Technical Assistant I (Pharmacy Technician)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Pharmacy Technician - Technical Assistant I assists in preparing and dispensing medications, sells over-the-counter items to students and 3rd Party Plan members, and assists the pharmacists in providing direct pharmaceutical services to out-patient and Observation Unit areas.

Essential Functions

• Fills prescriptions written by physicians for medications, chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist.
• Prepares and maintains pharmaceutical stock in all clinic area(s).
• Prepackages medications.
• Communicates with pharmacy staff, patients, prescribers and other health care professionals regarding issues with prescription processing.
• Processes third party prescriptions with verification of patient eligibility and billing information.
• Submits prescription claims on previously rejected claims for pharmacy reimbursement.
• Maintains up-to-date working knowledge and understanding of pharmacy software and peripheral devices.
• Assists a Registered Pharmacist in the transporting and handling of Schedule II - CVI controlled substances.
• Maintains refrigerator and freezer logs.
• Verifies medication stock and expiration in automated dispensing machine, pharmacy and clinic areas.
• Generates daily required reports for drug recalls, inventory management, billing needs and quality assurance.
• Handles daily financial transactions.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Formal Pharmacy Technician training, or equivalent.
• National and State Certification as a Pharmacy Technician.
• Basic knowledge of pharmacy operations.
• Working knowledge of patient profiles, medication orders, medical records, medical abbreviations and manufacturer's specifications.
• Working knowledge of computerized pharmacy systems.
• Adequate math skills sufficient for calculating prescription data as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with patients, providers, and co-workers.
• Ability to accurately interpret names, numbers, codes and/or symbols and to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, policies and procedures related to pharmacy operations.
• Ability to exercise discretion with confidential patient information.
• Ability to perform computerized data entry.
• Able to function as a team member as well as independently.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical retail pharmacy working environment.
• Required to stand for long periods of time.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 5:30pm.

Salary Information

Grade 12

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.