Pharmacy Technician I

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Pharmacy Technician I performs moderately-complex (journey-level) pharmaceutical assistance work with pharmacist review and supervision as required by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, under the supervision of the Director of Pharmacy. Work involves inventory management, preparing medications for a pharmacist final check, delivering medications to patient areas, conducting medication area inspections, providing technical assistance, and performing clerical duties. Provides guidance to others as needed. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment within the boundaries allowed by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Responsible for adhering to standards of professional, legal, and ethical practice and all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of the hospital, HHSC and Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP).

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency policy.

Willingly completes other duties as assigned within timeframes and standards established by supervisor.

Obtains clarification and assistance as needed to complete tasks.

Use pharmacy software to process medication orders, generate reports, including fill lists, and process return credits.

Fills medication dispensing machines with appropriate medications in a timely manner.

Delivers medication, including assessing needs for bulk items, and inspecting medication rooms.

Prepares discharge medication orders for dispensing.

Maintains proper records, storage, and security conditions for medications and pharmaceutical supplies.

Repackages bulk pharmaceuticals into unit dose packages.

Interacts with pharmacy staff and other hospital staff on a professional level.

Performs clerical duties, including audits, inventories, inspections, filing, and stocking.

Prepares, receives, and reconciles drug shipments, stocks medications, and reports drug shortages

Assists customers and coworkers, answers telephone, and responds to questions or requests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledgeable in medical and pharmaceutical nomenclature, pharmaceutical calculations, and the laws and regulations related to pharmacy operations.

Able to lawfully prepare prescriptions, to inventory supplies, and to train others.

Skilled in the operation of pharmaceutical equipment.

Ability to use computer software for business applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and data entry.

Ability to perform effective verbal and written communication.

Ability to squat, bend, lift, walk up/down stairs, and carry 35 lbs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent is generally preferred OR two years’ (24) months experience in pharmacy assistance may be substituted for educational requirement.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.