Pharmacy Technician

DIHS has a position opening for a Pharmacy Technician to perform a variety of duties related to ambulatory drug distribution and quality control. Incumbent performs all duties related to preparation and dispensing of medication orders.

Duties and Responsibilites:

Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed. Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription. Sets up prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, and placing this medication in smaller containers. After the prescription has been filled, all contents and the label are set aside in order for a final check by a registered pharmacist.

Consults with the MD or clinical pharmacist directly to clarify a prescription problem. This indicates that the tech has the knowledge and experience to recognize a problem in which a physician or clinical pharmacist must be contacted to clarify or change a medication order. This is a much higher level of performance than recognizing a problem but asking a pharmacist to take over.

Incumbent is required to use judgement and experience to determine when the pharmacist is to be immediately alerted to a therapeutic problem. When the technician is asked to act on dispensing instructions from a prescription, they can act and prioritize the requests. The technician has sufficient experience with the type of requests and their critical nature to be able to know when to proceed and when to immediately alert the pharmacist for follow-up. Many orders are of a routine nature and no immediate follow-up is necessary. If, however, a medication order is reviewed by the technician for a medication that was dispensed already as a therapeutic duplication, this may result in toxicity. Another example, therapeutic medication class duplication is occasionally clinically appropriate such as two different diuretics or antibiotics for the same individual. However, the technician may be in a position to identify some inappropriate duplication during the dispensing/compounding process and needs to forward this information immediately to the pharmacist.

Sets up medications needed for new orders and arranges for a pharmacist to check all preceding steps.

Receives supplies and checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortages, breakage, deterioration and expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the pharmacist. Performs computer entry of vouchers or invoices into various program applications for monitoring pharmacy expenditures and generating reports.

Determines appropriate stock levels as well as the critical nature of different drugs and the consequences of being short on these supplies. Consults with the pharmacist to prevent inventory problems and prepares requisitions accordingly. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) and prepares necessary paper work to initiate proper action. Places supply orders through mandatory government and non-government sources. This includes data entry into computer applications for figuring the total dollar value and generating a quarterly report, and determine the kind of packaging and shipping required for such items. Makes necessary changes to quantities requested depending on stock levels to avoid total depletion and notifies the pharmacist of any discrepancies found in the requisition.

Packages bulk drugs, which include liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments and creams, etc. into specific quantities and various size containers. In order to repackage the various forms of drugs, operates various types of equipment such as tablet and capsule counting machines and labeling machines. Records all prepackage information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, initials (incumbent), and sets them aside for final check by a registered pharmacist.

On a daily basis checks the medicine cabinet and all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is available. Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drugs or supply items used during the night. Inspects and logs the temperature of all refrigerators that contain any type of pharmaceutical.

As directed, or in conjunction with the pharmacist, conducts orientations, for new staff, to the pharmacy section of the clinic. Keeps staff apprised of changes in protocols, drug recalls, etc., that may affect patient safety.

Utilizes a personal computer to enter and tabulate data for the monthly workload record. Manipulates data spreadsheet software in order to provide statistical analysis of the workload. Prepares quarterly reports, which identify trends in usage, peculiarities, and discrepancies. Specifically, the incumbent needs to collect appropriate statistics, collate them, interpret them appropriately rather than just report the raw numbers, and troubleshoot obvious discrepancies. Uses word processing software in order to write, update, and review policies and procedures.

Collects daily workload data, tabulates onto workload sheets, prepares figures for entry into a statistical program, and enters data into that program. Is familiar with the statistical program that has been designed specifically for this location as well as others for basic spreadsheet capabilities and uses standard techniques. Incumbent must have the ability to adapt appropriate techniques to the individual situations.

Incumbent must interpret results, graphic and tabular presentation of data, and present results (graphic, tabular, and technical documentation) in a professional manner.

Inputs prescription information into the CIPS pharmacy computer program. Is fully familiar with all aspects of the program to include adding new patients, doctors, and drugs to the databases as well as editing prescriptions and querying the program for data related to drug usage and workload statistics.

Adds new patients to the pill line and updates current patients when orders are renewed. Prepares computer generated medication administration record (MAR) for patients on the pill line.

Adds new patients to the Isoniazid tuberculosis prophylaxis directly observed therapy (DOT) list (if separate from the regular pill line).

Performs other duties as assigned.

FACTOR 1, Knowledge:

Work assignments range in difficulty from simple repetitive tasks requiring no special knowledge or skills to assignments requiring the application of an intensive knowledge of (1) pharmaceutical nomenclature, (2) formulas, strengths, and dosage forms of drugs; (3) pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; (4) operation and care of a variety of pharmaceutical equipment; (5) receipt, storage, and order of pharmaceuticals, bulk compounding, preparation of sterile solutions, and setting up prescriptions for a final check by a pharmacist.

Knowledge of computer entry, ability to work with and analyze numbers. Knowledge and dexterity with computer application programs to facilitate management operations in a clinical environment.

FACTOR 2, Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent is directly responsible to the supervisory pharmacist. Work is performed independently according to existing guidelines and procedures. Occasionally situations exist where specific guidelines are not always available. When these situations occur, the technician would be required to interpret and prioritize the situation and take appropriate action.

Work is subject to spot-checking and the pharmacist assures that work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures.

FACTOR 3, Guidelines:

Specific guidelines, either oral or written, including clinic memoranda, handbooks and operating procedures, manufacturer's instructions, and procedures and instructions applicable to the position.

FACTOR 4, Complexity:

Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of complex technical functions that require application of an extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practices. They apply judgment based on substantial experience in the pharmacy.

FACTOR 5, Scope and Effect:

Work requires the performance of the full range of care in a clinical environment. Caution/care to assure there are no errors in order to promote quality control.

FACTOR 6, Personal Contacts:

The incumbent's work involves a significant number of contacts with the pharmacist, nurses, and other health professionals, as well as patients, assuring appropriate medication, preparation and delivery. Place and verify purchase orders, and confirms or question prescription requests.

May also include contacts with representatives from pharmaceutical companies, as well as other federal and non-federal suppliers.

FACTOR 7, Purpose of Contacts:

To confirm, clarify, provide and receive information.

FACTOR 8, Physical Demands:

Is capable of: Lifting and carrying a moderate amount of weight upto 45 lbs, reaching above the shoulders, standing for extended periods of time (6-8 hours), performing repeated bending and possesses complete usage of legs, feet, hands, fingers, ears and eyes with or without an appropriate aid or prosthetic device.

FACTOR 9, Work Environment:

Work is performed in the medical section of the medical facility in an INS Service Processing Center for detained undocumented migrants. The work is performed in a medical setting where there is exposure as well as risk associated in work with detained populations having criminal and non-criminal backgrounds.