness to work under pressure with a positive attitude as a part of a team.

* Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class, or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional, ethical standards.

* Basic computer literacy sufficient to input quality data into database of record.

* Ability to lift and transport boxes of eyeglasses and/or required daily program equipment that may weigh up to 25 pounds.

* Helen Keller International requires all staff to be fully vaccinated (including one booster) against COVID-19, whether or not they have had COVID.