Pharmacy Technician III

Work Shift: DAY

Work Week: Varies

JOB SUMMARY
The Pharmacy Technician III serves in an expanded role having responsibility for performing advanced level work including but not limited to:  medication reconciliation and medication histories, verification of orders, verification of doses dispensed by other technicians, support of medication acquisition programs to ensure safe patient transitions during the admitting, transfer, and discharge medication acquisition process, and assisting with the collection of data for productivity and quality assessment, and may perform Tech-Check-Tech (T-C-T) as outlined by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) and HM policy.   Participates in staff development by training new employees, residents, and interns, provides feedback on technician¿s performance, and may lead the coordination of the day-to-day workflow and activities of assigned pharmacy technicians. Performs other specialized functions in the work areas in addition to performing functions normally associated with a Pharmacy Technician I or II.

PATIENT AGE GROUP SERVED

Not applicable
Neonate (Birth to 28 days)
Infants/Toddlers (29 days to 18 months)
Toddler (18 months to 3 years)
Preschooler (3-6 years)
School Age (6-12 years)
Adolescence (12-18 years)
Young Adult (19-40 Years)
Middle Adult (40-65 Years)
Mature Adult (65 years and older)


HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

I. Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:

INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate. 

II. Focuses on patient/customer safety
III. Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
IV. Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)
V. Intentionally rounds with patients/customers to ensure their needs are being met
VI. Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PEOPLE  25%
1. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.   Collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals. (EF)
2. Guides and mentors Pharmacy Technicians I, II, and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities. Proactively supports and assists with training new employees and all other pharmacy learners (e.g. residents, interns, students and volunteers). (EF)
3. Provides management feedback on technicians performance.
SERVICE  20%
1. Leads workgroups and committees as well as develops and implements education activities for technical staff. Presents or assists in-services for pharmacy staff as directed by Pharmacy Management. (EF)
2. Assists with optimizing the safety and efficiency of pharmacy operations and supporting the workflow needs of the pharmacy department. (EF)
3. Contributes in departmental efforts to resolve drug related problems and maximizing patient care.  (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY  30%
1. Provides support to the workflow, coordinates medication distribution and acquisition in assigned areas under the supervision of the pharmacist, and reports problems to the appropriate parties. Accurately documents and completes paperwork in assigned role/function.  (EF)
2. Performs advanced activities to ensure efficient and safe medication distribution including, but not limited to, Tech-Check-Tech, medication reconciliations, medication histories, advanced sterile compounding, troubleshooting automation, and patient interactions. (EF)
3. Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly into PSN to improve processes and identify trends.  Contributes to identification of corrective actions and improvement activities, and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety.
4. Leads other technicians in the collection and reporting of data related to quality improvement and productivity projects to optimize patient safety. (EF)

FINANCE  15%
1. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Recommends solutions in achieving departmental objectives.  
2. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION  10%
1. Participates in planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring new pharmacy programs and services that address medication related errors and safety initiatives. (EF)
2. Identifies process improvement opportunities in the medication distribution process. (EF)
3. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Pharmacy Technician III.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned.  Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
 High School Diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.); two years of college preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
At least  2 years experience as a HM Pharmacy Technician II level and cross trained in at least 3 areas

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
 Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration; or Pharmacist Intern Licensure
Completion of the 40 hours Sterile Compounding and Aseptic course from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) approved training program within 90 days of employment *
ACPE approved IV certification within 90 days of employment *
If performing Tech-check-Tech duties, Tech-Check-Tech (TCT) certification*
*See manager for details and tracking certification information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
 Demonstrates the advance and critical skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments in order to provide efficient drug distribution services, medication reconciliation, and ensure accurate and safe dispensing of medications
 Proficient in performing accurate calculations required for usual dosage determinations
 Must be proficient in at least three pharmacy work areas
 Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / pharmacy related software, drug preparation pumps/devices, packaging and labeling machines, automated drug dispensing equipment, prescription balances, and portable data processing units
 Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.  Capable of assuming responsibility for coordinating the activities of other technicians
 Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving
 Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
 Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of  race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, personalized service and innovation. The growing campus offers nearly 200 beds, 16 operating rooms and over 1300 employees, with access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, full-spectrum heart care, state-of-the-art imaging, cancer care, labor and delivery with a level II neonatal ICU, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, outpatient rehabilitation and 24/7 emergency services.