Inpatient/Outpatient Pharmacy Technician - Full-Time

La-Rabida-Children; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago seeks an Automation and Compliance Pharmacy Technician to support medication safety, regulatory compliance, and operations across the pharmacy department. This role focuses on controlled substance management, automated dispensing systems, and DSCSA compliance under the supervision of pharmacy leadership.

Responsibilities include staff training, audits, recalls, inventory management, and collaboration with procurement to curb shortages.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• 3–5 years hospital pharmacy experience preferred.
• Experience with automated dispensing cabinets.
• Experience with controlled substance management and reconciliation.
• Proficiency with pharmacy information systems and EMRs.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor controlled substance discrepancies and ensure DEA compliance.
• Perform narcotic reconciliations and support audits.
• Oversee automated dispensing cabinets operations and security.
• Train staff and support workflow optimization in dispensing systems.
• Oversee DSCSA compliance including verification and tracing.
• Manage recalls, returns, and vendor documentation (Inmar).
• Support procurement, monitor shortages and cost containment.
• Participate in regulatory inspections and quality initiatives.
• Provide backup support and assist with departmental initiatives.

Skills

Automated dispensing

Controlled substances

EMR systems

Documentation skills

Pharmacy operations

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

Meditech

Cerner

EPIC

Inmar

Job description

• Full-time
• Work Shift: Variable Shift
• Compensation: USD 24 - USD 39 - hourly

Company Description

La Rabida Children’s Hospital provides specialized, family-centered health care to children with medically complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. Through expertise, compassion, and advocacy we help children and their families reach their fullest potential, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 49 beds, helps transition children from neonatal or pediatric intensive care to home, by providing medical, rehabilitative and developmental care, and by training families to continue treatments and manage the necessary equipment in the home. La Rabida also provides extensive rehabilitation for those recovering from wounds or burns and treatment for exacerbations of chronic conditions.

The hospital’s enhanced pediatric patient-centered medical home provides primary care to children with complex medical conditions and their siblings. Children with medical homes elsewhere come to La Rabida for specialty services. La Rabida offers a wide range of specialty services provided to children with sickle cell disease, diabetes, and many others. Children are supported in their emotional and developmental growth, particularly in cases where such growth has been interrupted by accident or disease.

Finally, La Rabida provides forensic and treatment services for children exposed to abuse and neglect, comprehensive assessments for wards of the state, early intervention for children between 0 and 3 years of age. Care coordination services for medically complex children are also provided for those who are covered by a health plan and receive care from providers in Cook County

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Automation and Compliance pharmacy technician is responsible for supporting medication safety, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity across the pharmacy department. This role oversees controlled substance management, automated dispensing systems, supply chain compliance, and regulatory tracking, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and organizational standards. This role supports regulatory compliance activities and audit preparation; ultimate regulatory authority remains with pharmacy leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor, investigate, and resolve controlled substance discrepancies, ensuring compliance with DEA and institutional policies

Perform routine narcotic reconciliations and support diversion prevention audits and documentation

Manage daily operations of automated dispensing cabinets, including user access, security controls, medication stocking, and discrepancy resolution

Provide staff training, troubleshooting, and support for workflow optimization within automated dispensing systems

Oversee Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliance, including transaction verification, tracing, and vendor coordination

Manage medication recalls, expired drug returns, and documentation processes through vendors such as Inmar

Support procurement and inventory functions by monitoring shortages, purchasing trends, and cost-containment initiatives

Participate in regulatory inspections, internal audits, medication safety initiatives, and performance improvement projects

Provide operational backup support and assist with departmental initiatives and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree preferred)
• Minimum 3–5 years of hospital pharmacy experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience with automated dispensing cabinets
• Experience with controlled substance management and reconciliation
• Proficiency with pharmacy information systems and EMRs
• Strong computer and documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DSCSA compliance programs
• Experience managing recalls and returns (Inmar)
• Knowledge of procurement and supply chain processes
• Familiarity with Meditech, Cerner, EPIC or similar EMR systems
• Experience supporting regulatory surveys and audits

Additional Information

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education, and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.