Pharmacy Technician Specialist - Elyria Cancer Center

Mercy Health BSMH • Lorain, OH

4d

About The Position

The Pharmacy Technician Specialist assists pharmacists under general supervision with processing medication orders and selecting, assembling, preparing, and distributing medications for inpatient and/or outpatient pharmacy services. The specialist spends a majority of their time leading a defined specialty activity, such as medication history, medication assistance, chemotherapy compounding, sterile preparation oversight, research, surgery, pharmacy operations, inventory and charge management, or pharmacy automation. The posting describes this as a specialist role requiring pharmacy experience and completion of training and competencies for the assigned activity.

The role also supports accurate and timely handling of medications, IV solutions, floor stock, and controlled substances; maintains dispensing equipment and related stock; assists with staff education and performance improvement; and responds to pharmacy-related questions. Work may include prescription intake, sterile or non-sterile compounding in accordance with applicable USP guidance, and diagnostic laboratory testing as allowed by state laws and guidelines. The position serves patients across all listed age groups, from neonates through geriatrics.

Requirements

• ExCPT certification from the National Health Career Association or Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification and registration with the State Board of Pharmacy.
• Valid state driver's license.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience in retail, ambulatory, outpatient, hospital, acute care, or home infusion pharmacy.
• The posting's specialist role description states that technicians at this level should have at least 2 years of pharmacy experience and complete the training and competencies required for their defined specialized activity.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served, including neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
• Skills in electronic medical records, medication stocking, prescription processing and dispensing, robotic dispensing systems, prioritization, performance improvement, medication packaging and compounding, attention to detail, customer service, problem solving, leadership, mentorship, employee training, Microsoft Office, active listening, verbal and written communication, professional judgment, medication transport, and inventory management.
• Mathematical proficiency, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work amid periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads, high noise levels, bright lights, potential interruptions, and limited exposure to hazardous substances or body fluids.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment and follow infection-control precautions.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational or technical degree, including completion of an ASHP/ACPE technician training program, pharmacy technician training through the Armed Forces or Veterans Affairs, or a state department-approved career technical high school program.

Responsibilities

• Assist pharmacists in preparing medications for inpatient and/or outpatient patients.
• Accept new written, faxed, or electronic prescription orders from prescribers or their agents.
• Perform sterile and/or non-sterile compounding, where appropriate, in compliance with United States Pharmacopeia guidelines.
• Lead or perform a specialized pharmacy activity, which may include medication histories, medication assistance, chemotherapy IV compounding, sterile IV preparation oversight, research, surgery, pharmacy operations, inventory and charge management, or pharmacy automation.
• Accurately and promptly fill, distribute, and receive medications, IV solutions, floor stock, and controlled substances.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and stock automated drug dispensing units, central pharmacy automation, floor stock, and anesthesia, code, or trauma carts, when applicable.
• Assist with educating and precepting new pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students.
• Assist inpatient and/or outpatient service area staff with medication- or pharmacy-related issues by telephone or in person.
• Lead or participate in performance improvement activities.
• Perform diagnostic laboratory testing as defined by state laws and guidelines.
• Exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and follow infection-control policies.
• Travel by car to off-site locations as required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and a 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED