Pharmacy Technician Specialist

SUMMARY:

Reports to Pharmacist-in-charge, Brown University Health Pharmacy. Under the supervision of a Pharmacist and direction of the Pharmacy Technician Group Leader, the Pharmacy Technician Specialist, Retail rotates to all applicable work assignments and work shift as business need dictates and contingent upon individual demonstrated competency of necessary skills and knowledge for the respective area. Utilizes experience-based knowledge to perform more advanced technical functions in preparing, formulating, and packaging medication and pharmaceutical supplies. Assists the Pharmacy Technician Group leader to coordinate activities in keeping with the scope of services provided, and with consideration to the age of the patients/customers being served. Interacts professionally as needed with patients/customers, practitioners, and their support personnel to obtain accurate information, including insurance information, needed to process patient/customer prescriptions, and to process accurate payment transactions. Accesses, inputs and retrieves necessary information using multiple pharmacy system applications.


PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.

• Exhibits a friendly, pleasant, and helpful nature demonstrating a strong customer service orientation when interacting with patients/customers, practitioners, and support personnel. Responds to questions relative to cost and availability of medication and pharmaceutical supplies. Informs patients/customers, practitioners, and their support personnel of wait times and any issues regarding drug availability, including advising on the refill authorization process for expired prescription orders.

• Protects and maintains patient/customer confidentiality while collecting patient/customer personal information necessary for filling prescriptions such as name, address, date of birth and insurance information. Enters pertinent patient/customer data into appropriate pharmacy systems in order to ensure accurate charging for services and processing of insurance billing/payment as well as patient/customer co-pay information. Collects and processes payment for patient/customer transactions.

• Assists patients/customers in resolving identified problems. Refers patients/customer questions concerning medications and drug interactions to the pharmacist on duty.

• Determines patient needs and as appropriate, facilitates referral to case management, if required. Promotes and facilitates available pharmacy services including delivery of prescriptions and/or medical equipment to discharged patient’s bedside.

• Rotates to all applicable work assignments and work shifts as business need dictates and contingent upon individual demonstrated competency of necessary skills and knowledge for the respective area.

• Assumes responsibility for assigned areas of the pharmacy including inventory management, medication purchasing, medication compounding and repackaging, dispensing, and sales.

• Prepares, formulates, and packages medications including hazardous substances, controlled substances, and other pharmaceutical supplies under the immediate supervision of a pharmacist.

• Coordinates quality assurance activities for assigned areas of the pharmacy.

• Ensures medication supply areas are neat and orderly, chemotherapy agents are appropriately segregated, and all medications are stored under proper conditions for light, temperature, and sanitation.

• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities and medication safety initiatives of the pharmacy. Utilizes approved process for reporting actual, prevented and near miss medication errors.

• Acknowledges and demonstrates professionalism for self and others.

EXPERIENCE AND BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

• High school graduate or equivalent degree. Completion of one to two years of college preferred.

• Maintains current unrestricted Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician licensure.

• Holds and maintains current National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) or has a minimum of one-year licensed pharmacy technician work experience, sits for National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) exam within first 6 months of hire, and achieves and maintains National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) within 12 months of hire.

• Must possess solid computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, as well as email and calendar applications. Must be comfortable in using internet web applications and multiple pharmacy system applications.

• Strong customer service presence and verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact effectively with patients/customers, practitioners, and ancillary staff.

• Work is exacting and requires the ability to maintain attention to detail in a high paced environment to avoid errors in medication dispensing and payment transactions.

• Must be able to multi-task and reprioritize as needed while maintaining accuracy and service standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have the physical ability to lift, carry and maneuver medication delivery equipment and pharmaceutical related inventories, requiring the ability to grasp instruments and use finger dexterity. Work may require extended periods of time spent standing and walking.

• Work requires the visual acuity and manual dexterity necessary to operate a personal computer, to accurately input data into various applications and systems, and to navigate screens on computer monitors.

• New hires into this position must successfully pass a drug screen in conformance with Rhode Island State Law.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

• Performs independently within department policies and practices.

• Refers specific complex problems to supervisor where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None.

Pay Range:

$19.97-$32.96

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906

Work Type:

Rotating 8 hour shifts Mon-Fri 7a-7pm; Rotating Sat 8-430

Work Shift:

Variable

Daily Hours: 

8 hours

Driving Required:

Yes