Contingent Licensed Pharmacy Technician-Outpatient

Pharmacy Technician

Under the immediate supervision of a pharmacist and pharmacy department leadership, provides daily pharmaceutical support services for the Department of Pharmacy according to established procedures and in compliance with pharmacy laws, other regulatory agencies and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Performs pharmacy supportive functions requiring an advanced level of technical knowledge, independent judgment, and a high degree of accuracy. Participates in departmental educational activities and competency assessment. Demonstrates performance that consistently meets quality assurance standards, complies with state and regulatory requirements, and assumes responsibility for all aspects of retail pharmacy operations. Participates in any special projects designated by the pharmacist or department manager. Supports the retail pharmacy services at the direction of the pharmacist.

Minimum Education, Licensure / Certification and Experience Required.

Education

• High School Graduate or GED or equivalent.
• Completion of formal technician education program and/or completion of an Associate's Degree is preferred.

Licensure / Certification

• Current licensure as Pharmacy Technician in the State of Michigan.
• Certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is preferred.

Special Skill / Aptitudes

• Excellent customer service orientation skills necessary in order to deal effectively with various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers and community groups.
• Essential mathematics skills to be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.
• Possesses effective computer and keyboarding skills; ability to work with Pharmacy Information Systems and automation used in the medication use process.
• Able to use email to communicate with other members of the department including pharmacy management.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions in a fast based work environment.
• A team oriented colleague that is detail oriented and passionate about medication and patient safety as well as quality initiatives.
• Excellent customer service orientation skills necessary in order to deal effectively with patient as well as various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers and community groups

Experience

• Previous pharmacy experience with retail based pharmacy experience preferred. Formal technician training program experiential education may be considered in lieu of work experience.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Greets customers, guests and Health System personnel. Compiles appropriate patient/customer information, including third-party coverage, medication history, appropriate personal information, etc., required to process a prescription.
• Reads and interprets prescriber medication orders or prescriptions, assists with filling, processing and dispensing of medications including re-packaging and labeling medications, with final check performed by a pharmacist.
• Solicits necessary information from patients regarding the nature and extent of insurance coverage.
• Completes input of patient information, insurance coverage and prescription data into the pharmacy computer system.
• Assists in maintaining all necessary paperwork and related legal requirements such as prescription files and controlled substances. Monitors any unusual activity for potential drug diversion.
• Orders drug inventory and supplies, including but not limited to placing the order with the vendor(s), receiving orders, verifying contents, pricing goods, stocking, handling returns, and completing necessary paperwork for record keeping and regulatory requirements.
• Delivers medications to discharge patients in the hospital if desired prior to discharge as part of the RX to Go program. Collects information from the patient and documents any charges owed for the medication electronically.
• Demonstrates competency with all pharmacy automation and medication use information systems, including bar code scanning, to safely and efficiently prepare medications for patients.
• Prepares and compounds medications including extemporaneous products and dermatological preparations.
• Adheres to all safety measures for handling chemotherapy/hazardous materials.
• Completes reconciliation of third party billing records, rebills or follow-up of rejected claims, communicating problems and/or discrepancies to the pharmacist(s). Responsible for the pharmacy's accounts receivables, preparing private data charge billing on a timely basis, processing charges in the computer and distributing statements, credits the accounts with payments, prepares accounts receivable bank deposits, and responds to other questions concerning the accounts.
• Responsible to close-out the register on a daily basis which involves preparing the bank deposit and completing sales information on the transaction log.
• Maintains the drug inventory process by rotating and restocking drug shelves needed to filling prescriptions or purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or other supplies. Ensures the maintenance of a clean and orderly work area.
• Supports the drug inventory process including rotation and restocking of drug dispensing areas including OTC areas with drugs and supplies needed to process prescriptions. Ensures the maintenance of a clean and orderly work area.
• Communicates effectively with customers, physicians, Health System personnel, and external vendors by answering phones/voice mail, and responds promptly to their requests by procuring urgently needed medications or by routing requests to applicable personnel. Determines when phone calls or emergency situations need to be referred to the staff pharmacist.
• Interacts with patients and staff on hospital units to support the discharge 14 prescription program.
• Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.
• Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places. Accesses protected health information only as necessary and according to hospital and HIPAA guidelines.
• Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to ensure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.