Pharmacy Technician IV - Drug Diversion Prevention

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

6d

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only): Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only) Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000 Career Training and Educational Opportunities Merchant Discounts Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
The Pharmacy Technician IV for Drug Diversion Prevention assists with oversight of highly sensitive, health system-wide (inpatient and outpatient) controlled substance monitoring and opioid stewardship initiatives. The employee applies knowledge of pharmacy practice, hospital policies/procedures, and regulatory standards involving controlled substances (e.g., Drug Enforcement Agency, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, The Joint Commission, etc.) to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Judgment and skill are used to complete analytical functions of the controlled substances monitoring system, including automated dispensing machines, electronic health record, and controlled substance monitoring software. This role involves extensive communication with healthcare professionals inside and outside the department of pharmacy, including resolution of controlled substance discrepancies, and training and education related to controlled substance handling and opioid stewardship. The employee will also function as the key component of the UAMS drug diversion program by compiling and reviewing reports, performing facility risk rounding, and following up on compliance gaps. The employee is expected to maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance while being extremely sensitive to the specific contribution to total patient care.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED PLUS 4 years of work experience as a pharmacy technician
• Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy- Pharmacy Technician License
• 1 year to obtain ASHP/ACPE-accredited technician training or certificate program
• National Technician Certification (PTCB)

Nice To Haves

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree
• National certification in Drug Diversion Prevention
• Experience in controlled substance handling

Responsibilities

• Responsible for assisting with the drug diversion program.
• Conduct surveillance by preparing, monitoring, and analyzing usage reports of controlled substances (e.g., discrepancies, overrides, standard deviations, etc.) and maintaining all related documentation.
• Conduct pharmacy review audits of controlled substance discrepancies utilizing controlled substance monitoring software.
• Communicate with healthcare professionals, keeping them informed of policies/requirements regarding controlled substance storage and distribution, and facilitating resolution of discrepancies.
• Perform data analysis to assess health system-wide compliance with controlled substance handling and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and present reports on controlled substance handling and initiatives to pharmacy leadership.
• Participate in quality improvement projects related to controlled substance handling and opioid stewardship.
• Perform user analytics to identify employees at high risk of controlled substance diversion and participate in investigations.
• Review and investigate discrepancies at automated dispensing cabinets.
• Perform facility risk rounding to monitor for controlled substance compliance.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and preparedness for inspections.
• Manage surveyor inquiries related to controlled substances investigations (e.g., providing documentation of diversion monitoring and investigations, retrieving specific data requests, etc.)
• Exhibit effective problem-solving skills to identify controlled substance needs that require investigation and/or intervention.
• Educate and train pharmacy and nursing staff regarding controlled substances handling and diversion prevention.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees