JOB TITLE: PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE: 32700

DEFINITION: This is non-professional work in a state facility pharmacy.

An employee in this job performs a variety of non-professional pharmacy tasks under the monitoring and direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Work involves assisting with preparing and dispensing medications, including packaging and labeling individual or bulk prescriptions. Work includes maintaining pharmaceutical supply stocks and performing related housekeeping duties. Supervision is received from a licensed pharmacist who reviews work in accordance with prescribed practices, protocols, and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Assists the pharmacist with preparing various pharmaceutical preparations such as solutions, suspensions, creams, and ointments by measuring, weighing, and compounding components.

• Prepares medication orders for dispensing under the supervision of the pharmacist including counting pills, tablets, and capsules; filling tablet boxes, bottles, and other packaging materials; and creating and affixing labels.

• Assists in maintaining pharmaceutical inventory based on reorder levels including ordering drugs, chemicals, antibiotics, biologicals, and pharmaceutical preparations from pharmaceutical vendors and drug manufacturers.

• Receives and stocks pharmaceutical orders and identifies and processes expired medications for manufacturer return, credit, or third-party disposal.

• Checks, stores, and dispenses pharmaceutical supplies and maintains associated records.

• Enters and maintains pharmacy records of prescriptions, drug orders, and patient information to maintain patient profiles, bill prescriptions, reconcile rejected claims, and run standard reports.

• Monitors and maintains inventory and usage records of controlled substances.

• Maintains and cleans pharmacy equipment, sterilizes bottles and glassware, and performs a variety of housekeeping tasks to maintain the pharmacy in a sanitary and organized condition.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of non-professional pharmacy operations and equipment.

• Knowledge of usual dose or dose ranges, generic and brand drug names, and the abbreviations and symbols commonly used in prescribing and dispensing drugs.

• Knowledge of the procedures used to weigh, measure, and compound pharmaceutical preparations.

• Knowledge of the proper methods of storing various drugs and medications.

• Knowledge of inventory and control procedures.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret written information.

• Ability to read and interpret numerical data.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations used in a pharmacy.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience assisting a licensed pharmacist in the preparation and dispensing of medications in a pharmacy;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require active authorization to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania.

• All employees possessing an active temporary registration as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee must obtain registration as a Pharmacy Technician within the two (2) year period defined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.