Pharmacy Technician - Dispensing

Job Description

Job Description

Pharmacy Technician - Dispensing

Pay Range: $17-$21 per hour
Location: Sterling, VA
Work Model: In-person
Employment Type: Full-time

About Akina Pharmacy

Akina Pharmacy is a nationally-accredited specialty compounding pharmacy on a mission to enrich lives through compounded medicine. Since 2012, we've partnered with prescribers and patients across the United States to deliver expertly compounded sterile and non-sterile medications when off-the-shelf solutions fall short. We call it the Chemistry of Care™: precision and compassion working together.

Our fast-growing team is guided by an ambitious vision, core values, and a high-performance environment built on clear communication, pragmatic decision-making, and accountability. We hold ourselves to the highest standards. In the pharmacy, that means PCAB accreditation and LegitScript certification. With our people, it means empowering them through continuous growth and support. If you're driven by a passion for meaningful impact and want to be part of a vibrant, people-first team where your contribution genuinely matters, we'd love to meet you.

Our Core Values

1. Excellence Always: We hold ourselves to a high standard and continually push it higher. We bring that standard to everything we do—big or small, seen or unseen—and carry it across the finish line. Our relentless determination to be the best is reflected in the way we work, the details we refuse to overlook, and the results we deliver. This is how we earn the trust of our patients, providers, and each other.

1. Called To Serve: We act for the greater good, putting what is best for the company, our team, and our customers ahead of personal comfort or gain. We go the extra mile for others. Serving this way connects us to a purpose greater than ourselves: Enriching Lives. It gives deeper meaning to our work, and it’s why Akina exists.

1. Total Ownership: We take full responsibility for our work, decisions, and results. We don't wait for permission or instructions; we initiate and drive outcomes. When faced with setbacks or challenges, we stay focused on what is within our control and respond with solutions and action. That level of ownership means people can count on us through thick or thin, and gives us the power to take meaningful action as a unified team toward achieving our shared mission.

1. Open and Honest: We listen and seek to understand feedback, new ideas, and perspectives that challenge our own. We speak the truth directly and clearly, hiding nothing and removing all politics from our communication. By choosing vulnerability and transparency over comfort, we make each other better and build the deep trust required to engage in healthy conflict, stay aligned, and solve hard problems.

Position Summary

The Pharmacy Technician, Dispensing plays a critical role at Akina Pharmacy, ensuring that compounded medications are accurately and efficiently filled, labeled, and prepared for delivery to patients. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong sense of accountability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

As a Dispensing Technician, you will manage the final stages of the order fulfillment process by verifying prescription accuracy, preparing orders for pharmacist verification, and maintaining strict adherence to quality and compliance standards. In addition to dispensing medications, you will assist with inventory management, perform compliance-related tasks, and contribute to maintaining a seamless workflow within the pharmacy.

If you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy contributing to a team dedicated to improving patient care, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Efficient Prescription Filling and Labeling: 
  • Accurately fill, label (including custom label generation for compounded preparations), and verify prescriptions while managing and prioritizing the fill queue to ensure timely service.
  • Adhere to fulfillment standards per USP guidelines and Akina SOPs, meeting established service levels to support efficient pharmacy operations.
• Inventory Monitoring and Workspace Management
  • Monitor and restock shipping supplies and maintain an organized workspace to support efficient daily operations.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance
  • Monitor expiration dates and apply FEFO, verify labels meet USP guidelines, and escalate compliance concerns to the pharmacist or supervisor.
  • Document all processes and activities, including outcomes and corrective actions, per USP, FDA, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Prescription Error Resolution: 
  • Process order rejects and resolve problem-orders promptly to ensure smooth workflow and minimize disruptions in the dispensing process.
  • Coordinate with the Clinical Pharmacy team to clarify and resolve order issues, escalating as appropriate.
• Training, Competency, and Continuous Improvement 
  • Maintain required training and competencies in the electronic quality management system.
  • Participate in LEAN initiatives (Root Cause Analysis, Operational Walkthroughs, Internal Audits) to improve operational efficiency and product quality.

Key Metrics:

• Hybrid fill station (sterile and non-sterile Products): fill on average of 150 prescriptions/day
• Sterile fill station (sterile only): fill on average of 260 prescriptions/day
• Complete daily and ongoing tasks, including cleaning, and inventory checks (10-20 per week)
• Complete ongoing self-guided trainings, and manager-led competencies and evaluations (12-15 per year)

How Akina Commits to Supporting You:

• Giving clear directions and expectations
• Ensures you have access to the necessary tools
• Delegates appropriately
• Holds effective meetings
• Meets one-on-one with you quarterly or more, if needed
• Rewards and recognizes your performance

Experience and Qualifications

• Certification and Licensure: Active pharmacy technician certification (CPhT) and licensure in accordance with Virginia Board of Pharmacy preferred. Commitment to maintaining continuing education and staying updated on industry regulations and best practices.
• Dispensing Expertise: 1-2 years of experience in medication dispensing within a pharmacy setting, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and compliance (preferred, not required).
• Performance and Time Management: Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain productivity benchmarks in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with pharmacists, patients, and other team members. Collaborative mindset to ensure alignment with pharmacy operations and patient care goals.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency in pharmacy management systems and software for prescription entry, inventory tracking, and workflow management. Ability to learn and troubleshoot dispensing equipment and technology as needed.
• Preferred Experience in Compounding or Specialized Pharmacies: Familiarity with 503A or 503B compounding pharmacies, including knowledge of aseptic techniques, hazardous drug handling, or specialty medication dispensing (preferred, not required).

Benefits & Perks

• Medical and Supplementary Benefits: Akina Pharmacy offers two medical plan options with employer premium contributions up to 85%, dental and vision coverage, accident and hospital indemnity, and company paid long term and short-term disability options, available after 30 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: Take advantage of generous paid time off to recharge, focus on personal priorities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy six scheduled paid holidays to celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones.