Pharmacy Technician - Senior Care

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Systems Director of Pharmacy and direct supervision of a registered Pharmacist, and indirect supervision by the Retail Pharmacy Operations Coordinator, the Outpatient Pharmacy Tech performs a variety of duties essential to the purchasing, preparation, distribution and charging of medications. Must be able to perform technician tasks and functions required in the outpatient retail pharmacy related to prescription interpretation, order entry, dispensation, packaging, labeling, billing and inventory. The Pharmacy Tech is expected to train new pharmacy Associates or students. The Pharmacy Tech must demonstrate competency for order entry, third party billing, clerical functions for payment transactions using point of sale software and prescription processing software, preparation of deposit, cash drawer reconciliation, inventory management, 340b software maintenance, patient quality tips and customer service. Must be registered as a pharmacy technician with the KY Board of Pharmacy prior to orientation date. Exhibits the F.I.R.S.T. values (Friendliness, Innovation, Respect, Service, and Trust).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Interprets licensed practitioner orders and accurately enters patient information into computerized pharmacy profile.

1. Screens for and alerts pharmacist to any order entry notices of interactions, duplications or other potential problems identified or generated by computerized software. Make refill or new prescription requests to providers for expired prescriptions.
2. Clarifies order from licensed provider for incomplete, illegible or ambiguous orders.
3. Assists the pharmacist in procuring prior authorization, coupons or discount codes to facilitate patient’s insurance coverage or reduce out of pocket expenses. Initiates generic or therapeutic interchanges as available for the prescription to maximize insurance coverage.
4. Picks medication from shelf per prescription order, scans barcode to verify accuracy during order entry and appropriately packages and labels prescription for safety, including auxiliary labels for safety.
5. Prepares oral, topical and injectable dosage forms, including non-sterile dosage forms, as ordered by the physician under the direct supervision of the Pharmacist. Performs compliance packaging and documentation if required.
6. Appropriately manages will-call station. Facilitates patient safety through implementation of bar code technology during prescription dispensing tasks. Appropriately releases prescriptions and identifies patients.
7. Provides cash, charge, 3rd party and payroll deduction transactions. Prepares cash register balancing and deposit daily. The Technician is trained and proficient in DME sales and billing.
8. Delivers medications to patients, off site deliver locations or curbside /drive thru and completes sales transactions. This position is authorized to gain entry into medication rooms/storage areas and have access to medications within the scope of their essential job description. Must maintain a driver’s license and be insurable on EMH policy to drive a company vehicle.
9. Screens for appropriate storage and security of medications in the Pharmacy. Pulls medications from inventory prior to expiration date. Processes recall notices.
10. Segregates and prepares expired drugs or recalled drugs for reverse distributor/destruction.
11. Maintains a clean and orderly work environment. Performs housekeeping duties as assigned.
12. Assists Pharmacist in maintaining adequate inventory of medications and related stock. Informs supervisor of low stock on shelf or when last item used if unable to reorder independently. Assists in the receiving process for wholesaler orders or direct vendor shipments. Orders sufficient OTC items for front end or other product lines as assigned.
13. May precept and educate new Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Technician Students, PharmD Candidates, Pharmacist Interns and Pharmacist Residents.
14. Maintains records of medication and narcotic distribution while adhering to federal and state laws regarding distribution, dispensing and destruction of controlled substances. Able to audit and resolve discrepancy reports for controlled medication distribution. Maintains perpetual inventory counts for controlled medications. Initiates controlled substance orders with wholesaler (CSOS) for pharmacist approval. Audits dispensing and administration documentation for controlled substance inquiries. Utilizes software to verify accurate quantity of controlled substance dispensed per prescription.
15. Obtains required identification and documentation for sales of controlled substances, exempt narcotics, syringes and pseudoephedrine.
16. Adheres to 340b program policies for eligibility screening and processing, billing of 340b eligible prescriptions. Uses appropriate accumulator reports for replenishment of inventory that is 340b eligible. Maintains current list of qualified child site clinics and providers for 340b programs and selects proper covered entity for prescription processing so accumulation is accurate.
17. Adheres to safe work practices for handling and preparing hazardous or high risk drugs. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment when handling or preparing high risk drugs. Handles hazardous drug waste appropriately to protect self and others from harm.
18. Exemplifies quality patient and customer service by responding to needs communicated by telephone and other communication tools. Professionally manages customer complaints and initiates service recovery when appropriate. Provides excellent customer service to our patients and providers. Works to resolve conflict professionally.

WORKING CONDITIONS, HAZARDS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Schedule includes varied shifts per assignment 7 days/week. Must be attentive to detail. Stress from deadlines strict regulations, and multi-tasking. Regular moving of supplies/equipment up to 25 pounds. Involves the handling, preparation, and disposal of hazardous medications that could pose reproductive risks to those of child bearing age. The tasks of this job do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, but employment may require performing supplemental tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Face masks and other PPE are required for this position.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS

• In addition to working with other Pharmacy Associates, will interact regularly with nurses Physicians and other authorized prescribers, patients EMH Associates and outside vendors or payers.
• Inventory technician role may require coordination of information between hospital and wholesaler, 340b split billing software or other vendors and the EMH 340b Program Coordinator.
• Serves as preceptor/trainer for new pharmacy Associates or students on assigned technical functions. Provides feedback, evaluations of performance or competency checks for assigned trainees.
• Interactions with pharmacists and providers external to EMH for medication reconciliation and prior authorization process.

Qualifications

One (1) year hospital or Pharmacy Technician experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired. Basic algebra skills required to calculate dosages. Rx30 or McKesson Enterprise EMR experience helpful.

Location

Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Inc.

Education Required

High School Graduate or equivalent.

Certification Required

KY Board of Pharmacy Technician Registration required. Pharmacy Technician Certification required within six months.

Compensation:

$14.82-$20.37 rate is based on experience