Pharmacy Technician

General Summary:

The Pharmacy Technician will assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing exceptional patient care in a community-focused setting. This role is critical in ensuring that our patients receive accurate and timely pharmaceutical services, particularly in underserved communities.

Employment Status: Hourly – FSLA Non-Exempt Status

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Medication Preparation & Dispensing:
  • Accurately prepare and label medications for final verification by the pharmacist and assisting with ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Dispense medications to patients under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
• Patient Interaction:
  • Provide patients with clear instructions on medication use, potential side effects, and storage as allowed by state board of pharmacy laws.
  • Assist patients with insurance queries, medication costs, and any other pharmacy-related concerns.
  • Ensure patient confidentiality and maintain HIPAA compliance in all interactions.
• Inventory Management:
  • Receive, store, and manage pharmacy inventory, including controlled substances.
  • Conduct regular inventory checks and manage stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking.
  • Assist with the ordering of medications and supplies as needed.
• Documentation & Record Keeping:
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including prescription details and medication histories.
  • Assist in preparing and submitting reports required by the FQHC and regulatory bodies.
  • Handle billing and insurance processing, ensuring accuracy in claims submissions.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Adhere to all state and federal regulations governing pharmacy practices, including Georgia Board of Pharmacy rules.
  • Assist in maintaining the pharmacy's compliance with FQHC-specific guidelines and protocols such as 340B drug pricing program, DEA and HRSA requirements.
  • Participate in regular audits and inspections to ensure the clinic's pharmacy remains in compliance.
• Team Collaboration:
  • Work closely with pharmacists, healthcare providers, and clinic staff to optimize patient care.
  • Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuing education opportunities.
  • Contribute to a positive work environment and promote teamwork within the pharmacy and the broader clinic.

In the absence of the Pharmacist/Pharmacy Manager, the Pharmacy Technician will be asked to perform non-pharmacy-related duties in the front office of the clinic.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Word processing and computer experience required.
• Experience in customer service is desirable.
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks and to maintain flexibility in response to changing demands.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Frequent contact with staff, patients, and the public.
• Prolonged periods of standing and working on a computer.
• Work may be stressful at times and may require occasional evening or weekend work.

HIPAA Disclosure:

This position has access to systems and/or services that contain protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Additionally, the position ensures and adheres to strict confidentiality when handling patient information, according to the HIPAA Privacy Act and supporting GAPHC policies and procedures.

Reporting Relationship: Pharmacist in Charge / Operational Manager

Supervisory Relationship: None

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an accredited Pharmacy Technician program preferred.
• Current Pharmacy Technician certification in the state of Georgia (CPhT) required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a pharmacy setting, preferably in an FQHC or community health environment.
• Strong understanding of pharmacy laws and regulations in Georgia.
• Proficiency in pharmacy software systems and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to satisfactorily perform these essential functions without causing undue hardship for the employer.

• Manual dexterity to handle medications and operate pharmacy equipment.
• Standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing to normal range.