JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Pharmacy Technician Specialist position serves in an expanded role and is responsible 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. This position 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. This position also performs other specialized functions in the work areas in addition to performing functions normally associated with a Pharmacy Technician or Senior Pharmacy Technician.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%

• 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)
• Guides and mentors Pharmacy Technicians, Senior Pharmacy Technicians, 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)
• Provides management feedback on technician’s performance.

SERVICE - 20%

• 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)
• Assists with optimizing the safety and efficiency of pharmacy operations and supporting the workflow needs of the pharmacy department. (EF)
• Contributes in departmental efforts to resolve drug related problems and maximizing patient care. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30%

• 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)
• 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)
• Reports “near misses” and inputs errors promptly 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.
• Leads other technicians in the collection and reporting of data related to quality improvement and productivity projects to optimize patient safety. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

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

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%

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

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

o High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

o Two years of college preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Four years of Pharmacy Technician experience applicable to the specific work setting (e.g., hospital, specialty pharmacy); may consider a HM Senior Pharmacy Technician with one year less experience

o Cross trained in at least three pharmacy work areas - examples include but are not limited to medication histories, advanced sterile compounding, Tech-Check-Tech, Pyxis coordinator, etc.; OR serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for a pharmacy work area in which at least 50 percent of work time is conducted and demonstrated by completion of an approved certificate program such as Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE), Board of Pharmacy Technician Specialties (BPTS), American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Texas Society of Health System Pharmacist (TSHP), etc.*

• See manager for details and tracking certification information