Pharmacy Technician III

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position provides the technical functions associated with the delivery of clinical pharmacy services by maintaining proper stock levels in all pharmacy locations, compounding or otherwise preparing filling, pricing and delivering medications or other related items. The incumbent may perform duties such as entering prescriptions, completing reports, operating and maintaining automated dispensing devices, inputting computer data and providing all aspects of customer service that are required to provide Pharmacy Department services. This positions completes the essential functions of the job under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. A Pharmacy Technician III must meet all the expectations of a Pharmacy Technician II. As a Pharmacy Technician III, this position requires a high level of in-depth knowledge and expertise that is characterized by demonstrating advanced, complex problem solving, practicing in more specialized assignments, leading in the planning coordination and implementation of training programs, and assisting with quality and safety improvement projects.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Assists the pharmacists in advanced and more complex tasks associated with patient care. At the Technician III level tasks are more specialized or require additional experience or expertise.
• Effectively manages supplies of the department.
• Demonstrates complex problem solving of clinical and operational issues within scope of license.
• Demonstrates appropriate independence in conducting job duties under the supervision of a pharmacists.
• Mentors other staff; plans and coordinates the education of staff and other trainees. Can assess technician competencies.
• Able to adjust work to handle high volume, urgent situations.
• Demonstrates appropriate prioritization and sequencing of tasks and is able to forecast potential problems.
• Coordinates patient safety and quality improvement activities.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above.

• Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.

• Familiarity with medical terminology.

• May determine options from a variety of pre-established departmental policies and procedures, but cannot act outside of these unless authorized to do so by a Pharmacist.

• Must be flexible to the work demands of the assigned area. This may include varying work routines according to patient care priorities.

• Major problems encountered by incumbents include first line screening for medication order errors, drug or allergy contraindications, and processing non-formulary drug requests.

• Challenges encountered may include problem solving for operation and maintenance of all automated systems in the Pharmacy Department.

• Performing the essential duties of this position may involve standing for extended periods of time and/or handling heavy or bulky supply containers.

• Knowledge and ability to perform mathematical calculations for extemporaneous compounding and special dose preparation, rectifying drug distribution errors, reconciling billing and administration records, etc.

• Must have excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Understands process improvement methodology

Qualifications

Required

• 2.5 years experience as a Licensed Pharmacy Technician plus at least 6 months full-time equivalent experience within the UUHC system.

Licenses Required

• Current Pharmacy Technician licensure in the State of Utah.

* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves light work that may exert up to 20 pounds and may consistently require light work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects or lab equipment. Workers in this position may be exposed to the chemicals used in a laboratory setting.

Physical Requirements

Listening, Manual Dexterity, Sitting, Speaking, Standing