Ambulatory Pharmacy Technician, Lead

Sutter Health•Los Altos, CA

About The Position

The Lead Ambulatory Pharmacy Technician coordinates the overall operation of pharmacy technicians, including staffing and work assignments. The role serves as a liaison between the department and staff, information systems, physicians, patients, families, and other site staff. It performs pharmaceutical procedures for medication preparation and distribution to support safe, effective, and cost-efficient medication therapy, and uses sound judgment and developed clinical skills to provide timely pharmaceutical support for patients’ plans of care based on their diagnoses. The position adheres to applicable local, state, and federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to ensure privacy and safety. It may also perform specific tasks and orient other staff to the department. The ideal candidate resides within a commutable distance of Los Altos, California. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt role scheduled for 40 hours per week on day shifts, Monday through Friday, with rotating weekend requirements. The pay range is $42.05 to $58.87 per hour; the range may vary based on work location. Starting pay considers factors including experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Pharmacy Technician program, or meeting Board of Pharmacy requirements to obtain registration.
One of the listed credentials: Registered Pharmacy Technician (PHRMTECHR), Certified Pharmacy Technician (PHARMC), Pharmacy Technician (PHARMT), or Pharmacy Intern (PHARMI).
Four years of recent relevant experience.
Knowledge of medical terminology, generic and trade pharmaceutical names, pharmaceutical calculations, and applicable laws and regulations.
Knowledge of different pharmacy practice settings, including narcotic delivery and procedures.
Ability to identify and use pharmaceutical and medical terms, abbreviations, and symbols commonly used in medication prescribing, dispensing, and record keeping.
Basic working knowledge of legal requirements and accreditation standards, including NABP, TJC, Title XXII, DHS, DEA, FDA, and USP.
Written and verbal communication skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.
Well-developed time-management and organizational skills, including prioritizing assignments and meeting deadlines within standardized procedures and scientific methods.
General knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), pharmaceutical technology, EHR, and EPIC.
Ability to perform calculations and basic math needed for common dosage determinations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple tasks, and work in an environment with interruptions.
Ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to achieve departmental and corporate objectives.

Nice To Haves

PTCB certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate pharmacy technician operations, including staffing and work assignments.
Serve as a liaison between the department and staff, information systems, physicians, patients, families, and other site staff.
Perform pharmaceutical procedures for medication preparation and distribution to support safe, effective, and cost-efficient medication therapy.
Provide timely pharmaceutical support for patients’ plans of care based on their diagnoses.
Adhere to applicable local, state, and federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to ensure privacy and safety.
Perform specific department tasks and/or orient other staff as needed.
Protect the privacy of each patient’s protected health information.
Perform basic pharmacy buyer duties.