Call for Quality Assurance (QA) Peer and Practice Assessors

Considering giving back to your profession?  Becoming a Peer and Practice Assessor is a great way to get involved with the College.  This is a casual, contract position.  Peer Assessors can expect to complete 3-6 assessments throughout the year, on average, although additional assessment opportunities may become available. 

The College of Opticians of Ontario (COO) is accepting applications from registered opticians for the role of Quality Assurance (QA) Peer and Practice Assessor.

The QA Program was developed by the College in order to make sure that opticians maintain and enhance their knowledge, skill and judgment so they can provide high quality care. 

The Peer Assessor’s Role in the Assessment

Peer and Practice Assessors conduct objective practice reviews to assess whether the optician is practicing in a manner that is safe, ethical, and competent. Peer and Practice Assessments are educational in nature. They are aimed at helping opticians improve their practice by providing an opportunity to engage and learn from a peer in the profession.   

As a Peer and Practice Assessor, you will:

• Conduct on-site and/or remote practice assessments that include a behaviour-based interview, chart review and equipment inspection. Please note that Peer and Practice Assessments are currently being conducted remotely however, the role may require you to travel to practice locations located within Ontario when onsite assessments resume. 
• Prepare a comprehensive, objective and accurate report of your findings for consideration by the Quality Assurance Committee.
• Be paid a daily fee for services rendered and be reimbursed for travel and meal expenses where applicable. 

Assessor Qualifications and Skills

Applicants for Peer and Practice Assessor positions must:

•    Hold a current certificate of registration as an RO with the College of Opticians in good standing, which includes active engagement in the annual quality assurance requirements.
•    Have practiced in the profession for at least 5 years.
•    Demonstrate current knowledge and skill in contact lens dispensing. Contact Lens Mentor status with the COO is considered an asset.
•    Possess computer proficiency (Microsoft Office) and typing skills. 
•    Be willing to travel within Ontario.
•    Exceptional written and verbal skills.
•    Have no previous conduct history with the College resulting in a decision of the ICRC, Executive Committee, or Discipline Committee, other than a decision to take no action.
•    Demonstrate diversity, equity and inclusion awareness.
•    Work well independently and with remote team members.
•    Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of fairness, impartiality, objectivity, and transparency.
•    Demonstrate critical thinking skills and attention to detail.
•    Demonstrate proficient communication skills. Bilingualism is considered an asset.

Previous experience in interviewing, adult education and/or conducting assessments/audits considered an asset.   

To Apply 

Please submit, a resume and covering letter and three references to pdreyer@collegeofopticians.ca.  
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The selection process will include a telephone interview and reference check.

The College of Opticians of Ontario, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that is reflective of the diversity of the public that we serve. Eligible candidates from equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, including Indigenous persons, racialized persons / persons of colour, women, LGBTQ2S+, and persons with disabilities. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. 

The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals applying to contract positions with the organization. If you require additional assistance for any part of the application process, you may contact Peggy Dreyer, Manager, Professional Practice and Quality Assurance at pdreyer@collegeofopticians.ca.

Peer Assessors are provided with orientation and training prior to conducting assessments.