Pharmacy Technician

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Pharmacy Technician to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmacy operations, particularly in Psychiatric, Behavioral healthcare environments. This role is essential in providing exceptional patient service and care, ensuring the safe and effective administration of medications.

Duties

• Medication Preparation & Distribution
• Prepare unit-dose, blister pack, or multi-dose packaging of medications for inpatients.

2. Controlled Substances Handling

• Assist in tracking and maintaining accurate records for Schedule II-V controlled substances.
• Conduct inventory counts with a pharmacist and ensure secure storage and handling in compliance with DEA and state regulations.
• Monitor for discrepancies in controlled drug use and report irregularities per hospital protocol.

3. Psychiatric-Specific Medication Support

• Prepare and process high-alert psychotropic medications (e.g., clozapine, lithium, antipsychotics) with extra care and required documentation.
• Track and document labs or monitoring parameters required for specific psych meds (e.g., clozapine REMS monitoring, lithium levels).
• Ensure timely preparation of PRN (as needed) medications commonly used in acute behavioral crises (e.g., benzodiazepines, antipsychotic injections).

4. Medication Order Entry & Processing (Under Pharmacist Supervision)

• Input medication orders into the pharmacy information system (e.g., EPIC, Cerner) for pharmacist verification.
• Update patient medication profiles as needed.
• Communicate with nursing staff to clarify non-clinical medication issues (e.g., missing doses, delivery time).

5. Inventory Management

• Receive and stock medications, including psychotropic and emergency drugs.
• Monitor drug inventory levels and expiration dates, especially for time-sensitive psychiatric meds.
• Manage emergency kits/crash carts and ensure psych-related medications are up-to-date.

6. Interdisciplinary Communication

• Communicate regularly with nursing staff on medication availability, substitutions, or delays.
• Attend behavioral unit huddles or rounds if required to support medication-related coordination.

7. Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records for compounding, packaging, and inventory logs.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards, and California Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• Assist with internal audits or inspections related to medication storage and documentation.

8. Patient Safety & Support

• Flag potential issues like duplicate therapy or missed doses to pharmacists.
• Identify signs of medication diversion or misuse and report to the appropriate staff.
• Assist in preparing medications for discharge when required.

9. Education & Training

• Stay up to date with psychiatric medication handling procedures and safety alerts.
• Participate in hospital training related to behavioral crisis management, safety protocols, and pharmacy updates.
• Assist pharmacists in compounding medications (oral liquids, creams, etc.) as permitted by California Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• Accurately fill medication carts and individual patient cassettes.
• Label medications in accordance with California law and hospital protocols.
• Retrieve and restock medications from automated dispensing cabinets (e.g., Pyxis, Omnicell).

Requirements

1. Licensure & Education

• Current, active Pharmacy Technician License issued by the California State Board of Pharmacy (required).
• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Associate degree or coursework in pharmacy, healthcare, or behavioral sciences (preferred but not required).

2. Experience

• Minimum of 1–2 years of pharmacy technician experience in a hospital, inpatient, or behavioral health setting (preferred).
• Prior experience handling psychotropic medications and working with patients with psychiatric conditions is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with electronic health records.

3. Technical & Clinical Knowledge

• Understanding of California pharmacy law and DEA regulations, especially as they apply to controlled substances and inpatient settings.
• Competency in compounding, unit dose packaging, and medication cart preparation.
• Knowledge of psychiatric medications, including antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and related monitoring requirements (e.g., clozapine REMS, lithium levels).

4. Behavioral Health Competency

• Ability to work in locked psychiatric units and handle medications in environments with patients who may be unpredictable or in crisis.
• Awareness of mental health conditions and sensitivity to the unique needs of psychiatric patients.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and de-escalate tense situations in collaboration with clinical staff.

5. Communication & Teamwork

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with pharmacists, nurses, psychiatrists, and behavioral health professionals.
• Comfort communicating with staff in high-pressure situations or during behavioral emergencies.

6. Attention to Detail & Safety Focus

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail when preparing and labeling medications.
• Strong understanding of infection control, medication safety, and HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to follow procedures precisely and recognize/report medication errors or safety concerns.

7. Adaptability & Professionalism

• Ability to multitask and adapt to frequent interruptions in a fast-paced psychiatric setting.
• Maintains confidentiality, integrity, and professional demeanor at all times.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training, including crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or safety procedures related to behavioral health.

8. Physical & Mental Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights (up to ~25 lbs), and push medication carts.
• Comfortable working in a secure behavioral health environment with appropriate safety measures in place.

Job Types: Full-time, PRN

Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $26