Pharmacy Technician

Job Description and Duties

The permanent/full time Pharmacy Technician will be directed by the Pharmacist I, Pharmacist II, and/or Pharmacy Services Manager in the Pharmacy at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties, but not limited to:

DRUG DISTRIBUTION:

• Follow pharmacy and nursing policy/procedures and Administrative Directives regarding medication processes at Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero.
• Fill Unit Dose patient medications.
• Operate the repackaging machines to package medications into unit dose packets.
• Fill and restock the Automated medication Dispensing Devices (ADDs) throughout the hospital for administration to patients.
• Maintain the repackaging machine and the ADDs (cleaning and basic maintenance).
• Fax validated physician medication orders to the appropriate units.
• Filing documentation.
• Interface with units regarding unit dose processes and Automated Dispensing Devices.
• Fill prescriptions for discharged patients to be verified by the pharmacist on duty.
• Process and assemble injectables and intravenous admixtures for verification by the pharmacist on duty.
• Make any necessary medication deliveries related to the operational needs of the pharmacy/facility as requested by the supervisor(s) or pharmacist(s).

AUTOMATION:

• Accurately read and interpret physician’s orders.
• Work directly with pharmacists to ensure accuracy of data collection, interpretation, and input of physician orders.
• Interface with unit regarding physician orders scheduling, distribution of automated Physician Orders (PO) and medication administration records.
• Interface with unit staff for retrieval of copies of physicians’ orders.
• Process patient medication transfer orders.
• Print monthly medication administration records for the units.Knowledge of medical terms, abbreviations, medications (Brand, generics, dosage forms, strength, and upper limits).

PROCUREMENT AND STORAGE :

• Utilize prime vendor software to purchase pharmaceuticals.
• Stock medication inventory on shelves, and rotate stock.
• Participate in checking for outdates (expired/expiring medication) on all pharmacy medication inventory, ADDs inventory throughout the hospital, Emergency Kits, and Crash Carts. 
• Participate in medication room inspections.Update shelves with prime vendor stickers.Research and process recalled medications.
• Clean medication inventory shelves.
• Maintain and update medication information in the automated dispensing system and repackaging equipment.
• Collect and dispose of wasted medications in the appropriate waste receptacles.
• Help stock/restock unit emergency kits and crash carts.
• Provide training and share knowledge to new and existing pharmacy staff as directed by supervisor(s).

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on an certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Pharmacy Technician (DMH) Examination or Pharmacy Technician (CCHCS) Examination

Please note the DMH examination has cutoff dates, please apply for and take the examination at your earliest convenience. The CCHCS examination is scored instantly. 

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA Pharmacy Technician License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Pharmaceutical Calculations: A solid understanding of pharmaceutical calculations is necessary for accurate medication dispensing and dosage calculations.
• Medical Terminology: Knowledge of medical terms is vital for understanding prescriptions and interacting with healthcare professionals.
• Attention to Detail: This is a critical skill for ensuring accuracy in prescription filling and patient information, directly impacting patient safety.
• Communication: Effective communication is needed to interact with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Organization & Multitasking: Pharmacy technicians must be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently to ensure smooth operations.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Additional Information

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
• Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
• This position requires candidates to take and pass a drug screening test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other -
  • Candidates who believe they meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) based on a pattern of education, as outlined in the classification description (specifications), must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcripts showing how many units completed with their application (STD. 678). Higher degrees cannot be accepted as proof of a lower degree.
    • Transcripts must include candidate's name, the name of the school, and the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, in order to be considered for this position.
    • Foreign transcripts must include verification for US equivalency from an independent company.
    • Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts.
  • If you are not using education to meet the MQs, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).