Pharmacy Technician III - PTI

Job Title: Pharmacy Technician III

Job Code: PHARMT3
Department: Pharmacy
Division: Operations
Salary Level: Non-Exempt 7
Reports To: Pharmacy Director
Last Revised: October 2024

Primary Function

The Pharmacy Technician III serves as the lead pharmacy technician, responsible for technical and support duties associated with pharmaceutical services at Cherokee Indian Hospital. This role includes overseeing and mentoring the pharmacy technician staff, ensuring proper training and quality assurance, and contributing to the provision of accurate and efficient patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Leadership and Scheduling

• Develop and manage the weekly technician schedule.
• Assign and participate in pharmacy technician tasks for both outpatient and inpatient services.

Outpatient Services

• Perform tasks such as data entry, prescription preparation, dispensing refilled medications, and maintaining patient records.
• Manage insurance and billing functions as necessary.

Inpatient Services

• Handle data entry, sterile preparation, unit dose supplies, and inventory maintenance.
• Monitor and address outdated medications.

Inventory Control

• Oversee ordering, receiving, and storage of pharmaceutical supplies, excluding Schedule II drugs.
• Conduct regular checks on inventory for expiration and compliance with storage requirements.
• Maintain and manage automated systems such as ScriptPro and Omnicell.

Training and Mentorship

• Train new pharmacy technician personnel and provide performance evaluations during the probation period.
• Serve as a mentor to pharmacy technician staff and assist in advanced learning opportunities.

Additional Duties

• Reconcile invoices, assist with purchase orders, and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Conduct automated equipment maintenance and department organization.
• Ensure compliance with medication storage standards and safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the pharmacy director or supervisors.

Education/Experience

General Experience

• Knowledge of basic pharmacy processes, pharmaceutical systems, drug names, calculations, and regulations.
• Ability to manage people and resources effectively to provide high-quality patient care.
• Proficiency in role expected within 6-12 months.

Specialized Experience

• Five years of experience as a pharmacy technician, including two years at the Pharmacy Technician II level for internal promotions.
• At least one year of service as an advanced PTCB (CPhT-Adv) certified technician required, or the ability to obtain certification within one year.
• Familiarity with automated systems such as ScriptPro, Omnicell, RPMS, and EHR.

Job Knowledge

• Pharmaceutical Nomenclature: Understanding drug characteristics, strengths, dosages, and calculations.
• Pharmacy Operations: Knowledge of medication storage, sterile and aseptic procedures, and federal laws/regulations.
• Automated Systems: Experience with systems like ScriptPro and Omnicell.
• Technical Expertise: Competency in compounding, dispensing, and quality assurance practices.

Supervision Received

Works under the specific guidance of the Pharmacy Director or designated supervisor. Operates independently in routine technical assignments, referring complex issues to supervisors.

Contact with Others

Frequent interaction with pharmacy staff, CIHA employees, patients, and the public. Professionalism, tact, and courtesy are essential, particularly in challenging situations.

Confidential Data

Handles sensitive patient and operational data. Strict adherence to CIHA and federal confidentiality policies, including HIPAA, is required.

Mental/Visual/Physical Requirements

• Mentally and emotionally demanding role with frequent interruptions in a busy, high-paced environment.
• Requires walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and lifting (occasionally over 15 pounds).
• Proficiency in repetitive tasks such as typing and prescription preparation.

Work Environment

• Primary work in pharmacy areas, clinics, and emergency rooms with potential exposure to infectious diseases.
• May require lifting or moving pharmaceutical supplies over 50 pounds.
• Must be available to work during administrative leave if patient care would be compromised.

Resourcefulness and Initiative

• Must be self-motivated, diligent, and capable of maintaining accuracy and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
• Adapts to changing priorities and meets deadlines while demonstrating patience and courtesy.

Customer Service

• Demonstrates superior customer service aligned with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values.
• Seeks opportunities to provide excellent service to patients and staff.

Detailed Pharmacy Technician Job Duties

Patient Care Functions

• Assist pharmacists in providing patient pharmaceutical care.
• Calculate and prepare dosages as prescribed by physicians.
• Explain pharmacy policies and procedures to patients.

Inventory Control

• Manage and monitor medication stock, including automated dispensing systems.
• Ensure compliance with storage requirements and proper disposal of outdated drugs.

Outpatient Services

• Handle data entry, prescription preparation, and patient counseling under pharmacist supervision.
• Support insurance billing and ensure compliance with third-party payer requirements.

Inpatient Services

• Prepare sterile compounds and unit dose medications.
• Assist in filling medication carts and maintaining records for hospital departments.

General Department Duties

• Maintain clean, organized pharmacy and storage areas.
• Dispose of expired medications and patient-sensitive materials responsibly.
• Ensure all activities align with CIHA’s standards of practice for pharmacy services.

This role requires a dedicated individual with advanced knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence in pharmacy services.