Pharmacy Technician I, II, or III - Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

The pharmacy technician functions as part of the patient-centered comprehensive health care team to promote and achieve efficient, patient-centered, high quality patient care to the American Indian and Alaska Natives residing in or near the service area. The primary purpose of this position is to perform pharmacy technician duties under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. This position requires specialized skills and knowledge of technical pharmaceutical work and a thorough knowledge of the routines and procedures of the pharmacy to perform assignments. Supports and follows through with the vision, mission, and goals of Ponca Health Services. Clinic hours may vary

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Tier I

1. Read individual prescriptions and determine type of medication, strength, and dosage to be dispensed. Calculate and convert to proper weight and measure the amount of drugs to be dispensed. Correlate instructions on the order with pharmacy policies to determine the quantities to be dispensed. Enter and print prescription labels and place prescription labels on vials. Accurately measure and pour liquid products into dispensing bottles.
2. Reorder supplies as needed.Inspect all pharmaceuticals and supplies for proper storage and for expiration dates and remove all outdated stock and fill out monthly drug storage area inspection reports. Restock pharmacy shelves with unit-of-use products from bulk supplies from the pharmacy storage room. Reorder prescription auxiliary labels as needed.
3. Receive drug and supply orders and place stickers on products and on appropriate shelves. Notify supervisor of any discrepancies between order received and invoice. Select alternate products when the order product is unavailable.
4. Handle rejected prescription insurance claims and generate revenue reports by collecting and summarizing information.
5. Clean counting trays daily and clean work surfaces and return supplies to the appropriate stock shelves. Perform any other housekeeping duties as necessary to maintain a clean pharmacy.
6. Answer the telephone and greet patients with appropriate courtesy and record patient and provider requests and inform the pharmacist of the request. Copy and staple patient education materials and organize materials on patient information shelving for distribution to patients as directed.
7. Prepare sterile solutions in the pharmacy. Interpret the doctor's orders; obtain necessary ingredients; prepare labels and label the final product; maintain records of the manufacturing process and supply the product for delivery.
8. Incumbent will satisfactorily complete Pharmacy Assistant training with Pharmacist and pass applicable testing to show competency, within two months from start date.

1. Explain pharmacy policies and prescription directions to patients as necessary.
2. Assist pharmacist with medication preparation and dispensing.
3. Provide excellent customer service to patients and healthcare providers.
4. Participate in continuing education and training programs to enhance skills and knowledge

1. Other duties as assigned.

Tier II

1. All Tier I Essential Responsibilities and Duties listed above.
2. Research, and remain current on pharmacy laws, regulations, and best practices.

1. Assists in training and mentoring tier I pharmacy technicians.
2. Collaborates with healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient care.
3. Maintains accurate records and documentation related to pharmacy operations.

Tier III

1. All Tier I and Tier II Essential Responsibilities and Duties listed above.
2. Demonstrates leadership qualities and the ability to work independently.
3. Provides guidance and support to Tech 1 and Tech 2 pharmacy technicians.
4. Collaborates with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to optimize pharmacy operations.
5. Maintains a high level of accuracy and efficiency in medication dispensing and inventory control.
6. Participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance pharmacy services.
7. Continuously seeks opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
8. Provides exceptional customer service and fosters positive relationships with patients, coworkers and vendors.

Relationships and Authority:

This position has no supervisory duties.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

1. This position is located in professional office environment.
2. This position will be located in diverse settings to include office, public sites, and outpatient clinic settings. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during work hours. Is subject to emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel, and visitors.
3. Work may be stressful due to continual interaction with others
4. Occasional evening, weekend and overnight work may be required

Qualifications:

Tier I Minimum:

1. Associate's degree in health-related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
2. Two years of customer service experience in health care field
3. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
4. Able to become certified as a Pharmacy Technician by the State of Nebraska within 12 months of hire
5. Must be certified by the State of Nebraska as a Certified Pharmacy Technician or achieve such certification within one year from start date (required for operating with a Nebraska Community Pharmacy License).

1. Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
2. Must have valid driver's license and be insurable.
3. Must successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.

1. Able and willing to travel.

Tier II Minimum:

1. Currently meet all Tier I minimum qualifications listed above.
2. Certified by the State of Nebraska as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
3. One year of experience working as a Pharmacy Technician.
4. Proficient in medication preparation, dispensing, and inventory management

Tier III Minimum:

1. Currently meet all Tier I and Tier II minimum qualifications listed above.
2. Three years of experience in a pharmacy setting
3. Proficient in inventory management, including Mckesson ordering and receiving.
4. Skilled in administrative functions such as record-keeping, report generation, and data analysis.

Preferred:

1. Bachelor's degree in health-related field.
2. Two years of specialized experience gained in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or in pharmaceutical firms or laboratories. Experience must have provided a basic knowledge of:
   • Pharmaceutical nomenclature;
   • Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals;
   • Pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; and the variety of procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
3. One or more years' experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
4. Two years' experience performing administrative duties.
5. National certification as a Pharmacy Technician.
6. Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act, Tribal organizations and funding opportunities.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 12/03/2024