"Alerted.org

**Job Title:** Pharmacy Technician, Intermediate (Full-Time, 2nd Shift)

**Location:** UPMC Health System

**Shift Hours:** 2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

**Schedule:** Every other weekend and a minimum of two holidays per year

**Job Summary:** We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Pharmacy Technician, Intermediate to join our team. This inpatient pharmacy role involves providing pharmaceutical care to patients, demonstrating proficiency in essential technician functions such as sterile and non-sterile medication preparation, packaging, labeling, filling, and distribution. Services are provided in compliance with Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and State Board of Pharmacy regulations.

Responsibilities:

General:

+ Maintain a clean, organized, and adequately stocked work environment.

+ Ensure all medications are safely and securely stored according to regulations.

+ Comply with Federal and State laws (e.g., HIPAA), regulations (e.g., OSHA), and PBM contracting requirements (e.g., FWA, CMS).

+ Maintain all pertinent documentation (e.g., eye wash logs, refrigerator logs, perpetual inventory logs).

+ Participate in departmental quality improvement activities.

+ Use computer skills to process and maintain patient information and records.

+ Finalize sales using the cash register, following proper cash handling policies and procedures.

+ Audit and maintain accurate records for controlled substances.

+ Procure and maintain adequate inventory levels in applicable areas (e.g., pharmacy medication stock rooms, automated medication carousels, automated dispensing machines).

+ Provide and receive information to hospital personnel, patients, and visitors; refer drug information questions to Staff Pharmacists.

Filling:

+ Work in the Sterile Product area preparing cytotoxic and hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy) using proper aseptic technique.

+ Assist in filling medication orders through correct labeling, counting, and stocking practices; initial and date products as required.

+ Prepare oral and injectable medications (including intravenous admixtures and TPN) for the correct patient at the appropriate time using proper technique.

Distribution:

+ Develop and maintain positive and productive service relationships during the medication distribution process.

+ Participate in the distribution of medication, including medication cassettes, emergency medication carts, and the delivery of controlled substances per department policy and state and federal requirements.

+ Retrieve discontinued medications and return them to the appropriate pharmacy area.

Investigational:

+ Assist in the procurement, accountability, storage, preparation, and distribution of investigational and study drugs.

General:

+ Maintain and update automated med stations, unit and department stock, emergency boxes, and crash carts.

**Note:** The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with the job.

**Additional Information:** We will consider applicants at the Pharmacy Tech Associate level. The final candidate will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary based on individual experience and education.

Education and Experience:

+ High school diploma or equivalent OR completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program.

+ Two years of previous Pharmacy Technician experience OR enrollment in good standing as a pharmacy student.

+ Demonstrated competency in three of the following fourteen skills.

Quality Improvement:

+ Lead and contribute to departmental and collaborative quality improvement initiatives.

+ Assist in data collection, program implementation, and reporting results.

Prior Authorization Processing:

+ High level of knowledge in insurance prior authorization processes.

+ Communicate with patients and healthcare providers, understand necessary documentation, complete paperwork, and assist in follow-up for approvals.

Medication Access and Adherence:

+ Assist patients and healthcare providers with financial coordination using copay assistance, pharmaceutical manufacturer programs, foundation assistance, and UPMC programs.

+ Promote patient health through adherence programs like refill coordination and medication synchronization.

Decentral Participation:

+ Engage in decentralized technician activities including automation management, cassette exchange, and expiration return.

+ Demonstrate customer service during interactions with nurses and monitor pharmacy activities (e.g., turnaround time, stockouts, missing doses).

Medication Reconciliation:

+ Interview patients and caregivers to obtain admission medication information and enter it into the electronic chart.

+ Coordinate medication changes with healthcare professionals and ensure prescription filling upon discharge.

Automation:

+ Proficient in pharmacy automation technologies, including RobotRx and packaging operations.

OR Services:

+ Assist with daily operations in the operating room pharmacy, including drawing up syringes, filling kits, case trays, and managing inventory.

Inventory Processes:

+ Understand best practices in inventory control, ordering, and receiving medication.

+ Comply with laws, regulations, and policies related to procurement.

Non-Sterile Packaging:

+ Package oral dosage forms, including liquid formulations, in the pharmacy packaging system.

Controlled Substance Handling:

+ Assist with ordering, receiving, and filling controlled substances, maintaining documentation in compliance with regulations.

Chemotherapeutic Preparation:

+ Prepare cytotoxic and hazardous drugs (e.g., chemotherapy) with high skill and expertise.

Sterile Compounding:

+ Compound IV medications using aseptic technique, generate reports and labels, and perform nutritional solution calculations.

Order Entry:

+ Assist with medication order entry into the pharmacy information system, including IV admixtures and TPN, under pharmacist supervision.

Adjudication/Billing:

+ Submit prescription information to insurance processors, resolve rejected claims, coordinate multiple benefit payers, and obtain necessary paperwork.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

+ Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

+ Act 34

+ Driver's License

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran