Retail Pharmacy Technician

Illinois CancerCare is seeking a temporary Retail Pharmacy Technician to assist the pharmacist in the operation of the specialty retail pharmacy, associated telepharmacies and physician dispensing locations.

Hiring Pay Range: $16.00-$22.00 per hour

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, etc. As of the date of this posting, this temporary position is not eligible for benefits.

• Assists pharmacist in the practice of pharmacy.
• Completely and accurately enters prescriptions, prepares prescription labels, and fills prescription orders.
• Checks for insurance coverage and accurately troubleshoots any adjudication issues.
• Processes insurance overrides through website or phone system as needed.
• Calls physician offices for refill authorization.
• Is aware of and maintains special handling requirements for specialty medications (e.g., REMS programs, drop-ships, safe handling of oral chemotherapy, etc.).
• Accurately dispenses medications from the automated dispensing cabinet as part of the filling process.
• Accurately utilizes point of sale to sell prescriptions and OTC items, including the handling of cash when needed and follows best practices for end of day point of sale reconciliation.
• Prepares prescriptions for shipment or delivery as needed.
• Ensures Prescriptions are accurately routed to delivery, Fedex, or Will Call area.
• Handles telephone calls that do not require the involvement of a pharmacist, and forwards any calls to a pharmacist that do.
• Reports all errors to the pharmacist immediately and ensures an error report has been filed.
• Maintains inventory control of all drug stock, including ordering, verifying orders received, proper recording and documentation, and shelving of products.
• Verifies count of all drug used at the end of each day, including identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies when necessary.
• Rotates all stock and checks drug expiration dates routinely.
• Utilizes quality check lists and dispensing history to ensure specialty medications are on hand when needed.
• Maintains communication with wholesaler or the Specialty Pharmacy Services Technician with regard to stocking needs, shipping errors, etc.
• Develops and maintains good relationships with the clinic staff, including nursing, medical office assistants, and providers.
• Develops and maintains exceptional patient care.
• Utilizes the electronic medical record for patient specific internal communication in a courteous and helpful manner.
• Performs oral chemotherapy callbacks as part of Illinois CancerCare's QOPI accreditation and documents the call within the electronic medical record
• Maintains familiarity with the specialty pharmacy accreditations and performs associated tasks such as refill calls and medication order tracking.
• Screens and processes prescription electronic refill requests using a standard protocol.
• Assists with daily maintenance of the pharmacy department (both interior and exterior) by ensuring the pharmacy is stocked with supplies, clean and organized.
• Works as part of a team and assists coworkers with tasks as needed or directed by management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned/requested by the Retail Pharmacy Manager, the Retail Pharmacists, Retail Pharmacy Assistant Manager, or Clinical Pharmacy Manager.
• Works additional hours when requested.
• Travels to clinic locations when requested.
• Attends required meetings and participates in committees as requested.
• Reports to work area on time and remains available throughout the work day.
• Communicates to outside facilities in a courteous, helpful manner.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Observes OSHA and facility policies and guidelines.
• Cleans pharmacy equipment, utensils, and work areas.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
2. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time.
3. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
4. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
5. May require working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS/TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Frequent exposure to toxic substances, including chemotherapeutic, cytotoxic drugs and cleaning solutions, and is expected to be familiar with the dangers and proper handling of such.
2. The employee is exposed to communicable diseases and other conditions common to the clinical environment.
3. Safety policies and good health practices are to be understood and observed.
4. Work is performed in an office environment with frequent contact with staff and patients.
5. Work may be repetitious, and in a high-stress environment.
6. Contact may involve dealing with angry and/or upset people.

Two years of experience in a retail or specialty pharmacy setting with experience billing insurances, managing inventory and customer service preferred.

Current or Application for Illinois Technician License required.

National Pharmacy Technician Certification or plans to obtain within 6 months.