PHARMACY TECHNICIAN FLOAT

Position Summary

This position will perform a variety of clerical duties in the pharmacy program and the medication assistance program. This position will provide key resources to allow the pharmacist to develop innovative, patient-oriented services. This position will assist in filling prescriptions, maintaining stock control of medications and supplies, receives and checks shipments, price items, stocks shelves, and helps keep pharmacy clean.

General responsibilities

• Receives written and call-in prescriptions from patients. Verifies patient information including current insurance information, allergies, etc.
• Types prescriptions, ensuring that current inventory is being maintained, updates profiles, and prices prescriptions.
• Verifies with pharmacist all prescriptions before being dispensed to the patient.
• Gives prescriptions to patient ensuring they understand each medication and asks for pharmacists assistance when needed.
• Collects money for prescriptions, over-the-counter items, etc.
• Maintains an accurate inventory of drugs and supplies by using the first-out method. Periodically auditing stock to ascertain adequate quantities.
• Receives shipments, checking items against invoices, i.e. quantity, prices, etc. Puts up stock and stores perishables in the refrigerator. Prepares reports, types correspondence according to established practices.
• Performs billing functions, i.e. reconciliation, third-party insurances, etc.
• Files a variety of materials and maintains neat and orderly files.
• Maintains neat and orderly work area.
• Assists those without prescription coverage in accessing needed medications at all HCHN medical sites.
• Determines eligibility for appropriate programs and assisting individuals in accessing medications as appropriate.
• Secures completed applications from all sites for the prescription program.
• Secures and retains supporting documenting including financial, residency and prescription information.
• Identifies persons who are GHP Plan A and Plan B members and are in need of prescription assistance services.
• Keeps accurate records of contacts, appointments made and any referrals given related to prescription needs.
• Maintains a file on all pharmaceutical company indigent programs, the eligibility requirements and is able to communicate and identify the best plan for the patient in need.
• Develops relationships with outside providers.
• Develops relationships with drug companys resources for the uninsured and underinsured.
• Works on a routine basis with pharmaceutical companies, physicians, healthcare providers and other organizations networking and navigating the patients ability to access needed resources.
• Acts as an advocate for individual and families with pharmaceutical companies, safety net providers, and community resources.
• Functions as a liaison between HCHN and any 340b pharmacy programs when addressing internet pharmacy needs.
• Trains all new workers on internet prescription programs.
• Coordinates the dispensing of medications ordered through the internet pharmaceutical companies at each clinic.
• Once the provider has completed the labeling of the medications ordered, the Pharmacy tech will ensure the accuracy of dosage, that the provider has signed off for the prescription to be picked up and ensures the medications are ready to be dispensed.
• The Pharmacy Tech will obtain the necessary signatures by the patient once the medications are picked up.
• Ensures the proper documentation is placed into the patients chart for future reference.
• Ensures referrals to GHP or DHS when patients are eligible for state funding or programming.
• Effectively communicates both verbally and written when administering patient assistance as evidenced by showing competence in the following areas.
• Uses positive and appropriate telephone etiquette/techniques when communicating over the telephone.
• Ensures that communication with staff, patients, and external contacts occurs with courtesy, tact and a positive attitude.
• Effectively communicates verbally with patients.
• Able to evaluate patients response to care through observation.
• Communicates with the patient to resolve issues of patient flow and at times when waiting room overflow is an issue.
• Professionally handles patient complaints.
• Completes paperwork and documentation requirements in all job responsibilities as evidenced by showing competence in the following areas.
• Completes the database for internet medications for all sites, reporting the statistics monthly to management.
• Accurately completes patient information for the patient assistance program.
• Prepares reports for the sliding fee program demographics on a monthly basis for the management team.
• Assists patients in filling out required documents for the patient assistance program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate. Completion of Pharmacy Assistant or Technician program and Certified Pharmacy Technician required. Previous experience working with a pharmacy and/or medication program preferred. Two years clerical experience with strong secretarial/computer skills and one year experience as clinical support in a healthcare setting required. Must have proven knowledge of Medicaid and managed care insurance programs.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrates an ability to resolve interpersonal and professional conflicts appropriately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Ability to type 40 wpm.
• Ability to answer the telephone.
• Flexible, with the ability to work independently and with minimal guidance.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, to effectively and tactfully deal with a diverse group of patients, staff, customers, and community groups.
• General computer proficiency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range.
• At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).
• Travel between sites using own vehicle.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Internal office space located in the clinic environment.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.