Pharmacy Technician III (#RH4453)
$24.40-$29.66 Hourly / $4,229.00-$5,140.37 Monthly / $50,748.01-$61,684.52 Yearly

Under general supervision performs the most difficult and complex technical work in pharmacy practice; may lead technical and clerical staff; performs technical work of above average difficulty in preparing chemotherapeutic IV admixtures, or assuming overall functional responsibility of a major functional area such as administration of pharmacy automation systems or administration of narcotic records, where such duties are a preponderant duty; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the highest technical level in the Pharmacy Technician series. Incumbents 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, performing a variety of technical support tasks under general supervision. Typically, a Pharmacy Technician III is assigned to participate in quality monitoring activities and outcome measurement, assist with the integration of information and automation systems or to oversee controlled substance inventory control for a large and complex pharmacy practice, where such tasks are a preponderant duty, or is assigned to regularly prepare chemotherapeutic IV admixtures. Incumbents regularly assigned to these tasks will also perform other technical tasks to meet workflow needs. Assignment may be to inpatient hospital, institution or outpatient pharmacy, and staff may rotate among several locations. This class is distinguished from Pharmacy Technician II in that Pharmacy Technician III's assume greater responsibility for specialized pharmaceutical services.

• Fill chemotherapy and standard 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.
• Develops and implements internal audit procedures to insure accountability for drugs and supplies; assists in the development of policy and procedures regarding purchasing, storing and distributing drugs and pharmaceutical supplies, including dangerous drugs and controlled substances; assists in evaluation of orders for non-standard items and for changes to stock lists.
• Trains and reviews work of pharmacy technicians; schedules and assigns staff in coordination with pharmacy supervisors; 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 non-formulary status, 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.
• Assists the pharmacy manager with integration of automated equipment and computer systems into the pharmacy workflow design. Identifies areas where automation may increase efficiency or reduce the potential for medication errors. May perform routine update and maintenance procedures for robotic dispensing devices and information systems. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and serves as a liaison to customer support when necessary. Oversees the daily maintenance of automated equipment; assists with training.
• Assists pharmacists in developing and performing medication use evaluations and other quality monitoring activities. Performs chart review to obtain patient specific laboratory or other data; notifies the pharmacist of medication compliance issues or other patient-specific medication problems.

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 issued by the State of California Board of Pharmacy.

Certification: Possession of current certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

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; principles and practices of inventory control and purchasing; procedures and techniques of drug packaging and labeling.

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 and computers; learn pharmacy software programs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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-Sufficient to operate a key board; 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.