Job Title:

Technician Development Lead Location:

Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax, VA (travel to all locations as needed is required) Reports to:

Technician Supervisor Schedule:

Full-time, Monday -

Friday FLSA Status:

Non-exempt Effective Date:

7/1/2026

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for working with the Technician Supervisors and Education Specialist to lead the ongoing development, coaching, competency assessment, and performance improvement of the technician team. The incumbent focuses on ensuring technicians continue to develop beyond their initial orientation through individualized coaching, competency-based training, workflow improvement, and continuous professional improvement. Working in partnership with the Education Specialist, physicians, Technician Supervisors, and leadership, this position bridges the gap between initial onboarding and performance expectations by providing remedial training, supporting technicians on improvement plans, introducing advanced clinical skills, and promoting standardized best practices throughout the practice. Unlike traditional supervisory roles, this position emphasizes education, mentorship, and continuous improvement rather than administrative personnel management.

Essential Responsibilities:

Technician Development & Performance Coaching (40%) o Manage individualized learning plans for technicians requiring additional coaching. o Provide one-on-one clinical coaching through direct observation and hands-on instruction. o Lead retraining initiatives for technicians demonstrating performance or competency gaps. o Partner with managers to develop and implement skill-based improvement plans for technicians requiring additional training. o Identify root causes of technical or workflow deficiencies and tailor coaching accordingly. o Monitor technician progress through measurable competency milestones. o Reinforce physician preferences and standardized workflows. o Document coaching activities, competency evaluations, and employee progress. o Recommend successful completion of remedial training when competency has been demonstrated. o Provide follow-up coaching to ensure sustained performance improvements. Continuous Learning (15%) o Deliver ongoing learning programs for technician staff. o Assist with training on new equipment, technology, and ophthalmic procedures as needed. o Manage competency checklists, skills assessments, and educational materials. o Coordinate cross-training across physician specialties and diagnostic testing. o Maintain a structured continuing learning program for the technician department. Clinical Quality Improvement (15%) o Conduct regular competency assessments through direct observation. o Audit technician documentation and patient workups. o Monitor consistency in technician performance across providers. o Identify recurring knowledge or workflow deficiencies. o Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and patient safety. o Assist with implementation of standardized clinical workflows. o Track department quality metrics related to technician performance. o Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives. Clinical Leadership & Collaboration (15%) o Serve as the clinical resource for technicians seeking guidance. o Collaborate with physicians to identify educational needs. o Partner with the Education Specialist to ensure a seamless transition from orientation to ongoing development. o Provide feedback to department leadership regarding technician competencies and development opportunities. o Assist with succession planning and technician career advancement. Direct Patient Care (15% or more based on business needs) o Maintain proficiency in all technician responsibilities and assist in clinic operations as needed, including but not limited to patient workups, visual acuity, refraction, tonometry, OCT, visual fields, topography, pachymetry, fundus photography, biometry, lensometry, patient education, EMR documentation Performs other related duties as assigned. The responsibility of this position is subject to change based on business needs.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Passion for teaching and developing others Excellent coaching and mentoring skills Strong interpersonal and communication abilities Ability to identify performance gaps and create individualized development plans Knowledge of adult learning principles Strong organizational and project management skills Ability to influence without relying solely on formal authority Strong clinical judgment Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills Commitment to continuous improvement Ability to build trust and maintain positive working relationships

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent is required Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) is highly desirable Minimum five years of ophthalmic technician experience in NVOA or similar setting Demonstrated expertise in ophthalmic clinical skills Experience in mentoring or training staff is highly desirable

Physical Requirements:

Ability to travel to all three office locations Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and assisting patients Manual dexterity to operate ophthalmic instruments Adequate visual and hearing acuity to perform duties and respond to patient needs