Retail Pharmacy Technician

Under the supervision of a pharmacist, assists in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients ranging in age from newborns to geriatrics.   

Tasks require a moderate amount of independent judgement, an advanced level of technical knowledge, and a high degree of accuracy.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Greets and assists patients/customers in person and on the phone in a professional and confidential manner 

Communicates effectively with colleagues and customers alike, being a good listener and adjusting style as needed 

Represents MercyOne Retail Pharmacies in a courteous, friendly, and caring manner 

Performs duties with flexibility, adapting to changing schedules and needs of the customers, prioritizing workload accordingly 

Operates cash register accurately, including cash, credit card, in store charges and payments on account 

Assists with all aspects of inventory control: ordering, receiving, stocking, returning, and additional drug inventory control duties, including checking pharmacy stock shelves for outdated drugs. 

Ensures that pharmacists are providing all patient counseling, consultation, and any other activities that involve professional judgment 

Files prescriptions or other paperwork, stocks bottles and vials and performs other clerical duties as necessary or requested 

Collects accurate patient demographic, allergy and medication data from patients and caregivers 

Utilizes pharmacy dispensing software to accurately input patient and third-party information, and process new and refill prescriptions following safety procedures to ensure pharmacist involvement in any process that would involve professional judgment. 

Packages and labels prescriptions for final verification of pharmacist in an organized and highly accurate manner 

Contacts prescribers to obtain prescription refill authorization 

Accepts prescription refill authorizations communicated to the pharmacy by a prescriber or the prescriber's representative.  At the discretion of the supervising pharmacist, and after receiving appropriate training, may accept new prescription drug orders or medication orders communicated to the pharmacy by a prescriber or the prescriber's agent. 

Performs drug compounding processes for nonsterile compounding as provided by Iowa Pharmacy Law after appropriate training. 

Contacts 3rd party payers or physician offices as appropriate to resolve third party prescription payment issues (including prior authorization, step therapy, processing questions etc) 

Actively participates in quality, safety, and problem-solving activities with other pharmacy staff and hospital/clinic departments.  

Performs other duties and responsibilities as requested by pharmacists, supervisors or managers 

Follows all Federal and State laws regulating the practice of pharmacy, and the duties allowed to pharmacy technicians. 

Maintains required department confidentiality and abides by HIPPA regulations. 

Takes an active role in enhancing ability to carry out job functions through personal and professional/job-related growth and development and participates in medical center and/or departmental education programs. 

Supports and abides by all medical center, departmental, and safety policies and procedures.  Proactively identifies safety concerns surrounding the work environment.  

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

Performs math calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, divisions, percentages, fractions and the metric system accurately. 

Must exhibit independent thinking in performing job functions. 

Must have above average recall abilities in order to perform technical job functions, i.e., remember the generic/trade names of over one thousand medications, remember medications which are price exceptions, etc. 

Must possess the ability to effectively and courteously communicate with customers and members of the pharmacy, medical and hospital staffs. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

In an 8 hour day, employee may stand and /or walk 6-8 hours. 

Mobility, dexterity, fine motor skills and ability to use hands in repetitive motion tasks, such as grasping and fine manipulating is required. 

Frequent (21%-50% of worktime) bending, stopping, reaching above shoulder level and pushing and pulling. 

Must be able to see at a near visual acuity level. 

Must be able to hear speech. 

Frequent (21%-50% of worktime) lifting and carrying of objects weighing 35 lbs. or less. 

Occasional (6%-10% of worktime) squatting, climbing 2 feet and balancing.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED; 

Must be 18 years of age or older 

Registration with Iowa Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of employment 

Certification as a Pharmacy Technician within one year of employment 

Typing, clerical and science background desirable. 

Note:  A minimum of 3 months of “on the job” training is required to perform the job; 12-24 months  

          is usually required to become proficient.