Pharmacy Technician

INTRODUCTION

The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the United

States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations

(ERO) under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The United States

Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff and contractors

comprise the healthcare professionals working together to provide quality healthcare services.

IHSC serves as the medical experts for ICE for detainee health care

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

As the Pharmacy Technician, the incumbent is responsible for the provision of a full range of

pharmacy services at the assigned facility as well as ensuring compliance with the pharmacy

policies and procedures as stated in the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) Pharmaceutical

Services Directive and Guide.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Degree issuing institution and or program must be accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

1.Minimum of one year experience as a Pharmacy Technician.

2.High School Diploma or GED.

REQUIRED LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

1.In states where pharmacy technician licensing is required by state law, a pharmacy technician

license in the state in which the duty station is located. The license must be maintained in a

full and unrestricted status during the term of employment. Any changes to license must be

reported to employer immediately.

2.This position does not require privileging by IHSC.

3.Maintains BLS for Healthcare Providers certification through the American Heart

Association.

ATTRIBUTES AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

1.Strong oral and written communication skills.

2.Excellent interpersonal skills.

3.Critical thinking skills.

4.Cultural competency.

5.Integrity and honesty.

6.Experience in a detention/correctional or residential healthcare setting (preferred, not

required).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1.Knowledge of (1) pharmaceutical nomenclature, (2) formulas, strengths, and dosage forms of

drugs; (3) pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures; (4) operation and care of a

variety of pharmaceutical equipment; (5) receipt, storage, and order of pharmaceuticals, bulk

compounding, preparation of sterile solutions, and setting up prescriptions for a final check

by a pharmacist.

2.Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment.

3.Ability to utilize telephonic interpreter/translation services to complete assigned duties if not

fluent in a language the patient understands.

4.Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.

5.Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) to develop positive

rapport with patients, co-workers and other stakeholders.

6.Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary

environment.

7.Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records,

web-based training and communications.

8.Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs,

specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.

9.Knowledge of regulations (HIPAA/Privacy Act) regarding the confidentiality of patient

medical records and information as well as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Performs all duties related to preparation and dispensing of medication orders.

2.Provides direct care to patients within discipline Scope of Practice and performs functions in

accordance with current accepted practice, licensure, certification, credentialing and or

granted privileges.

3.Provides treatment of persons throughout the life span as appropriate to discipline and

facility setting.

4.May be expected to respond to and or coordinate response to medical emergencies.

5.Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of

drugs to be dispensed. Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy

limitations and notes such on the prescription.

6.Sets up prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of

medication, and placing this medication in smaller containers. After the prescription has been

filled, all contents and the label are set aside in order for a final check by a pharmacist.

7.Consults with the Clinical Services Manager or clinical pharmacist directly to clarify a

prescription problem. This indicates that the technician has the knowledge and experience to

recognize a problem in which a physician or a pharmacist must be contacted to clarify or

change a medication order.

8.Required to use judgment and experience to determine when a pharmacist is to be

immediately alerted to a therapeutic problem.

9.When the technician is asked to act on dispensing instructions from a prescription, they can

act and prioritize the requests.

10. The technician has sufficient experience with the type of requests and their critical nature to

be able to know when to proceed and when to immediately alert a pharmacist for follow-up.

11. Sets up medications needed for new orders and arranges for a pharmacist to check all

preceding steps.

12. Receives supplies and checks receipts against requisitions.

13. Checks for shortages, breakage, deterioration, and expiration dates. Discrepancies found are

reported to the pharmacist.

14. Performs computer entry of vouchers or invoices into various program applications for

monitoring pharmacy expenditures and generating reports. Determines appropriate stock

levels as well as the critical nature of different drugs and the consequences of being short on

these supplies.

15. Consults with a pharmacist to prevent inventory problems and prepares requisitions

accordingly.

16. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) and

prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action.

17. Places supply orders through mandatory government and non-government sources, which

include data entry into computer applications for figuring the total dollar value and

generating a quarterly report and determine the kind of packaging and shipping required for

such items.

18. Makes necessary changes to quantities requested depending on stock levels to avoid total

depletion and notifies a pharmacist of any discrepancies found in the requisition.

19. Packages bulk drugs, which include liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments, and creams, etc.

into specific quantities and various size containers.

20. Operates various types of equipment such as tablet and capsule counting machines and

labeling machines.

21. Records all prepackage information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer,

current date, initials (incumbent), and sets them aside for final check by a registered

pharmacist.

22. Daily, checks the medicine cabinet and all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is

available. Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drugs or supply items used during

the night.

23. Inspects and logs the temperature of all refrigerators that contain any type of pharmaceutical

reports problems.

24. As directed, or in conjunction with a pharmacist, conducts orientations, for new staff, to

pharmacy policy and practice within the clinic.

25. Keeps staff appraised of changes in protocols, drug recalls, etc. that may affect patient safety.

26. Utilizes a personal computer to enter and tabulate data for the monthly workload record.

27. Manipulates data spreadsheet software in order to provide statistical analysis of the

workload. Prepares quarterly reports, which identify trends in usage, peculiarities, and

discrepancies.

28. Collects daily as required or works with a pharmacist to provide workload data, tabulates

onto workload sheets, prepares figures for entry into a statistical program, and enters data

into that program.

29. Is familiar with the statistical program that has been designed specifically for this location as

well as others for basic spreadsheet capabilities and uses standard techniques.

30. Is fully familiar with all aspects of the program to include adding new patients, doctors, and

drugs to the databases as well as editing prescriptions and querying the program for data

related to drug usage and workload statistics.

31. Adds new patients to the pill line and updates current patients when orders are renewed.

Prepares computer generated medication administration record (MAR) for patients on the pill

line.

32. Adds new patients to the Isoniazid tuberculosis prophylaxis directly observed therapy (DOT)

list (if separate from the regular pill line).

33. Clean equipment and work areas in the pharmacy.

34. Performs record keeping functions in accordance with program policies and position.

35. Maintains functional proficiency and ease of use utilizing electronic health records as

required by, and appropriate to, position.

36. Completes and passes all discipline specific competencies testing, initially and annually.

37. Completes all initial, annual and ad hoc training as required/assigned.

38. Maintains patient confidentiality, and confidentiality of medical records, in compliance with

the Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations in all work activities.

39. Adheres to, and maintains awareness of, IHSC Policies, Procedures, Directives, Operational

Memoranda and accreditation standards as prescribed by ICE/IHSC.

40. Adheres to, and participates in, IHSC's Safety, Prevention, Infection and Control, Quality

Improvement, Patient Education and other programs and collateral duties as appropriate to

position.

41. Attends and participates in general/medical staff meetings.

ON-CALL REQUIREMENTS

1.On-call availability is not required for this position.

2.IHSC operates 24/7/365; this position is required to respond during an emergency activation.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

1.The Department of Homeland Security's Personnel Security Unit (PSU) must render an

Initial Preliminary Favorable Fitness Determination to be considered a qualified candidate.

2.A Complete Favorable Fitness Determination must be rendered by PSU upon completion of

initial, and between, subsequent background investigations to meet the requirements of this

position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. unaided over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping,

stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy patients or

equipment.

2.The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as agility

and dexterity, visual, and hearing capabilities.

3.Must be able to respond to any medical emergency in the facility, via foot, within four

minutes and perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.

4.Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff exiting the building

during an emergency.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This is a contract position and supervisory controls will be set forth by the contract vendor.

Technical oversight will be provided by the Government Technical Monitor (GTM)

Overview

Jackson Healthcare Government Services is an innovator in the delivery of healthcare workforce solutions across the nation, leading the way as a comprehensive healthcare professional and support staffing, technology and program management partner to federal, state and municipal government agencies of all types and sizes.

EEO Statement

Jackson Healthcare is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our associates.