Pharmacy Technician (Pharmacy Technician, Departments Of Mental Health And Developmental Services)

Job Description and Duties The permanent/full time Pharmacy Technician will be directed by the Pharmacist I, Pharmacist II, and/or Pharmacy Services Manager in the Pharmacy at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties, but not limited to: DRUG DISTRIBUTION: • Follow pharmacy and nursing policy/procedures and Administrative Directives regarding medication processes at Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero. • Fill Unit Dose patient medications. • Operate the repackaging machines to package medications into unit dose packets. • Fill and restock the Automated medication Dispensing Devices (ADDs) throughout the hospital for administration to patients. • Maintain the repackaging machine and the ADDs (cleaning and basic maintenance). • Fax validated physician medication orders to the appropriate units. • Filing documentation. • Interface with units regarding unit dose processes and Automated Dispensing Devices. • Fill prescriptions for discharged patients to be verified by the pharmacist on duty. • Process and assemble injectables and intravenous admixtures for verification by the pharmacist on duty. • Make any necessary medication deliveries related to the operational needs of the pharmacy/facility as requested by the supervisor(s) or pharmacist(s). AUTOMATION: • Accurately read and interpret physician’s orders. • Work directly with pharmacists to ensure accuracy of data collection, interpretation, and input of physician orders. • Interface with unit regarding physician orders scheduling, distribution of automated Physician Orders (PO) and medication administration records. • Interface with unit staff for retrieval of copies of physicians’ orders. • Process patient medication transfer orders. • Print monthly medication administration records for the units.Knowledge of medical terms, abbreviations, medications (Brand, generics, dosage forms, strength, and upper limits). PROCUREMENT AND STORAGE: • Utilize prime vendor software to purchase pharmaceuticals. • Stock medication inventory on shelves, and rotate stock. • Participate in checking for outdates (expired/expiring medication) on all pharmacy medication inventory, ADDs inventory throughout the hospital, Emergency Kits, and Crash Carts. • Participate in medication room inspections.Update shelves with prime vendor stickers.Research and process recalled medications. • Clean medication inventory shelves. • Maintain and update medication information in the automated dispensing system and repackaging equipment. • Collect and dispose of wasted medications in the appropriate waste receptacles. • Help stock/restock unit emergency kits and crash carts. • Provide training and share knowledge to new and existing pharmacy staff as directed by supervisor(s). Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on an certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications. If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Click here to take the Pharmacy Technician (DMH) Examination or Pharmacy Technician (CCHCS) Examination Please note the DMH examination has cutoff dates, please apply for and take the examination at your earliest convenience. The CCHCS examination is scored instantly. Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements • The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired. • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired. • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired. • The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA Pharmacy Technician License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • Pharmaceutical Calculations: A solid understanding of pharmaceutical calculations is necessary for accurate medication dispensing and dosage calculations. • Medical Terminology: Knowledge of medical terms is vital for understanding prescriptions and interacting with healthcare professionals. • Attention to Detail: This is a critical skill for ensuring accuracy in prescription filling and patient information, directly impacting patient safety. • Communication: Effective communication is needed to interact with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. • Organization & Multitasking: Pharmacy technicians must be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently to ensure smooth operations.