The Pharmacy Assistant (Role 2) works in the dispensary with a primary focus on the physical filling and dispensing of prescriptions, order receiving, and pick-up drawer management. This role backs up Role 1 on patient-facing duties and is integral to maintaining an organized, efficient dispensary floor.
Key Responsibilities
Patient & Customer Service
- Greet patients professionally and serve as backup to Role 1 for walk-in patient intake
- Answer telephone calls on the first ring and route calls by subject matter; respond to in-person and phone inquiries and escalate clinical questions to the pharmacist or registered technician
- Assist with prescription pick-ups by verifying patient last name, address, phone number, and number of prescriptions being collected
- Communicate proactively with patients if issues arise (e.g., drug interactions, doctor communications, items to be ordered); inform the pharmacist or registered technician of any matters requiring their direct involvement
- Comply with the company's Confidentiality Agreement at all times
Prescription Filling & Dispensing
- Follow the priority sequence of prescription orders organized by Role 1
- Prepare prescription orders according to the filling protocol: check and initial DINs and expiry dates, count pills, initial snap caps where applicable, review the notes section, initial the signature line confirming notes have been checked, and apply prescription labels to vials; verify the hard copy to confirm the correct pack size is billed and on-hand quantity reflects current stock
- Prepare packaging for specialty items (e.g., inhalers, birth control) with appropriate auxiliary labels
- Prepare non-sterile compounds as required, following established procedures
- Ensure all special instructions and notes are recorded on hard copy prescriptions before directing completed orders to the pharmacist or registered technician for review, approval, and signature
- Handle the physical filling component of pack changes when delegated by Role 3
- Fill all balances owing and special orders promptly upon receipt; contact patients when complete and document call attempts (time, whether a message was left, etc.)
Order Receiving & Inventory
- Receive and put away incoming drug orders within one hour of delivery:
◦ Verify contents against invoices and purchase orders
◦ Apply stickers to products without covering the UPC code, DIN, or Lot/Expiry information
◦ Place products in the correct location (fridge items first) and rotate stock by expiry date
◦ Cross-reference received items against the order clipboard; place relevant medications at Station 2 for filling, label bags "call when ready," and notify patients when their prescriptions are ready
- Perform weekly shelf housekeeping: process return-to-stock (RTS) items, identify and remove expired medications, and complete medication returns
- Maintain the tidiness of the front counter by storing medication bottles when not in use
Pick-Up Drawer Management
- Organize all completed and approved prescription orders in the pick-up drawer: file alphabetically by last name, group multiple bags by name and address (or consolidate into one bag, by pharmacist or registered technician only), and ensure items are stored in the appropriate location (refrigerated, oversized, delivery, etc.)
- Conduct a monthly pick-up drawer review:
◦ Flag prescriptions older than one month to the pharmacist's attention
◦ Pull outstanding balances; contact patients to arrange pick-up or offer delivery
◦ Confirm all drawers are organized alphabetically
Billing & Documentation
- Contact insurance companies to resolve billing issues; document all outcomes in the patient profile and on the hard copy prescription to keep the team and patients informed
- Ensure all relevant patient information (billing issues, preferred brands, etc.) is recorded in the patient profile for clear staff communication
- Scan and file all prescription hard copies upon completion
End-of-Shift & General Duties
- Complete end-of-shift tasks: fill bags and vials; ensure counters are clear of bottles and debris
- Brief the incoming replacement on outstanding items and update the pharmacist on completed, pending, and handed-over tasks
- Coordinate the prescription delivery service
- Maintain an allocated section of the dispensary through regular dusting and checks for expired medications
- Liaise with McKesson IT to troubleshoot and resolve dispensary IT issues
- Foster a collaborative and harmonious work environment
Qualifications & Skills
Education & Experience
- Pharmacy Assistant program diploma or 2+ years of experience in a busy pharmacy environment
- Some experience with Nexxsys dispensary software
- Commitment to staying current with pharmacy practices and regulations
Core Competencies
Excellent customer service & communication
Strong listening & empathy skills
High attention to detail
Strong mathematical aptitude
Ability to multitask and work under pressure
Proficiency with dispensary technology
Collaborative team player
Commitment to ongoing professional development
Pay: $18.00-$22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
Work Location: In person
