Optometrist (35 Hour)

Are you an eye care professional who is seeking to find an employer with exemplary healthcare practices?

The Department of Correction (DOC) is seeking an experienced, board-certified Optometrist. This exciting, dynamic position is uniquely positioned to have demonstrative, lasting impact on the health care of the incarcerated population in Connecticut. We invite you to consider this opportunity!

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We take part in a competitive benefits plan which includes:

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick and personal);
• Excellent health, dental and supplemental benefits;
• A Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV).
• State license reimbursement;
• Eligibility to apply for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program;

In addition, the State puts an emphasis on:

• Providing limitless opportunities;
• Hiring for diversity and fresh perspectives;
• Performing meaningful work and;
• Encouraging a healthy work/life balance!

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

The agency is looking to hire for a full-time, 35 hours per week, first shift position. Schedule is Monday-Friday 7:00am and 3:00pm. Discover the Opportunity to: Be part of a 700 member team dedicated to improving the health of nearly 13,000 patients.

This position covers the populations for Cheshire Correctional Institution (CCI), Garner Correctional Institution (GCI), and Manson Youth Institution (MYI), with primary duties located in Cheshire, CT with regular travel to Newtown, CT.

YOUR ROLE

This position will allow a dedicated, experienced, and creative candidate to provide significant impact to the underserved population that make up many of the vulnerable patients within our system. 

As an Optometrist for the State of Connecticut, you can expect to:

• Fulfill public service by providing clinical care to a vulnerable patient population.
• Avoid hassles with insurance companies and billing requirements.
• Work in a safe and collaborative environment with nursing and administrative support.
• Perform charting with a modern electronic health record.
• Have malpractice insurance covered by the State of Connecticut.

OUR MISSION

The State of Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) shall strive to be a global leader in progressive correctional practices and partnered re-entry initiatives to support responsive evidence-based practices aligned to law-abiding and accountable behaviors. Safe and security shall be a priority component of this responsibility as it pertains to staff, victims, citizens and offenders.

Learn more about working for the State of Connecticut from our DOC health services team: 

This role is non-examined and open to the public.

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on listed within the job classification. 

TO APPLY

• Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.
• Please include your licensure and other supporting credentials within your application. 
• In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board daily to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.

Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders daily in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.

At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have any questions about the position, please contact Samantha Rivera, Human Resources Specialist – Talent Solutions at Samantha.Rivera@CT.Gov

In the Correctional Managed Health Care delivery system, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind this class is accountable for providing professional optometry services.

Examines eyes to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and visual skill problems and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and color blindness; evaluates infectious, inflammatory and traumatic conditions and prescribes appropriate treatment including topical medicine; analyzes test results to establish a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment; uses noninvasive procedures to remove foreign bodies from the eye; prescribes, adjusts and fits eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids; educates on preventative measures such as contact lens care, therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision and visual hygiene; consults with and refers patients to ophthalmologist if additional treatment is needed; prepares health record documentation and reports on health services; acts as a liaison between agency and community health providers; may participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary evaluation team; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of methods and principles of optometry including visual functions, defects of vision or other conditions or diseases of the visual system; considerable knowledge of current practices of assessment and treatment of visual acuities; knowledge of recent developments in the field of optometry including treatment models and best practices; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; diagnostic, assessment and evaluation skills; ability to analyze and interpret laboratory and other medical reports and findings.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Considerable knowledge of low vision devices and their use; ability to design rehabilitation programs for the blind and visual impaired.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license to practice optometry pursuant to Sec. 20-130 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
2. BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Incumbents in this class must meet additional credentials as a low vision provider as specified by the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may be exposed to disagreeable conditions, communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive clients.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.