Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, the pharmacy technician assists in the preparation, processing, and dispensing of prescription medications and supports daily retail pharmacy operations to ensure accurate, efficient, and customer-focused pharmaceutical services. The pharmacy technician contributes to safe medication practices, inventory management, billing processes, and excellent customer service in compliance with federal, state, and Board of Pharmacy regulations.

All employees are expected to perform their duties in alignment with CIH's mission, values, and vision. This position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks that contribute to a high level of customer satisfaction, patient care, and operational excellence, while treating all individuals with respect and dignity.

Essential Functions

1. Receives, reviews, and processes prescription orders and refill requests under pharmacist supervision.
2. Accurately enters prescription information into the pharmacy computer system.
3. Selects, counts, measures, and prepares medications according to prescription orders using appropriate tools and equipment.
4. Labels and packages medications, ensuring correct drug, strength, quantity, directions, and auxiliary labels.
5. Assists with third-party billing, insurance claims processing, and resolving basic claim rejections.
6. Provides courteous customer service in person and by telephone, referring clinical questions to the pharmacist.
7. Maintains patient profiles, prescription records, and other required documentation.
8. Performs inventory management, including ordering, receiving, stocking, rotating, and returning medications and supplies.
9. Removes and properly disposes of expired, damaged, or recalled medications according to policy.
10. Maintains pharmacy cleanliness and organization, including workstations, shelving, and storage areas.
11. Assists with point-of-sale transactions as applicable.
12. Complies with all federal and state laws, Board of Pharmacy regulations, HIPAA, and pharmacy policies and procedures.
13. Supports quality assurance and medication safety initiatives.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Requirements

1. Knowledge of pharmacy terminology, abbreviations, and dosage forms.
2. Knowledge of basic math calculations related to pharmacy practice.
3. Knowledge of retail pharmacy workflows and prescription processing.
4. Knowledge of applicable federal and California pharmacy laws and regulations.
5. Accurate data entry and attention to detail.
6. Operating pharmacy dispensing equipment.
7. Customer service and professional communication.
8. Organization, prioritization, and time management.
9. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
11. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
12. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
13. Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
14. Ability to lift and move items consistent with pharmacy operations.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic setting. Frequent interaction with patients, physicians, and CIH staff is required. Employees may be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to clinical environments. Adherence to safety policies and health regulations is mandatory.

Organizational Requirements

1. Comply with organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
2. Participates in performance improvement, quality assurance, and patient safety activities in accordance with CIH policies.
3. Adhere to all HIPAA regulations as outlined in the HIPAA Policy and Procedure Manual.
4. Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
5. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills for interdepartmental and intradepartmental interactions.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by physicians and supervisors.
7. Complete additional administrative tasks and projects as needed.

Attitude and Professionalism

1. Maintain a positive and caring atmosphere for patients, families, and colleagues.
2. Uphold CIH's mission and vision in all job responsibilities.
3. Foster a cooperative and effective work environment through teamwork and collaboration.
4. Exhibit professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to organizational values.
5. Promote a positive public image of CIH.
6. Demonstrate a strong work ethic, flexibility, and accountability.

Physical and Mental Demands

1. Work closely with patients of all age groups, considering age-specific needs.
2. Engage in varied physical activities including standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.
3. Maintain manual dexterity for operating computers, telephones, office, and medical equipment as necessary.
4. Possess corrected vision and hearing within normal range.
5. Work efficiently in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful environment.
6. Handle frequent interruptions and manage potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, or deaths.
7. Respond effectively to emergency and crisis situations following established policies.
8. Mitigate risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and hazardous chemicals.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of pharmacy experience or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• Current Pharmacy Technician Registration with the California State Board of Pharmacy required.
• National Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB or equivalent) preferred but not required.