Pharmacy Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of a licensed Pharmacist, the assistant works under the guidance of the Pharmacist to process prescription refills, private third-party billing, interacts with internal and external stakeholders, prepare prescription medication for review by a licensed pharmacist or technician, and patient scheduling for delivery and refill. The assistant may also be required to assist with dispensing activities, manage inventory levels and provide warehouse support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assist the pharmacist in maintaining federal, provincial, and local laws, accrediting body standards, and Policies and Procedures (P&Ps).

· Communicates clearly with patients to schedule repeat medication deliveries.

· Perform prescription data entry including the tracking of drug lot numbers and expiry dates as required.

· Assist the pharmacist in entering prescriptions into the prescription software (Kroll), and processing and adjudicating prescriptions.

· Assist the pharmacist in processing refill medications through the prescription software (Kroll).

· Communicates with patients regarding their third-party insurance provider to resolve billing issues.

· Communicates with patients’ third-party plans to troubleshoot rejected claims.

· Assists the pharmacist in dispensing activities which may include:

o Accurate preparation and labeling of medications as allowed by law.

o Documenting lot and expiry date of dispensed medication.

o Preparing compounding sheets for the preparation of medication.

o Appropriate assembly of drugs and supplies by matching codes and quantities from the compounding document.

o Ensures prescriptions and/or compounding products are matched to the right delivery just prior to shipping.

· Assists the pharmacist or pharmacy technician in maintaining accurate and appropriate inventory levels including reviewing expiry dates and proper stock rotation.

· Orders, receives, and stores medications and supplies as per pharmacy policy.

· Performs physical inventories and cycle counts according to (P&Ps).

· Maintains pharmacy records including prescription filing and documenting required information on dispensing records.

· Communicates appropriately with all members of the healthcare team.

· Documents appropriately according to P&Ps, all activities using required paperwork (logs).

· Participates in Performance Improvement and Quality Assurance activities education programs and department/branch meetings.

· Assists with tracking of medication shipments and managing any delivery excursions.

· Reports adverse events per P&P.

· Liaise collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to patient support program personnel, clinic and nursing staff, scheduling team.

· Contributes to maintaining a clean and tidy work environment.

· Understands the pharmacy operation which may require performing other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Pharmacy Assistant Certificate/Diploma from an accredited institution is preferred.

• Experience in a busy community pharmacy setting or specialty pharmacy setting is preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities

· Strong organizational skills

· Strong computer skills (word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs etc.)

· Experience with Kroll computer software.

· Strong communication skills via phone/email and in person.

· Ability to multitask and work well in a team environment.

· Motivated, self-disciplined, and able to work independently.

· Strong attention to detail.