Position Objective:

Under the direct supervision of a Maryland-licensed pharmacist and in coordination with other technicians, the Pharmacy Technician performs various support activities and duties within the Pharmacy Department by assisting in the timely preparation, packaging, distribution and delivery of medications with an emphasis on providing prescription medications to patients who request the service at discharge. Delegated pharmacist tasks are performed in accordance with standard written procedures, guidelines and State and Federal Regulations. The major job responsibilities of this position are: initial prescription processing in the pharmacy system, medication preparation and compounding, drug distribution, documentation of patients’ receipt of medication, collection of payment or co-payment for medication from patients, customer service and quality assurance/improvement in accordance with established Departmental procedures; accurately and efficiently; with minimal intervention.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

1. Drug Distribution, Medication Preparation and Compounding: Obtains and maintains appropriate knowledge and understanding of the AAMC Department of Pharmacy’s Employee Pharmacy. This knowledge will include an overview of the Pharmacy, the content of the Pharmacy’s training program/competencies, services provided and other topics as assigned; Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the Bedside Dispensing Pharmacy Technician work-shift/position within the pharmacy and on the patient care units; Uses appropriate pharmaceutical-medical terms, abbreviations, and symbols common to the prescribing, dispensing, and charting; Maintains and applies a working knowledge of the general chemical, physical properties and safety concerns of drugs handled in the pharmacy department. This includes, but is not limited to identifying medications that are: high alert, SALA, light sensitive, requires refrigeration, are caustic, medications designated as hazardous, or poisonous. Is able to use reference books and website references for stability information or material safety data sheets (MSDS). Carries out the calculations required for the usual dosage determinations and solutions preparation, using weight and volume equivalents in the metric systems; Fills, packages and initials patient medications orders/labels in a timely fashion for final check by a pharmacist; Assures appropriate storing of pharmaceuticals (i.e. refrigerated IVs, meds); Assures prompt delivery/receipt by designated hospital “system” (i.e. Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) hand-deliver) to provide timely delivery to patients being discharged; Processes billing for medications accurately and timely. This includes prompt facilitation of 3rd party billing and collection, from patients, of electronic payment/co-payment for prescription; Using and maintaining equipment and computer programs (i.e. SRS, Epic, Unit-dose, packagers, telephone, etc.); Performs the essential functions relating to inventory management; communicating med needs and/or changes in utilization patterns.  Minimizes drug waste. Identifies cost-saving opportunities.
2. Customer Service/Liaison Activities: Interacts effectively with other members of the health care team on a regular basis and in a professional manner. Maintains confidentiality of patient information during these interactions; Answers phone calls courteously & promptly and follows through appropriately in a timely manner. Triages/processes computer messages, telephone inquiries, while determining priorities and notifies the pharmacist as appropriate; Able to function within the computerized patient profile system to review orders, process orders, answer questions by patients, nurses, pharmacists, and physicians in a timely and accurate manner; Provides services in accordance with unique operational procedures specific to the Employee Pharmacy in providing bedside prescription dispensing services.
3. Quality Assurance/Improvement: Performs scheduled medication (e.g. narcotics) distribution/documentation functions within the computerized inventory system.  Monitors for, and informs management of controlled substance discrepancies in count or usage; Follows all procedures for utilizing the Pneumatic Tube System including the “Secure send” function/ documentation as needed; Participates in the orientation and training of pharmacy staff, as necessary. Provides clear and accurate instructions, demonstrates the required scope of activities, and reviews the new employees/or trainees work for accuracy, following all department guidelines. Acts as a resource for all new employees; helps co-workers; Identifies and/or involved with opportunities for improvement or key Departmental initiatives (i.e. ideas, projects, task or project lead).
4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of retail pharmacy experience. Previous experience/competency in Hospital Pharmacy preferred.
• Understands Pharmacy Regulations pertaining to delegated pharmacist tasks.
• Possess abilities and a thorough knowledge base, understanding, and level of proficiency to assure adherence to standard procedures applicable to pharmacy services in the hospital setting.
• Outstanding customer service skills are required.
• Computer Skills required; keyboard skills, proficiency in navigating the Microsoft Windows PC environment; ability to learn Hospital/Pharmacy PC applications. Basic math skills to calculate doses (solids and liquids), concentrations, and compounding calculations including proficiency with metric calculations are required.
• Knowledge of medications, trade/generic name, dosage forms and usual doses of the top 100 meds; ability to learn or look-up information about trade/generic names, dosage forms and usual doses of meds contained on AAMC Formulary.
• Able to adapt to and handle frequent interruptions and changes in workload and work schedule to meet patient care needs.

Required License/Certifications: 

• Pharmacy Tech Registration

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands -

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.