Pharmacy Technician - Certified - Full-time - AAMC

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. Delegated tasks are performed in accordance with standard written procedures, guidelines and State and Federal Regulations.

Essential Job Duties:

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

1. Accurately and efficiently, and with minimal supervision, performs drug distribution, medication preparation, compounding, dose calculation, and quality assurance/improvement tasks in accordance with established Departmental procedures. Incorporates practice modifications required by patient age group.
2. Maintains knowledge and understanding of the AAMC Department of Pharmacy standard work, policies, and procedures as established during training and validated via ongoing competency assessments. This includes, but is not limited to, timely preparation of medications for pharmacist check, workflow SOPs executed within established time constraints, use of appropriate medical terms and abbreviations, patient confidentiality, and punctuality and attendance requirements. 
3. Delivers medications to appropriate locations manually, via pneumatic tube, or by refilling automated dispensing cabinets.  Monitors medication storage environments outside the pharmacy for appropriate conditions and regulatory compliance.  Assists with unit inspections when designated.  
4. Complies with Federal, State and Department policies for controlled substance distribution and management.  Follows all procedures for utilizing Secure-Send function of the pneumatic tube system, completes controlled substance self-audit reports with follow-up, and correctly maintains all controlled substance counts and paperwork.
5. Answers phone calls and responds to med messages courteously, follows up appropriately, and maintains a professional demeanor and appearance at all times when interacting with patients, coworkers, or other members of the healthcare team.
6. Complies with USP797 and 800 guidelines for cleanroom environmental maintenance, education, testing, record-keeping and compounding of sterile products. Demonstrates ability to perform required mathematical calculations and conversions.
7. Understands and effectively supports the inventory management and drug distribution technology employed by the Pharmacy.  Generates and accurately interprets reports from the primary hospital information system and other computer-based technology.  Demonstrates unit dose repackaging capability, in compliance with department guidelines.  Minimizes drug waste.  Identifies cost-saving opportunities.  Communicates medication needs or observed changes in utilization patterns to those in authority.
8. Participates in all aspects of the emergency drug supply system and specialty tray maintenance.  Demonstrates ability to repackage drugs appropriately.
9. Participates in the orientation and training of new pharmacy staff, as necessary. Provides clear and accurate instructions, demonstrates the required scope of activities, and reviews the new employee’s/or trainee’s work for accuracy, following all department guidelines. Acts as a resource and source of support for co-workers.
10. Identifies and/or is involved with opportunities for improvement of  key Hospital/Departmental initiatives (e.g. ideas, projects, task or project lead) and contributes innovative ideas for workplace improvement.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

The minimum level of education and experience for this position includes:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Pharmacy experience in hospital or retail setting preferred.

Required License/Certifications: 

• Current registration as a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Intern from the Maryland Board of Pharmacy; in good standing.
• PTCB Certified or ExCPT (National Pharmacy Technician Board Certification).

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

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

Physical Demands – Medium

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,

color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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.