Pharmacy Technician, Medically Integrated Dispensing (MID)

Position Summary
The Pharmacy Technician supports the medically integrated dispensing (MID) program at Empowered Arthritis & Rheumatology Center PLLC. The role covers accurate, compliant preparation and dispensing of medications, inventory and documentation management, and medication access support (insurance, prior authorizations, and assistance programs). Dispensing, inventory, and compliance are the primary duties. Medication access and billing support are secondary and may be shared with other team members. The technician works under the supervision of the dispensing physician and, where required, a licensed pharmacist.

Key Responsibilities

Dispensing and Preparation

• Receive, enter, and process prescriptions and orders entered by providers. Final verification is performed by the dispensing physician or pharmacist
• Prepare, package, and label medications accurately per North Carolina and federal requirements
• Stage and dispense intravenous rheumatology biologics for administration in the office as directed by the dispensing provider. Sterile preparation (reconstitution or dilution) is performed by licensed clinical staff, not by the technician
• Support vial-size selection to reduce drug waste, as directed by the provider. The provider determines the dose
• Dispense subcutaneous biologics for patient administration at home as directed by the dispensing provider
• Dispense commonly used oral rheumatology medications, such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and corticosteroids, as directed by the dispensing provider
• Prepare medications for dispensing physician final verification before release to patients
• Obtain patient or representative signature at dispensing
• Follow written safe-handling procedures for hazardous drugs (e.g., methotrexate) under USP <800>, including required training, PPE, dedicated counting equipment, and spill procedures

Inventory and Compliance

• Order, receive, stock, and rotate medications; check expiration dates and remove expired or recalled items; process returns of expired or unused drugs
• Monitor storage conditions, including refrigerator and room temperature logs, and follow the documented response to any temperature excursion
• Maintain receiving and transaction documentation required under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), and follow the practice's recall procedure
• Maintain dispensing logs and repackaging records
• Support state board inspections and internal audits
• Follow HIPAA, OSHA, and all applicable state and federal pharmacy and dispensing regulations

Patient and Provider Support

• Provide clerical and administrative support to patients at pickup, including processing payments and copays under the practice's cash-handling procedures, and refer all clinical or counseling questions to the dispensing physician or pharmacist
• Respond to patient inquiries by telephone or EMR
• Coordinate with providers and clinical staff on refills, dose changes, and new starts
• Monitor refills, adherence, and persistence, and flag gaps to the provider
• Document all patient interactions in the EMR
• Communicate professionally with patients, many of whom have chronic conditions and long-term therapy

Medication Access and Billing

• Assist with insurance verification, claims submission, and rejections, including benefit verification and a cost estimate for patients before infusion starts
• Support prior authorization and appeals both electronically and paper based
• Help patients enroll in manufacturer copay and patient assistance programs, and follow program rules (for example, manufacturer copay cards generally cannot be used with Medicare or other federal insurance)
• Coordinate specialty and biologic medication logistics, including cold-chain receiving and storage

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Active pharmacy technician registration with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow strict documentation standards
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with calculations and labeling
• Basic computer skills and comfort with EHR and dispensing software
• 1 year of experience in a retail, hospital, specialty, or physician-office pharmacy
• Willingness to complete a background check, drug screen, and any required vaccinations

Preferred

• PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT) certification
• Familiarity with rheumatology or specialty medications handling
• Experience with in-office dispensing systems

Skills and Attributes

• Accuracy and thoroughness
• Clear, compassionate communication with patients
• Organization and time management in a busy clinic
• Teamwork with providers, nurses, and front-office staff
• Willingness to train new staff and to cross-cover with team members during absences
• Integrity and sound judgment in a regulated environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods, sit for computer work, and lift up to 25 lbs
• Manual dexterity for counting, packaging, and labeling
• Ability to handle hazardous drugs using appropriate PPE. Staff who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should speak with HR about hazardous drug precautions

Employment Terms

• Classification: Hourly, non-exempt
• Employment is at will. Other duties may be assigned as needed
• EARC is an equal opportunity employer

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25