Schedule: Varies

Salary: $15.75 - $21.78 Depending on Qualifications

JOB PURPOSE:  The Pharmacy Technician Trainee serves in a direct service role as part of a team providing quality pharmacy services to El Rio Health patients. In this role, the Pharmacy Technician Trainee is responsible for preparing medications for patient consumption under the general supervision of a licensed pharmacist and providing varied administrative support for the Pharmacy Department at a clinic location assigned by management. A Pharmacy Technician Trainee has not yet met the requirements of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy to become a Licensed Pharmacy Technician and as such will adhere to the regulations and standards of the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy, as well as the Policies and Procedures of El Rio Health Center related to scope of practice and decision-making for the position. A Pharmacy Technician Trainee in this position works with general supervision and review, and any work problems involving departures from standard policies, interpretations, or procedures are reviewed with the supervisor for resolution.

The primary goal of the El Rio Health Pharmacy Technician Trainee is to support El Rio’s Mission of providing comprehensive, quality health care that is affordable and accessible to all who may have healthcare needs, by successfully performing the primary essential functions.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Performs and/or completes all assigned pharmaceutical and clerical duties, tasks, responsibilities, and assignments supporting Pharmacy operations within established time frames; meeting established rates of performance for the quality and quantity of work for the position; demonstrating a level of quality, efficiency, and accuracy in the employee’s job performance that guarantees the highest standards of excellence.
• Maintains at all times patient and/or employee confidentiality by controlling the environment and information being disclosed to individuals ensuring full compliance with all HIPAA and corporate compliance standards.
• Gains and maintains the knowledge, understanding, and technical skills required to perform all assigned duties, tasks, and responsibilities including those based on the application of scientific pharmacy principles and practices.
• Intakes prescriptions for dispensing by the pharmacist by:

• Ensuring that information on the prescription is complete and accurate.

• Retrieving, counting, pouring, weighing, and at times mixing medications for verification by the Pharmacist; prepares, and packages medications for Pharmacist review.

• Referring patients with questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.

• Ensuring that all patient and prescription information is correct and entered into the pharmacy operating system.

• Verifying patient information and eligibility data; and
• Recording all prescriptions and disbursements.
• Identifying and resolving any insurance billing exceptions.
• Ensuring the timely and efficient performance of check out processing with patients.
• Performing clerical duties, such as answering phones and cash register operation.
• Maintaining pharmacy equipment and work areas to department standards.
• Gains and maintains a comprehensive understanding that ensures compliance with Federal, State, and 340B Drug Pricing Program regulations, standards, and laws; as well as any standards and requirements for third party funding sources.

• Maintains the integrity of the 340B Drug Pricing Program to ensure only eligible patients receive 340B drugs.
• Works closely with medical and dental staff to ensure a high level of service.

• Demonstrates the desired level of customer service in all interactions with patients and internal clients; answers and responds to all incoming calls, emails, and inquiries in a timely and effective manner; responding to questions or requests and forwarding any issues or complaints for resolution.

• Maintains proficiency in the electronic health record to be able to perform tasks such as look up health records, financial records, and referrals.
• Assists patients in finding affordable medication solutions by means such as referring them to community health advisors, assisting them in finding manufacturer coupons, or assisting them in finding alternate therapy.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and hygienic work environment in compliance with all Policies and Procedures including but not limited to work areas, workstations, examination rooms, hand washing, infection prevention and control etc. for this position

• Demonstrates an understanding of and proficiency with the application of all Joint Commission Accreditation standards and reporting requirements applicable to a Pharmacy Technician Trainee.
• Communicates effectively using verbal, written, and interpersonal skills when interacting with patients, visitors, employees, and internal/external clients or representatives successfully conveying and exchanging information in a positive manner.
• As a team player demonstrates self-initiative by being aware of the work environment so that you can act to assist co-workers and others while maintaining and enhancing a respectful and positive attitude in the work environment. Serves at all times as a positive and effective employee role model.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D).

If applicable, equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, and must be directly related to the functions and responsibilities of the job.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

• A current Pharmacy Technician Trainee License in accordance with the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy requirements
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers. 

• Level I fingerprint clearance card: current valid and in good standing or have applied for it within seven working days after beginning employment.
• Employees in this position are required to have reliable transportation that can meet any operational reassignments of the organization during the workday. If an employee is driving during work hours, the employee is required to possess a valid driver’s license and must be in compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.

Preferred Education, Experience, Skills, Abilities:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish with the ability to read, write, and speak in both languages

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices to perform the essential functions of the job.

 El Rio Health does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

El Rio Health requires all AZ employees to have a Level One Fingerprint Clearance card. A.R.S. 36.425.03. New hires and transfers must submit their fingerprint clearance card or fingerprint receipt before their hire date or transfer date. Level One (1) Non-IVP Fingerprint Clearance card must be received within 30 days after the new employee hire date or transfer date.

 All employees are strongly recommended to obtain and maintain vaccination status (i.e., as recommended by CDC and/or other public health agencies) to include an Influenza vaccination. Subject to exemptions and accommodations when required by law. (Policy: Adm-016 & Adm-045).

 All employees are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal and State regulations for alcohol and controlled substance testing. Employees in positions holding responsibility for the safety and welfare of others will also be classified as safety sensitive.

 El Rio Health is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and abides by all applicable federal Drug-Free Workplace standards. El Rio Health is an equal opportunity employer.