The On-Call Pharmacy Technician provides professional after-hours (or within business hours if needed) operational support to ensure continuity of patient care when the pharmacy is closed. Working under the supervision of the Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) and in compliance with California pharmacy regulations, this role serves as the first point of contact for after-hours patient inquiries, triages requests based on urgency, coordinates communication with the on-call pharmacist, and facilitates prescription transfers when clinically appropriate. The technician is also responsible for coordinating medication home deliveries through approved third-party delivery partners to support timely patient access to medications.
This position will support our SHAW and Modesto pharmacies.
Schedule requires 24 hour availability.
Compensation: $23.56 – $26.92 an hour
Golden Valley Health Centers offers excellent benefits including Medical: (0 Deductible / $2,000 Individual; $4,000 Family Out-of-Pocket Max), excellent PPO coverages; Dental; Vision; 403(b) with match, FSA plans, gym discounts, and so much more!
Duties and Responsibilities
- Under the supervision of a pharmacist this position will do all tasks approved by the board of pharmacy as a regular pharmacy technician.
- After-Hours Patient Support
- Serve as the primary after-hours contact for patient phone calls when the pharmacy is closed.
- Professionally assess the nature and urgency of incoming patient requests using established pharmacy protocols.
- Collect and accurately document all relevant patient information, including medication details, pharmacy information, contact information, and reason for the request.
- Escalate urgent medication-related matters to the on-call pharmacist promptly.
- Ensure all after-hours communications and actions are accurately documented for follow-up by the pharmacy team on the next business day.
- Prescription Transfer Coordination
- Gather all necessary information required for prescription transfer requests.
- Coordinate communication between patients and the on-call pharmacist to facilitate prescription transfers to alternate pharmacies when immediate medication access is required, in accordance with California Board of Pharmacy regulations.
- Communicate updates to patients regarding the status of their requests.
- Maintain complete and accurate records of all transfer-related communications.
- Home Delivery Coordination
- Schedule medication deliveries through home delivery drivers.
- Verify delivery requests, patient contact information, and delivery addresses prior to dispatch.
- Coordinate delivery timing with patients and delivery vendors.
- Monitor delivery status and resolve operational issues as needed.
- Ensure all deliveries comply with pharmacy policies, HIPAA requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Documentation & Communication
- Maintain detailed records of all patient interactions, delivery requests, prescription transfer requests, and pharmacist communications.
- Prepare comprehensive handoff documentation for the pharmacy team at the beginning of the next business day.
- Communicate professionally with patients, pharmacists, healthcare providers, and delivery partners.
- Compliance & Quality
- Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA privacy and confidentiality requirements.
- Follow all California Board of Pharmacy regulations governing pharmacy technician practice.
- Adhere to company policies, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance standards.
- Recognize situations that require immediate pharmacist intervention and escalate appropriately.
- Maintain professionalism, accuracy, and patient-centered service during all patient interactions.
Important Regulatory Note
The On-Call Pharmacy Technician performs administrative, coordination, and communication duties only. Solely the supervising pharmacist in accordance with California Board of Pharmacy regulations must perform all clinical decision-making, prescription verification, prescription transfers requiring pharmacist authorization, counseling, and any functions reserved by law to a licensed pharmacist.
Physical Requirements:
- Lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Moving, lifting or pushing greater than 30 pounds should be done with assistance, as appropriate.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
- High manual dexterity.
- Reach above shoulder level, bend, squat, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn, and good finger sensation.
- Hearing adequate for phone work and clear speech for staff and patient communication.
Work Environment:
- On-call position providing after-hours coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
- Primarily remote/telephone-based work with electronic access to approved communication systems.
- The noise level in the work environment should allow for professional representation of the organization.
- Permitted 30 minutes to respond to after-hour support needs.
Education/Experience Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of pharmacy workflow and prescription processing.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize multiple requests in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with pharmacy management software, telephone systems, and basic computer applications.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling patient information.
- Exceptional customer service and patient communication.
- Professional telephone etiquette.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong documentation and organizational skills.
- Effective collaboration with pharmacists and healthcare professionals.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in urgent situations.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and accountability
- Bilingual: Spanish/English required.
Education/Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Pharmacy technician certification preferred.
- Active unnumbered California Pharmacy Technician License in good standing.
- Minimum of one (1) year of community or retail pharmacy experience preferred.
- Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification.