LONG TERM CARE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST

Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician Specialist

The Long Term Care Pharmacy Technician Specialist is a full-time joint position between HomeTown Pharmacy LTC #4 – Traverse City and the Kalkaska Memorial Assisted Living Facility. This position reports directly to the Pharmacy Manager at HomeTown Pharmacy LTC #4 and the Vice President – Chief Nursing Officer at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. This person serves as a collaborative liaison between the two companies to: ensure resident medications are delivered from the pharmacy to the facility in a timely manner; perform data entry tasks; identify order discrepancies, troubleshoot and resolve concerns between the two companies; prepare and provide informational reports; and contribute to continuous quality improvements to enhance the business relationship between the pharmacy and facility. Other duties may be assigned as necessary by the Operations Manager, Pharmacy Manager and/or Chief Nursing Officer.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Order entry functions to ensure accurate, timely prescription/patient information input and follow up to include, but not limited to, patient admissions, new order entry, DC’s, STATs, refill requests, work queue, and customized patient packaging.
• Label/package customized patient medication packages including Right Pack®, blister packs, unit dosed medication, and “odd” medications (liquids, inhalers, creams, eye drops, etc.)
• Ability to process medication returns and dispose of properly
• Responsible for research, follow up, troubleshooting, as it pertaining to prescription/patient data entry discrepancies, illegible prescriptions, or other potential medication concerns.
• Oversees the effective utilization of the Cubex machine ensuring refills are processed, medication expiration dates are monitored, contents are reviewed at least annually and updated as needed to meet facility needs.
• Performs compliance audits such as checking for outdates, returning overstocked items, etc.
• Assisting with submitting incident reports, tracking errors and developing strategies to decrease error occurrence.
• Performs prior authorization requirements and narcotic prescription tracking, IV supply requirements, facility stock and per diem accounts and formulary interchange.
• Confirm daily medication deliveries, tote meds, ensure timely delivery of scheduled and assist with STAT medication runs to the facility from pharmacy.
• Actively contributes to the evaluation and continuous improvement of pharmacy/facility services, policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers and customers in order to gain their trust and respect.
• Answer and respond to telephone inquiries from the pharmacy, facility, residents or care takers.
• Focus on customer service to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
• Working with pharmacy and facility teammates, ensure monthly utilization reports such as high dollar drugs, antipsychotic meds; antibiotics or five-star medications are prepared by established deadlines.

Skills and Competencies:

• Understanding and working knowledge of the pharmacy computer system QS1 / DocuTrack as it pertains to order entry functions of ensuring accurate, timely prescription/patient information input.
• Thorough knowledge of medical records- HOA’s, frequency codes, acute vs. routine orders, ancillary orders, non-med and med order formats
• Working knowledge of prior authorization requirements and narcotic prescription tracking, IV supply requirements, facility stock and per diem accounts and formulary interchange.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to label/package customized patient medication packages including Right Pack®, blister packs, unit dosed medication, and “odd” medications (liquids, inhalers, creams, eye drops, etc.)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Efficient working independently with minimal supervision as well as within a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and residents
• Customer service oriented
• Effective communication skills, projecting a friendly, helpful voice/tone
• Attention to detail
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Flexible schedule including ability to work weekends

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• Michigan-licensed Pharmacy Technician
• National Pharmacy Technician Certification, preferred
• LPN preferred
• Basic computer knowledge skills required
• Must have basic understanding of medical terminology, math and analytical skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to commute between pharmacy and facility
• Minimum 1 year experience in a high volume Long Term Care facility, pharmacy or hospital.