At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.
Departmental Overview
The Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Mission Statement Advancing optometric education, clinical practice, and vision research for the benefit of society. Vision Preeminence and leadership in optometric education, patient care, and vision science. Values and Guiding Principles At Berkeley Optometry and Vision Science, as part of a world-renowned university that embraces excellence and access, we foster an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and personal resilience and achievement. We demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. These principles serve us daily in our reasoning and actions and aid us in our decision-making. The mission of the School is executed by approximately 20 ladder-rank faculty, 8 emeriti faculty, 133 full and part-time clinical faculty, 70 staff, 30 professional researchers, 20 graduate students, and 26 visiting faculty and postdoctoral research scholars. The staff includes professional, health care, technical, research, and clerical representation and provides support to a complex array of functions. We educate an estimated 320 students annually. Our O.D. program is a 4-year program with clinical training provided at 2 campus clinics, 10 satellite clinics (community care), 7 VA clinics, and 24 external clinics across the country. Our one-year post-graduate residency programs provide advanced clinical education in specialty areas of optometry to 18 residents with placement on and off-campus and our Vision Science program consists of 40 Ph.D. students. The Optometry Clinic provides comprehensive optical care services to the entire campus population and the general Bay Area community, with approximately 80,000 annual visits to Optometry Clinics at Minor Hall and the Tang Center. The Optometry Clinic is open 7 days per week and approximately 358 days per year.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 9/5/2023
Responsibilities
I. Administrative Activities:
Complete tasks specific to one of the 13 specialty clinics and ensure the workload is completed efficiently and correctly.
Assist and Monitor all inbound/outbound communication via the clinic email account, including phones and emails.
Fill in necessary positions and side tasks when coverage is needed.
Provide written instruction for all specific tasks within the respective specialty.
Train new Assist. 2 in front desk tasks and specialty clinics if necessary.
Work closely with specific clinic chiefs and doctors relevant to the employee's assignment.
Assist with assignments and distribute workload: manage day-to-day workflow within a group or unit: report to manager or supervisor regarding workflow completion.
May coordinate implementation and oversee the work of a group assigned to a specific project, including identification of assignments and responsibilities, establishing work deadlines for project team members, and coordinating the completion of activities.
Oversee all insurance prior authorizations, which include all commercial, government, and charitable organizations
Work with providers/clinicians to ensure medication refills requests are being completed in a timely manner
Act as a liaison between Patient Services and all Clinic Chiefs
Assist Management with coverage during supervisory meetings
Assist with emergency and provider line
II. Patient Appointment Activities:
Patient screening: COVID questions and temperature checks at the front entrance
Courteously Answer incoming phone lines and screen, route, take messages or respond as appropriate
Triage patients to determine which clinic fits the patient care needs; request assistance from more experienced staff if in doubt.
Schedule patient appointments on the computerized scheduling system according to patient, clinician, or doctor requests, following all correct procedures and entering all necessary information accurately.
Communicate last-minute patient schedule changes to Clinics, providers, or other staff as indicated.
Accurately update patient demographics in the computer database.
Obtain and accurately enter patient insurance information as needed; follow correct procedures for updating insurance records on the computer database and filing of authorizations or other paperwork to ensure correct processing of patient billing.
Obtain insurance eligibility and authorizations as needed and communicate lapses of coverage to patients at the time of appointing
Schedule patient follow-up visits as requested by the provider(s).
III. Clinic Operations Activities:
Back-up front desk and task duties as needed
Open /setup/closing of clinic, following all guidelines.
Provide cashiering support (collect & process payments) as needed, following all proscribed guidelines.
Settle credit card machines and transfer all receipts according to defined procedures.
Balance the previous day's receipts with reports from the patient database following prescribed procedures.
Run computerized reports of patients or schedule activity for Clinic Administration, as needed.
Monitor breaks and lunch with other staff members to ensure optimal desk coverage
Assist with records room procedures as needed. Follow up with insurance companies when discrepancies or issues concerning patient coverage arise
Process records requests (patients and providers)
IV. Skills Development and Training:
Take part in any training offered to further knowledge of the Clinic procedures/policies and other assigned duties as necessary
Required Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of administrative procedures and processes, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Requires good verbal and written communication skills, active listening, critical thinking, multi-task, and time management skills.
Requires interpersonal and work leadership skills to provide guidance to other nonexempt personnel.
Education High school diploma or equivalent experience/education.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.44/hr.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information
Hiring to fill 3 positions.
100% FTE, Full-Time Career appointment
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical Exam
Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.
Mandated Reporter
This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
The University of California was chartered in 1868 and its flagship campus - envisioned as a "City of Learning" - was established at Berkeley, on San Francisco Bay. Today the world's premier public university and a wellspring of innovation, UC Berkeley occupies a 1,232 acre campus with a sylvan 178-acre central core. From this home its academic community makes key contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Bay Area, California, and the nation.