Automation Support Technician

What Health System Pharmacy contributes to Cardinal Health
Pharmacy Operations is responsible for the safe, efficient and effective coordination of Cardinal Health's pharmacy operations that service acute care hospitals, hospital retail customers, ambulatory care and alternate site facilities, oncology and cardiology practices as well as retail customers.

Health System Pharmacy is responsible for providing customized pharmacy program solutions that reduce costs and improve patient care quality for hospitals, health systems and other integrated healthcare providers may also consult with and advise healthcare team on prescribed medications, supplies and related processes.

Job Summary

This position reports to the QA Manager or their designee. This person should have a pharmacy technician background with previous experience working with automated dispensing cabinets (ADC). Experience with data analysis and Office 365 Suite preferred. The technician is Nationally Certified and holds a state license that is in good standing. Works effectively under the direct supervision of the QA Manager and/or their designee to meet the medication needs of the MSOPS patient population.

The MA State Office of Pharmacy (MSOPS) Pharmacy Distribution Center (PDC) provides medications via central fill in unit dose or blister card form for DDS, DPH, DMH, DOC, and HOC facilities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our pharmacy technicians are responsible for providing a wide range of supportive tasks including unit dose packaging, blister card packaging, sterile IV compounding, use of automation (carousels and automated dispensing machines), as well as medication order entry. Site-based pharmacy technicians support the maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory at our facilities in the field.  

Responsibilities

• Oversight of daily automation operations of the Pharmacy Distribution Center (PDC).

• Organizes the pharmacy’s daily workflow to optimize medication distribution.

• Performs maintenance and data reporting such as:

  • Monitors Carousel performance and investigates variance in inventory count, barcode scanning and hardware function.

  • Analyzes reports for opportunities for improved performance.

  • Partners with the Purchasing department in generating reports and making inventory changes to optimize the Carousel.

  • Establishes site par levels in response to quarterly velocity reports.

  • Collaborates with the clinical area pharmacists to generate various key indicator reports (e.g. stockout reports) and adjust ADC inventory and par levels.

  • Ensures medication barcode scanning is current and resolves issues as they arise.

• Assists with ADC implementation and support such as:

  • Facilitates communication with Health System Director (HSD) and PDC Director of Pharmacy (DOP) when ADC/Carousel upgrades/downtimes affect workflow.

  • Communicates with the pharmacy leadership regarding progress updates and the need to re-prioritize activities.

  • Configures drawers and assigns inventory for new cabinets.

  • Perform monthly reviews of opportunities to optimize, set up, and stock new or existing cabinets.

  • Collaborates with IT to assist clinical staff in diagnosing and correcting ADC malfunctions and cabinet issues.

  • Ensures ADC vendor technician is accompanied during service visits.

  • Coordinates software and hardware upgrades and repairs from planning to implementation.

  • Regular cadence with ADC vendor.

• Identifies and reconciles various charge and credit errors within the ADC and electronic medical records (EMR).

• Collaborates and develops corrective action plans with pharmacy leadership when trends in errors are identified.

• Maintains security and confidentiality of passwords.

• Attends and participates in departmental meetings, in-services, and quality improvement programs.

• Completes timely and maintains all required training and education per department requirements (e.g., mySpark, myLearning, Continuing Education).

• Adheres to hospital and departmental policies and procedures.  Complies with all requirements related to risk management, safety, security, fire, and infection control. Complies with all applicable state, local and federal regulations.

• Assists with the development of policies and procedures pertaining to utilization of ADC in the system.

• Assists in orienting and training new staff in working within an automated pharmacy environment.

• Provides back-up to the PDC and performs other duties as assigned.

• Maintains safety-integrity-professionalism at all times to include appropriate communication with coworkers.

• Organizes and prioritizes work assignments.

• Demonstrates good oral and written communication.

• Answers the telephone, identifying self and department; directs calls to appropriate personnel.

• Keeps pharmacy areas clean, neat, and well organized; Keeps pharmacy equipment clean.

• Completes and documents all assigned medication storage area inspections at least monthly; identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications.

• Performs other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

• Willing to modify work schedule to accommodate staffing needs of facility.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent, or equivalent work experience, preferred.

• Active "good standing" Massachusetts pharmacy technician license.

• National pharmacy technician certification (PTCB).

• Previous experience working with ADCs.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Suite.

• Data analysis experience preferred

• Ability to use technology such as computers, smart phones and tablets.

• Knowledge of Commonwealth of Massachusetts pharmacy law when ordering and handling medications.

• Maintains a working knowledge of all policies and procedures related to technical operations.

• Must have a good working knowledge of generic and trade names of medications.

• Excellent communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.

• Ability to prioritize.

• Ability to handle multiple projects.

• Ability to travel to field locations as needed.

What is expected of you and others at this level

• Applies extensive knowledge and company policies to complete a wide range of assignments.

• Demonstrates expert understanding of all levels of the job family and has thorough knowledge of jobs outside area of responsibility.

• Takes the lead in effectively applying new processes and skills in accomplishing assignments.

• May provide technical guidance and training to others.

• Maintains appropriate licenses, training and certifications.

• Works on complex problems that require independent action and a high degree of initiative to resolve issue.

• Makes recommendation for new or revised processes and has a role on the implementation.

• Adheres to all quality guidelines.

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Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.