Definition: Under supervision of the Division Chief of Specialty Care this position will be responsible for the clinical and managerial oversite of the optometry service line. Primary responsibilities of this position include providing optometry services to patients as well as overall management of the day-to-day clinical operations of the optometry division, maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, ensuring continuity and consistency in delivery and quality of services, training and development of staff, development and implementation of programs to enhance patient satisfaction, and establishment of a climate necessary for continuous improvement. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Clinical Tasks:

• Perform comprehensive eye and vision tests.
• Diagnose sight and eye conditions and assist in treatment of eye diseases such as myopia, astigmatism, and glaucoma.
• Prescribe corrective lenses (e.g., glasses, contacts) and/or eye medications as appropriate.
• Explain eye health, eyewear, eye care techniques, and prescription terminology to patients.
• Evaluate patients for the presence of other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, and refer patients to other healthcare providers and specialists as needed.
• Promote eye and general health by counseling patients on the effects of things such as diabetes, obesity, and smoking on overall eye health.
• Facilitate outstanding patient services during all interactions.
• Keep updated and accurate medical records for all patients.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Division Chief of Specialty Care to maintain and enhance departmental operation

Administrative Tasks:

• Provides full administrative supervision and oversees the day-today administration of the optometry division. 
• Serves as a communication liaison with the Chief of Specialty Care, Practice Manager, providers, staff and technicians. 
• Assists Practice Manger in formulating and adhering to division budgets.
• Prepares shift schedules and coordinates time off, process weekly time records for direct reports
• Maintains assigned clinic area oversite by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing operational policies and procedures.
• Resolving conflicts among staff and between staff and patients
• Participate in the writing and interpreting HHS & RPHC policies and procedures
• Oversees the problem-solving and troubleshooting activities involving technicians, staff and other intradepartmental and interdepartmental personnel. 
• Develops staff goals and objectives for evaluation, evaluates performance of assigned department staff and conducts timely performance evaluations (EPAR’s)
• Follows all departmental and Community policies and procedures
• Maintains department direction with River People Health Center objectives on standards of operations including monitoring productivity and revenue projections. 
• Evaluates processes and procedures within scope of the assigned clinic area operations for quality workflow processes, recommends changes to meet the organizational goals, 
• Responsible for periodic reporting of key performance indicators to executive team and the Quality Committee. 
• Identifies reimbursement issues and takes timely steps to resolve,
• Observes policies, procedures and guidelines with respect to the HHS and RPHC’s protocols.
• Ensures staff are qualified and trained with tools to support successful execution of their duties,
• Assigns and directs the daily workflows and associated clinic area activities
• Ensure all patient interactions will be conducted in accordance to HIPPA regulations to maintain patient confidence and protect confidential information.
• Maintain current and updated professional knowledge and proficiency of the scope of service of assigned clinic area through continuing education, staff meetings, training and conferences, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of eye conditions and vision defects
• Knowledge of quality assurance processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of the IHS formulary and policies.

• Skill at using the tools and equipment such as Retinal Camera, Phoropter, Ophthalmoscope, autorefractor and Slit Lamp.
• Skill with verbal and written communication and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, clients, families, community groups and health professionals.
• Skill managing various employee types in stressful situations.

• Ability to treat all kinds of patients with kindness and discretion from young children to the elderly
• Ability to use effective conflict resolution skills and to be the forefront of disputes between patients and providers, or patients. Include the ability quickly mediate and resolve issues in a respectful manner and in an environment where patients are in a vulnerable and potentially reactive position.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with SRPMIC co-workers, all health care staff and especially with patients and their families.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use effective time management skills, including simultaneously oversee numerous aspects of the day-to-day operation, effectively prioritizing tasks, making and adhering to deadlines, and assisting other staff with their work.
• Ability to deal with sensitive issues and maintain appropriate, professional and confidential relationships,
• Ability to incorporate cultural differences, health beliefs and learning styles,
• Ability to develop and implement program protocols as well as identify and address programmatic problems.
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment including cellular phone, photocopier, FAX machine, label printer and computer.
• Ability to lift and carry 10 lbs.

Education & Experience: A Doctor of Optometry Degree from an accredited college or university, AND two (2) years’ full-time experience as a licensed Optometrist required AND at least one (1) year of leadership experience.

• Must be a licensed Optometrist in the State of Arizona
• Familiarity with the Indian Health Service preferred

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

• May be required to work outside normal work hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. 

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date. 

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted. 

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.