Pharmacy Technician Specialist - Inpatient - St. Joseph Warren Hospital

Shift/Schedule: Full Time - Scheduled for 40 Weekly Hours, Monday through Friday, Days/Afternoons (7:30am-4pm)

About the role

Under general supervision, assist the pharmacist in processing medication orders by selecting, assembling, and preparing medications to be dispensed for inpatient (acute care; hospital) and/or outpatient (ambulatory; retail; home infusion) services. A Certified Pharmacy Technician Specialist will spend a majority of their time leading a specialized activity within the department, which may include:

• Patient Medication History Technician Specialist
• Patient Medication Assistance Technician Specialist
• Chemotherapy IV Compounding Technician Specialist
• Sterile IV Preparation Oversight Specialist
• Research Technician Specialist
• Surgery Technician Specialist
• Pharmacy Inventory Specialist

Technicians at this level should have at least 2 years of experience working in a pharmacy and complete all necessary training and competencies to work in the defined specialized activity.

Responsibilities

• Assist the pharmacist in preparation of medications for patients within inpatient and/or outpatient service areas.
• Accept new written, faxed, or electronic prescription orders from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent.
• Perform sterile and/or non-sterile compounding in compliance with United States Pharmacopeia guidelines.
• Interview patients to obtain accurate home medication lists and enter medications into the electronic health record (Patient Medication History Technician Specialist).
• Identify and enroll patients in medication assistance programs to decrease financial burden and facilitate access to free/low-cost medications (Patient Medication Assistance Technician Specialist).
• Assist in the preparation and handling of IV chemotherapy, including managing hazardous waste and record keeping (Chemotherapy IV Compounding Technician Specialist).
• Ensure compliance with United States Pharmacopeia, State Board of Pharmacy, and other regulatory bodies (Sterile IV Preparation Oversight Specialist).
• Assist in preparation, handling, and inventory of surgery-related medications, including narcotic and charge reconciliation (Surgery Technician Specialist).
• Assist in the preparation and handling of research medications, including ordering supplies and record keeping (Research Technician Specialist).
• Maximize efficiency and processing of pharmacy dispensing, maintain and optimize central pharmacy automation, and ensure compliance of new staff training (Pharmacy Operations Specialist).
• Receive, distribute, and manage inventory of drugs and IV solutions, reconcile charging issues, and ensure proper medication storage (Pharmacy Inventory/Charge Specialist).
• Maintain and optimize automated pharmacy dispensing systems (Pharmacy Automation System Administrator).
• Assure accurate and timely filling, distribution, and receiving of medications, IV solutions, floor stock, and controlled substances.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and stock automated drug dispensing units, central pharmacy automation, floor stock, and anesthesia/code/trauma carts.
• Assist in the education and precepting of new pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students.
• Assist other service area staff with medication/pharmacy-related issues via telephone or in person.
• Lead or participate in performance improvement activities.
• Perform diagnostic laboratory testing as defined in state laws/guidelines.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Vocational/Technical Degree - Completion of ASHP/ACPE tech training program, pharmacy technician training via Armed Forces/Veterans Affairs, or respective state department-approved career tech high school program (preferred).
• 1 year of experience in Retail, Ambulatory, Outpatient, Hospital, Acute Care, or Home Infusion pharmacy (required).
• ExCPT Certification provided by the National Health Career Association or Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification and registration with State Board of Pharmacy (required).
• Valid state driver's license (required).

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including:

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Skills

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Stocking Medications
• Mathematically Proficient
• Processing Prescriptions
• Dispensing Prescriptions
• Robotic Dispensing Systems
• Prioritization
• Performance Improvement
• Packaging Medications
• Compounding Medications
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Problem Solving
• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Training Employees
• People Leadership
• Microsoft Office
• Enthusiasm to Learn
• Active Listening
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Professional Judgement
• Medication Transport
• Inventory Management

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• HSA/FSA options and life insurance.
• Mental health resources and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave.
• Short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.