Pharmacy Technician Specialist - Retail

Reports to Manager Retail Pharmacy Services. Under the supervision of a Pharmacist and direction of the Pharmacy Technician Group Leader the Pharmacy Technician Specialist 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.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & 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.