Process Improvement Technician

Virginia Eye Institute•Richmond, VA

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Improvement Technician is responsible for ensuring high standards of clinical competency, patient care, and technical proficiency across VEI. This role supports the continuous growth of the clinics and the clinical staff through improving clinical workflows, implementing standardizations, and enhanced training and development of skills to have effective and efficient clinics. They serve as an integral part of the training team in promoting VEI’s mission, vision, and values through education and engagement.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), with the expectation to obtain COT within 2 years.
Minimum of 5 years as an Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician working in direct patient care.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Member of American Academy of Ophthalmic Professionals (AAOP).
Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
Exhibit a positive attitude and commitment to excellence.
Dependable and punctual; adheres to attendance policies.
Follow VEI’s policies and procedures with integrity and accountability.
Carries out job responsibilities in an ethical, effective, and professional manner.
Demonstrate adaptability, resilience, initiative, and consistently perform high-quality work.
Innovative thinker with a proactive approach to problem solving.
Foster a welcoming environment by interacting with patients and others in a personable, empathetic, and attentive way, building positive relationships with administrators, physicians, staff, and vendors.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in sensitive situations.
Take ownership of responsibilities and follow through on commitments.
Embrace and demonstrate VEI’s mission, vision, and values in both words and actions.
Actively seek feedback and pursue continuous professional growth.
Demonstrate EQ by showing compassion, self-awareness, and interpersonal sensitivity in interactions.
Serve on the Impact Committee and others as requested.
Advanced knowledge and comprehension of the anatomy and physiology of the eye, ocular diseases, ocular pharmacology, ocular and medical terminology and abbreviations, and optics.
Demonstrate proper clinical workflows and model best practices of clinical skills, infection control, patient safety, and HIPAA and OSHA compliance.
Proficient in using a wide range of ophthalmic equipment and devices across the sub-specialties with the dexterity and precision required to use them safely and accurately.
Knowledge of ophthalmic equipment maintenance.
Capable of simplifying complex concepts and communicating them clearly and effectively.
Effectively manages multiple projects, prioritizing effectively, and drives educational initiatives forward.
Facilitate EMR training to build user competency, emphasizing practical use of eCW for clinical documentation, workflow, and MIPS documentation.
Ability to effectively plan, contribute to, and support the execution of clinical and operational projects.
Adept at assessing and optimizing clinical workflows for improved efficiency and patient care.
Apply both long-term and short-term planning strategies to support clinical and operational goals.
Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and workflow mapping.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and documentation abilities.
Skilled in using Electronic Health Records systems, eCW knowledge preferred.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, using the tools for documentation, data analysis, presentations, and effective communication.
Competent in operating standard office equipment, including telephones, computers, fax machines, printers, and copiers.
Comfortable with virtual training platforms.

Nice To Haves

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) – expected to attain within 2 years.
Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Responsibilities

Assists in the development, implementation, and delivery of a standardized clinical training program, competency checklists, and continuing education modules.
Deliver hands-on clinical instruction for clinical skills, equipment, workflow efficiencies, time management, and patient interaction techniques required to be an ophthalmic technician.
Identify and implement time-saving strategies and tools to streamline exam workflows and improve EMR documentation, while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Support the trainee’s transition to clinic once they have completed the training program.
Collaborate with the Clinical Trainer, Physicians, and Clinical Managers to address training needs and gaps for trainees and any clinical staff.
Conduct skills assessments for potential new clinical staff when required.
Provide retraining and skills refreshers or training to clinical staff as needed.
Assist in providing skills based clinical instruction to clinical staff to advance skills, knowledge, and technician involvement.
Analyze clinical workflows to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in clinics.
Help clinical staff develop the skills to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.
Work with leadership to update processes that enhance technician productivity and patient outcomes.
Assist in developing and maintaining best practices for clinical skills, procedures, and processes.
Develop templates and shortcuts within eCW to efficiently flow through the chart.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training program through assessments and performance metrics and work with the Clinical Trainer to refine the program as needed.
Conduct chart audits as it pertains to clinical staff documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Assist in projects related to clinical standardizations, enhancements, and improvements.
Formally track the progress of trainees by completing the competency review form weekly.
Coordinate with clinical staff to provide updates on trainee progress during their transition into the clinic.
Observe and assess trainees and all new clinical staff at 3, 6, and 12 months to maintain consistency in skills and provide feedback and additional education/training as needed.
Provide positive and constructive feedback on performance daily for trainees/clinical staff.
Encourage self-reflection and provide support and resources as needed for trainees/clinical staff.
Allow open dialogue and questions from the trainee to build confidence and gain clarity.
Celebrate milestones and progress to boost morale and motivation.
Regularly communicate feedback regarding a trainee’s progress to the Clinical Trainer during the training period.
Communicate with Physicians and clinical staff when working with a trainee for placement and for positive and constructive feedback.
Develop and maintain effective and positive relationships with clinical staff, colleagues, managers and administrators, physicians, and patients.
Collaborates with other clinical departments for cross-training needs.
Facilitate onboarding for new clinical staff and interns.
Provide mentorship for all clinical staff.
Serve as a role model for professional behavior, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Cultivate an environment that encourages continuous learning, fosters professional growth, and promotes mutual trust with clinical staff.
Encourage growth opportunities for clinical staff to advance their career.
Promote a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and respect across all levels of clinical education.
Represent VEI at educational events, health fairs, and professional meetings.
Works as a technician in a clinic when needed for staffing.
Perform other duties as assigned.