Pharmacy Technician

The permanent/full time Pharmacy Technician will be directed by the Pharmacist I, Pharmacist II, and/or Pharmacy Services Manager in the Pharmacy at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties, but not limited to:

DRUG DISTRIBUTION:

• Follow pharmacy and nursing policy/procedures and Administrative Directives regarding medication processes at Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero.
• Fill Unit Dose patient medications.
• Operate the repackaging machines to package medications into unit dose packets.
• Fill and restock the Automated medication Dispensing Devices (ADDs) throughout the hospital for administration to patients.
• Maintain the repackaging machine and the ADDs (cleaning and basic maintenance).
• Fax validated physician medication orders to the appropriate units.
• Filing documentation.
• Interface with units regarding unit dose processes and Automated Dispensing Devices.
• Fill prescriptions for discharged patients to be verified by the pharmacist on duty.
• Process and assemble injectables and intravenous admixtures for verification by the pharmacist on duty.
• Make any necessary medication deliveries related to the operational needs of the pharmacy/facility as requested by the supervisor(s) or pharmacist(s).

AUTOMATION:

• Accurately read and interpret physician's orders.
• Work directly with pharmacists to ensure accuracy of data collection, interpretation, and input of physician orders.
• Interface with unit regarding physician orders scheduling, distribution of automated Physician Orders (PO) and medication administration records.
• Interface with unit staff for retrieval of copies of physicians' orders.
• Process patient medication transfer orders.
• Print monthly medication administration records for the units.Knowledge of medical terms, abbreviations, medications (Brand, generics, dosage forms, strength, and upper limits).

PROCUREMENT AND STORAGE :

• Utilize prime vendor software to purchase pharmaceuticals.
• Stock medication inventory on shelves, and rotate stock.
• Participate in checking for outdates (expired/expiring medication) on all pharmacy medication inventory, ADDs inventory throughout the hospital, Emergency Kits, and Crash Carts.
• Participate in medication room inspections.Update shelves with prime vendor stickers.Research and process recalled medications.
• Clean medication inventory shelves.
• Maintain and update medication information in the automated dispensing system and repackaging equipment.
• Collect and dispose of wasted medications in the appropriate waste receptacles.
• Help stock/restock unit emergency kits and crash carts.
• Provide training and share knowledge to new and existing pharmacy staff as directed by supervisor(s).

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on an certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.


It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.


Click here to take the Pharmacy Technician (DMH) Examination or Pharmacy Technician (CCHCS) Examination


Please note the DMH examination has cutoff dates, please apply for and take the examination at your earliest convenience. The CCHCS examination is scored instantly.


Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

• This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• PHARMACY TECHNICIAN, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-536209


Position #(s):
455-427-7658-001

Working Title:
Pharmacy Technician


Classification:
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES $4,062.00 - $5,086.00 T
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
DSH - Atascadero


Work Shift:
09:00 - 17:30


Work Week:
Monday - Friday


Department Information The Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.


Department Website:


Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA Pharmacy Technician License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Postal
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
PO Box 7005


Atascadero , CA 93423-7005


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Drop Off
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real


Atascadero , CA 93422
Building 105 - Drop box available after hours
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other -
  • Candidates who believe they meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) based on a pattern of education, as outlined in the classification description (specifications), must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcripts showing how many units completed with their application (STD. 678). Higher degrees cannot be accepted as proof of a lower degree.
    • Transcripts must include candidate's name, the name of the school, and the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, in order to be considered for this position.
    • Foreign transcripts must include verification for US equivalency from an independent company.
    • Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts.
  If you are not using education to meet the MQs, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Pharmaceutical Calculations: A solid understanding of pharmaceutical calculations is necessary for accurate medication dispensing and dosage calculations.
• Medical Terminology: Knowledge of medical terms is vital for understanding prescriptions and interacting with healthcare professionals.
• Attention to Detail: This is a critical skill for ensuring accuracy in prescription filling and patient information, directly impacting patient safety.
• Communication: Effective communication is needed to interact with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Organization & Multitasking: Pharmacy technicians must be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently to ensure smooth operations.

Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually - specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io
California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Information
Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
• Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
• This position requires candidates to take and pass a drug screening test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.