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.