Outpatient Pharmacy Technician I

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: Under the direction of a staff pharmacist and/or certified pharmacy technician specialist, follow established policies and procedures to perform a variety of routine technical and clerical support tasks that are integral to the operation of the pharmacy department. Tasks include, but are not limited to, preparation and distribution of unit dose medications, outpatient prescriptions, and stock orders.

These tasks are designed to assist the pharmacist in the preparation and delivery of pharmaceutical supplies and medications in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and other regulatory agencies as applicable. Most tasks require the review and authorization of a licensed pharmacist. Staffing assignments include the roles of delivery technician and central technician.

No Direct Patient Care All age groups Adolescence (13 to 17 years) Neonates (birth to 1 month) Young Adult (18 to 25 years) Infant (1 month to1year) Adult (26 to 54 years) Early Childhood (12 months to 5 years) Senior Adult (55 to 64 years)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:.

1. Staffing and Competency

a. Perform medication deliveries and distribute medications to patient care areas employing barcode scanning.

b. Perform all required pharmaceutical dosage calculations necessary to prepare extemporaneous dosage forms as applicable under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

c. Return unused medications for credit employing barcode scanning and perform medication expiration date checking as assigned.

d. Fill medication requisitions and type labels for ambulatory and discharge prescriptions for all applicable patient care areas.

e. Manage inventory in all pharmacy areas and automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) and charge stock orders, ADC shrinkage, and patient and clinic requisitions.

f. Provide information and triage phone calls to the appropriate individual within the pharmacy department when answering the phone.

g. Carry out duties and responsibilities as assigned by certified technician specialists, pharmacists or pharmacy managers.

h. Maintain clean and organized work areas.

2. Technology a. Utilize area-specific technology, including, but not limited to, robotics, automation, software, equipment, and information systems.

3. Quality and Safety a. Follow institutional and departmental policies and procedures.

b. Demonstrate accountability and ownership of job responsibilities.

c. Exhibit professional behaviors and attitudes related to communication, punctuality, workplace attire, personal internet or phone use, and teamwork.

d. Carry out departmental and institutional patient safety initiatives.

e. Report safety issues identified during the course of job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Must be at least 18 years of age.

3. Must be a registered Pharmacy Technician with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy or a registered Pharmacy Intern

with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy.

4. Successful completion of an accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program is highly desirable.

5. Must be a Board Certified Pharmacy Technician from a nationally approved technician certification board within one year

of employment or a registered Pharmacy Intern with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy.

6. Must maintain the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician with a nationally recognized certificate from an accredited

certifying body or be a registered Pharmacy Intern with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy.

7. Must complete annual Continuing Education credits as required by the certifying body to maintain certification.

8. Upon departmental orientation and annually thereafter, must complete training, which includes, but is not limited to:

a. Institutional Safety Training

b. Annual Departmental Technician Competency Assessments

SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPENTENCIES:

1. Possess command of the English language.

2. Read, interpret, and follow complicated verbal and written instructions with accuracy, precision, and dependability.

3. Work with sustained attention and care on routine, repetitive tasks.

4. Perform the common mathematical calculations associated with preparing non-sterile, extemporaneously manufactured

pharmaceutical products and other medication doses.

5. Work accurately under stress with time constraints.

6. Possess communication skills and a thorough understanding of pharmacy policies and procedures.

7. Perform job duties in a professional and courteous manner and maintain working relationships with physicians, nurses,

pharmacists, and other health care professionals.

8. Possess time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks under time constraints.

9. Organize and maintain efficient work areas and services.

10. Make decisions based on knowledge of procedural requirements in conjunction with specific skills and task related

functions.

11. Distinguish routine functions from those requiring a pharmacist's professional judgment.

12. Spend most of the work time standing or walking in order to complete daily tasks.

13. Occasionally lift heavy loads in setting up and filling medication supply orders.

14. Continuously acquire skills necessary in the operation of pharmacy equipment.

15. Understand basic medical terminology, abbreviations, and computer operations.

16. Follow all applicable state and federal controlled substance regulations at all times