Certified Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician, Certified

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

The Role and Why It's Important

Our Certified Pharmacy Technicians play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of our customers, supporting pharmacists in the preparation and distribution of prescription medications with accuracy, professionalism, and care. In this role, you'll assist with everything from prescription processing and insurance billing to customer service and inventory, all while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and compliance.

If you are detail-oriented, passionate about helping people, and ready to grow your pharmacy career, we'd love to have you on our team.

What You'll Do

• Provide prompt, friendly customer service by greeting customers with a smile, learning their names, and making every interaction a positive one
• Handle customer inquiries that do not require a pharmacist's expertise and judgment
• Accept new written prescription orders and telephoned refill requests at the discretion of the supervising pharmacist
• Contact doctor's offices to take or request refill prescriptions as needed
• Gather and maintain accurate patient information required to prepare prescriptions
• Assist pharmacists in preparing prescription drug products for dispensing
• Prepare and affix labels to prescription containers and prepare prescriptions to be mailed
• Prepare and submit insurance claims and assist with third-party insurance billing and troubleshooting
• File prescriptions after they have been dispensed and report any medication errors to appropriate personnel
• Order, check in, and stock pharmacy supplies and log invoices as necessary
• Perform cash transactions accurately
• Administer vaccines as allowed by law, with required certification where applicable
• Maintain the cleanliness of the pharmacy and dispensing area
• Maintain the confidentiality of customers' private medical information in accordance with HIPAA
• Adhere to all statutes and regulations pertaining to a pharmacy technician
• Work with co-workers as a team to ensure customer satisfaction and a pleasant work environment
• Assist in other areas of the store as needed and take on special projects as assigned
• Maintain strict adherence to personal hygiene, dress standards, and all Hy-Vee policies and store guidelines
• Report to work when scheduled and on time

Your Skills

• Apply logical and scientific thinking to solve problems involving both abstract and concrete variables
• Perform arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric calculations accurately
• Compose original correspondence, follow technical manuals, and evaluate technical data
• Counsel and advise customers and interact professionally with patients, healthcare providers, and team members
• Maintain a high level of discretion and integrity when handling confidential patient information

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Health Wellness Home, Store Operations, and Perishables; Pharmacy Department Manager; Staff Pharmacists

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Certified as a licensed technician through a certified national program required; must maintain continuing education requirements to keep license active
• Previous experience as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy clerk preferred
• Vaccination certification required if administering vaccines, as required by law

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in the pharmacy and dispensing area, including extended periods at a pharmacy counter or workstation while filling and processing prescriptions
• Ability to count, pour, package, and label medications, and fill prescriptions under pharmacist supervision, in accordance with state and federal pharmacy regulations
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and sharps (needles, lancets) associated with pharmacy operations and, where certified, immunization administration
• Ability to perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties

Working Environment

This is a fast-paced role in a retail pharmacy where you will handle multiple tasks throughout your shift including filling prescriptions, answering the telephone, and assisting customers. There is occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals or solvents during compounding, including chemotherapy drugs. This pharmacy handles and prepares hazardous drugs; personnel of reproductive capability should be aware that exposure may cause acute and chronic effects, and that following all pharmacy policies and procedures is essential to minimizing risk. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

The anticipated hourly starting wage for this position is $17.00 to $21.25 depending on experience.