Under general supervision supervises technical and clerical staff; performs the most complex technical work in pharmacy practice including technical work of above average difficulty in filling of prescriptions, preparing IV admixtures, re-supply of floor stock; repackages medications for outpatient dispensing; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rule.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the supervisory level in the Pharmacy Technician series. Incumbents supervise a staff of Pharmacy Technician I and II's and clerical staff in an inpatient and/or outpatient setting and perform a broad range of complex technical duties under direct supervision of a registered pharmacist as provided by section 4115 of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. This class is distinguished from Pharmacy Technician III in that the latter class performs very complex technical tasks in either the regular preparation of chemotherapeutic IV admixtures, participate in quality monitoring activities and outcome measurement, assist with the integration of information and automation systems or to oversee controlled substance inventory control, while the former is a full supervisory level. This class is distinguished from Pharmacy Technician II by the responsibility of full supervision over a staff of pharmacy technicians, including Pharmacy Technician II's.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Supervises, trains and evaluates pharmacy technicians; schedules and assigns staff in coordination with pharmacy supervisors; reviews and monitors work; identifies and works to correct technician errors; orients and trains pharmacy interns and students on technician duties.
Assists in filling prescriptions; selects proper drug, places in container in quantity and strength prescribed, applies labels; selects unit doses and places in cassettes, places for pharmacist review; compounds simple ointments and solutions; assists in compiling patient information on allergies or for specialized medications, protocols or programs, filling clinic orders, and reviewing orders with patient care staff to clarify or correct discrepancies.
Accepts prescriptions, verifies patient insurance and information; transcribes and enters orders into computer; prepares labels, updates patient profiles and records; submits for billing; identifies orders not on formulary, notifies pharmacist of formulary, drug interaction and other problems identified by computer; delivers medication to inpatient units; reviews medication orders with patient care staff and corrects discrepancies; assists outpatients at counter, verifies identity, provides refill medications, and collects co-payments.
Inspects floor stock and removes medications close to expiration; maintains stock of specified drugs in Pharmacy, clinics and nursing areas; insures that adequate supplies are available for normal usage; receives samples and stores patient samples; checks in and stores shipments; repackages drugs into bulk or unit dose; maintains cleanliness of pharmacy and other storage and dispensing areas.
Fills standard IV admixtures; may fill chemotherapy IV admixtures; calculates quantities/dosages, selects correct drugs and solutions; using appropriate precautions and techniques, combines drugs and IV solutions; ensures proper mixing or connection; ensures proper disposal of toxic agents; labels and notes storage conditions and precautions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of a recognized Pharmacy Technician training program.
Experience: Two years of experience equivalent to Pharmacy Technician II in San Joaquin County.
Substitution: One year of additional experience as a Pharmacy Technician may substitute for the education.
License: Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Pharmacy Technician issues by the State of California Board of Pharmacy.
Certification: Possession of current certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. (This requirement will be waived for incumbents employed as Senior Pharmacy Technician as of September 25. 2002.)
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of supervision and training; pharmacy practice; standards ethics, laws and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy; pharmaceutical and medical terms, abbreviations and symbols used in prescribing, dispensing and stocking medications; drug identification, dosage, and storage requirements; sterile compounding techniques; techniques for working in laminar hoods; techniques for working with toxic or hazardous medications; procedures and techniques of drug packaging and labeling.
ABILITY
Plan, organize and review the work of others; supervise, train and evaluate staff; read, understand and follow oral and written instructions; perform metric and apothecary calculations required for common dosage determination; maintain sterility of intravenous solutions and mixtures; work with syringes and needles; work with toxic substances; maintain inventory records; purchase pharmaceuticals using computerized systems; work rapidly and accurately; set up, operate and maintain pharmaceutical equipment; utilize advanced office equipment, including computers; learn pharmacy software programs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Operation of a data entry device; ability to stand or sit for long periods, move about an indoor area, reach above and below bench level; Dexterity-Manipulate syringes, needles and vials while wearing gloves; handle individual papers; count individual pills; write and take notes; Lifting/Pushing/Pulling-Regular lifting of up to 25 pounds; pushing carts; Visual Requirements-Ability to read case files and computer screens; constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Hearing/Talking-Ability to hear normal speech, hear on the telephone, talk in person, and talk on the telephone; Emotional/Psychological Factors-Frequent public contact; ability to make decisions and concentrate; Special Requirements-May require working nights, weekends, and overtime; Environmental-Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Notify Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)