Pharmacy Technician Specialist

Job Requirements

Job Summary

The Pharmacy Technician Specialist is responsible for providing pharmacy services, including, but not limited to, dispensing, preparing, compounding, and delivering pharmaceuticals, performing inventory control, compliance audits, financial transactions, providing customer service, and/or maintaining pharmacy records; is responsible for calculation, measurement, and compounding in accordance with USP and other best practice standards; works as part of an interdisciplinary patient care team, and under direction of the Clinical Pharmacist(s), Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, and/or other pharmacist leaders; performs technical pharmacy tasks such as medication history collection or specialized medication handling, compounding, and or processing; performs specialized pharmacy-focused tasks such as optimizing daily operations through automation, technology and information systems management, data analysis, purchasing and inventory management (including controlled substances), 340B compliance and data analysis, regulatory standards compliance, diversion monitoring and prevention, transitional care coordination, and/or investigational drug services; is a role model to other departmental team members and actively participates in the onboarding and training of staff under the direction and guidance of Pharmacy Leadership; may provide oversight to daily operations of the department, assisting with compliance activities, supporting the pharmacy leaders and pharmacists-in-charge; is designed to utilize and extend knowledge and competency while performing technical pharmacy functions of the Ambulatory Pharmacy, Inpatient Pharmacy, Infusion Pharmacy, or Pharmaceutical Research Center.

Primary Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Selects, packages, and labels medication and supply orders for inspection and approval by a pharmacist. Processes medication orders following proper protocol including accurate data entry of patient information, insurance information (if applicable), and medication order details for verification. Selects correct drug product, fills, and matches labels for each medication order.
• Maintains, tracks, and monitors inventory levels of medications and pharmaceutical supplies in accordance with established par levels and informs the appropriate individual of stock needs and shortages.
• Uses general knowledge of medical informatics including order-entry systems, automated dispensing devices, bar-code technology systems, which may include packaging devices and/or bar-code medication administration (BCMA) systems, clinical integrated systems and system/application maintenance in the performance of daily duties.
• Delivery of medications, pharmacy products, and/or pharmacy services to patients, agents of the patient, or patient care areas in compliance with regulatory standards pertaining to medication handling, storage, and/or security.
• Calculates, measures and compounds medications in accordance with USP 795, USP 797, USP 800, and/or other established practices and policies; may include non-sterile compounding, sterile compounding, and hazardous medication compounding.
• In collaboration with the health care team, pharmacist, and/or patient, identifies and resolves, in partnership with a pharmacist when required, patient specific medication management or medication therapy needs
• Obtains detailed, comprehensive medication history from various sources using strong communication skills for further pharmacist verification, and/or performs specialized medication handling and/or compounding practices for unique patient populations
• Acts as a role model, provides training to team members, provides daily oversight to operations and/or compliance activities, and supports the pharmacist-in-charge and/or leader with the daily activities of the pharmacy technicians.
• Performs specialized pharmacy-focused tasks such as optimizing daily operations through automation, technology and information systems management, data analysis, purchasing and inventory management (including controlled substances), 340B compliance and data analysis, regulatory standards compliance, diversion monitoring and prevention, transitional care coordination, and/or investigational drug services.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Prioritizes work responsibilities and manages multiple demands.
• Demonstrates an awareness of self-responsibility and accountability for own professional practice.
• Adheres to all best practice standards and guidelines within scope of professional practice and follows all hospital policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintains competency in work- and pharmacy-related technology and applications and supports orientation and/or training of team members when appropriate.
• Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary and assertively seeks guidance in areas of question.
• Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making. Accepts change as a part of the problem-solving process.
• Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills, using lines of authority appropriately.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, workshops, in-service meetings, etc.
• Identifies the extent of the health system's adherence to best practices and guidelines relevant to medication management.
• Attends hospital and departmental meetings as required.
• Utilizes appropriate customer relations skills when interacting with patients, their families, visitors, team members, and others, to ensure all customers are treated with respect and dignity.
• Represents the department on hospital committees, professional associates, and community organizations where appropriate.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to medication use and management.
• Maintains knowledgeability of the daily operations of UMMS, including the Pharmacy Department, through active engagement and awareness of departmental communications via mailbox, bulletin boards, and/or email.
• Maintains knowledgeability of the mission, vision, and values of UMMS.

Education & Experience - Required

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• 3 years of experience.
• Maryland Technician Registration.

Education & Experience - Preferred

• 1+ yr Experience managing controlled substances (Schedule II-V), including inventory control in compliance with DEA regulations discrepancy resolution, and secure medication handling.
• Demonstrated experience in narcotic vault operations, controlled substance auditing, dispensing, and regulatory compliance within an inpatient, ambulatory, and/or infusion pharmacy setting.
• Some college is preferred.
• Specialty experience.
• National Certification (CPhT).