Technical Assistant I (Pharmacy Tech)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

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, 9:00AM-5:00PM.

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.