Lead Pharmacy Technician - Inventory Specialist - University of Maryland Medical System

Experience the highest level of appreciation at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center — named Top Workplace in the Baltimore area by The Baltimore Sun two years in a row (2019 & 2020); Top Workplace in the USA for 2021!  As part of the acclaimed University of Maryland Medical System, our facility is one of three ANCC Pathway to Excellence® designated hospitals in Maryland. UM BWMC features one of the state’s busiest emergency departments, as well as a team of experts who care for our community and one another.  The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) provides the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve. Our medical center is home to leading-edge technology, nationally recognized quality, personalized service and outstanding people. We have 285 licensed beds and we’re home to 3,200 employees and over 800 physicians. Our expert physicians and experienced, compassionate staff are connected to medical practices in the local community as well as at University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. For patients, this means access to high-quality care and research discoveries aimed at improving Maryland’s health.  Our physicians and nursing staff specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical and critical care. In addition, our medical center is home to many Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient health care.

The Pharmacy Inventory Specialist is responsible for coordinating workflow and services related to drug and equipment/supplies receiving and stocking processes. Activities include but are not limited to the following responsibilities: purchasing, inventory, distribution and record keeping for medications for the Pharmacy Department, initiating purchase orders for pharmaceuticals and supplies, receiving and distribution of supplies, processing purchase requisitions, authorizing payment for wholesaler invoices, maintaining adequate inventory levels, providing inventory action and communication relative to shortages, recalls, alternative product source and selection. Serves as a resource person for product availability and vendor information. Collaborates with hospital departments and other hospitals within the system as necessary for medication ordering, inventory, distribution and record keeping.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the receiving of all inventory, drugs, and IV solutions and distributes newly received stock to the proper storage location
• Reconciles receiving discrepancies and mismatches with the distributor for reimbursement.
• Conducts physical counts of inventory during the receiving process and resolves any discrepancies
• Coordinates the return of expired medication to the designated reverse distributor and monitors expiry dates within the pharmacy storeroom
• Maintains pharmacy inventory by checking pharmaceutical stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed medications and supplies, placing and expediting orders as directed by the Pharmacy Supply Chain Manager.
• Maintains responsibility for borrow and loan systems from other hospitals.
• Maintains responsibility for tracking replenishment dispenses to the local Emergency Medical Services.
• Monitors and manages inventory on an ongoing basis for opportunities for enhanced inventory turns and decreased expired medications.
• Generates purchasing and inventory reports as requested by departmental leadership.
• Maintains oversight of emergency supplies.
• Assist in resolving/managing backorders, shortages or recalls and securing acceptable product alternatives when necessary. Evaluates and adjusts par levels in response to ongoing utilization, shortages, waste and critical needs.
• Continually reviews and analyzes operations recommending and implementing operational changes that will increase the efficiency and level of service of the pharmacy in collaboration with Pharmacy Supply Chain manager.
• Participates in the recruitment, retention, performance enhancement of subordinate staff in collaboration with Pharmacy management team members.
• Participates in the development of tools and standards to establish and improve competency levels of the pharmacy technician, student, and support staff including orientation of new employees, in-service training, and competency assessments.
• Maintains pharmacy information systems, electronic drug dispensing system technology and other computerized or automated hardware and software used in the procurement, preparation or distribution of pharmaceuticals and related supplies.
• Maintains all purchase records, invoices, receipts, and inventory control records. Performs all similar and related duties assigned including occasional Pharmacy Purchasing Office coverage.
• Maintain ability and knowledge to perform all work areas periodically in cases of resource shortages.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of technician training program preferred.

Licensure

• Certified pharmacy technician preferred.
• Registered as Registered Pharmacy Technician with State of Maryland within six months of date of hire or transfer into the position.

Work Experience

• Two –three years working experience as a pharmacy technician with advance purchasing experience in healthcare preferred

Qualifications

• General knowledge of accepted pharmacy principles, practices and procedures required.
• Ability to perform mathematical operations required in recording and counting of inventory, processing supply requests and for record keeping purposes, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Knowledge of generic and trade name drugs is required.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills required in order to work with medical, nursing, and various allied health staff in order to successfully provide optimal patient care.
• Proficiency in use of computerized systems for tracking and evaluating distribution, production, and preparation of medications within the pharmacy.

• Weekend, shift-work, holiday, on-call, and overtime may be required.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time while performing pharmacy service support duties. Ability to lift supplies and equipment up to 40lbs., up to approximately 40% of the time, while performing storage responsibilities, is required.
• There is a potential for exposure to patients with infectious disease, requiring observance of standard precautions and appropriate isolation precautions utilizing personal protective equipment, wearing of protective clothing such as gowns, gloves, and the observance of safe handling practices as appropriate to avoid disease transmission. There is potential for regular exposure to Hazardous chemicals and materials when receiving, transporting, handling, storing, using, and disposing of identified hazardous substances.
• Highly effective verbal communication skills including courtesy, resourcefulness, and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating staff, and explaining hospital/departmental policies and procedures are necessary. Verbal communication skills may include communicating with an interdisciplinary team, patients, and families. Effective writing skills are also required in order to take messages and maintain miscellaneous records, receipts, reports, and logs.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $18.97-$30.97
• Other Compensation (if applicable):
• Review the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide