Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician supports the pharmacy department by assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a commitment to patient safety and confidentiality. The Pharmacy Technician works closely with pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to support positive patient outcomes and ensure safe medication management.

Position Responsibilities:

Medication Preparation & Dispensing

• Assist pharmacists in preparing, filling, and labeling prescriptions for hospital patients and outpatient services.
• Measure, mix, and compound medications following established procedures under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Ensure accuracy in medication packaging, labeling, and distribution.
• Assist in preparing and delivering medications to patient care areas promptly and efficiently.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate medication inventory levels by tracking stock, placing orders, and receiving shipments.
• Conduct regular inventory audits to identify and prevent shortages or expired medications.
• Properly store medications according to regulatory guidelines and hospital policies.
• Collaborate with pharmacy staff to optimize inventory management and prevent medication waste.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain compliance with all State and Federal pharmacy laws, Joint Commission standards, and hospital policies.
• Accurately document medication transactions, including controlled substances, in appropriate logs and systems.
• Assist in maintaining records of medication dispensing and administration for audits and compliance reviews.
• Ensure adherence to hospital infection control and safety protocols when handling medications.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Work closely with pharmacists, nurses, and physicians to facilitate safe and effective medication management.
• Communicate effectively with healthcare providers to resolve medication-related issues and ensure seamless patient care.
• Support interdisciplinary teams by providing medication-related assistance during patient care rounds or emergencies.
• Assist in training new pharmacy technicians and healthcare staff on pharmacy procedures, systems, and safety protocols.
• Participate in team huddles, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance pharmacy services.

Customer Service & Patient Support

• Provide courteous and professional support to patients, nurses, and healthcare providers regarding medication inquiries.
• Assist in resolving prescription discrepancies by communicating with prescribers and insurance providers as needed.
• Educate patients on proper medication use, storage, and potential side effects under pharmacist supervision.

Operational Support

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment in the pharmacy area.
• Support pharmacy staff with clerical tasks, billing, and insurance claim processing as needed.
• Participate in hospital emergency preparedness efforts, including medication supply management during crises.

Organization’s expectations of Employee:

• Represents North Valley Hospital and facilities positively and professionally by exemplifying the vision, mission, values, and goals of North Valley Hospital.
• Maintains attendance by working the hours of the position. Follows policies and procedures regarding attendance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, and leaves of absence.
• Uses the timekeeping applications efficiently and accurately.
• Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean; wears name badge while on duty
• Uses good customer service skills by relating to staff/healthcare providers, patients/residents, customers, and the general public courteously and diplomatically under all circumstances.
• Compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate in CQI/QAPI activities, NVHD Performance Improvement Initiatives, and Disaster Preparedness education/exercises, and complete duties as assigned in case of emergencies/ICS stand-up.
• Completes mandatory training timely.
• Demonstrates the ability to make decisions, take appropriate action, and follow tasks through to completion.
• Effectively collaborates with peers and team members, using tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in potentially sensitive or emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrates leadership responsibility and skills, including planning and completing duties with minimal directions from the supervisor when appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned, provided skills, abilities, and qualifications are appropriate and sufficient training is provided.

Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; must have speech, vision, smell, touch and hearing corrected to normal range. The employee must frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Mental requirements: Must be able to apply common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure; must be able to read, write, and speak clearly.
• Work environment: Works inside in close working quarters with co-workers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Exposures: Muscular strain, body fluids, behavior of clients/patients/residents, infectious material, chemicals/cleaning solutions, potential allergens such as plants/flowers, and noxious odors.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program is preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a hospital or retail pharmacy setting preferred.

Licensure & Certification

• Current Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is required (or must be obtained within a designated timeframe).
• Must be licensed or registered as a Pharmacy Technician in the state of Washington (or able to obtain prior to employment).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology, medication classifications, and dosage calculations.
• Proficiency in using pharmacy information systems and electronic health records (EHR).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in medication handling.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and support staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while prioritizing patient safety.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and /or additional languages

Why Choose North Valley Hospital District?

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Earn between $22.00 - $38.00 per hour (DOE), plus medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.
• Collaborative Team Environment: Work alongside pharmacists, nurses, and physicians who value your expertise.
• Rural Healthcare with Big Impact: Experience the rewarding challenge of serving a close-knit community where your work truly matters.
• Professional Growth: Gain experience in hospital pharmacy operations, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and expand your skills in a supportive setting.

What You’ll Do

• Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications for hospital patients and outpatient services.
• Ensure accurate medication labeling, packaging, and distribution.
• Manage inventory, track stock levels, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Work collaboratively with nurses, physicians, and healthcare providers to support patient care.
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing patient and provider medication inquiries.
• Help maintain a safe and efficient pharmacy environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Washington State Pharmacy Technician License (or ability to obtain before hire).
• CPhT Certification through PTCB or NHA (preferred or willing to obtain).
• Experience in hospital or retail pharmacy (preferred but not required).
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• A team-oriented attitude with a passion for serving patients in a rural healthcare setting.