Lead Pharmacy Technician - UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC is seeking a Lead Pharmacy Technician to provide pharmaceutical care within the health system. The role includes coordinating daily activities with pharmacists, mentoring technicians, and developing policies to optimize workflow and patient care. Requires leadership and pharmacy technician credentials.

Candidates should have extensive experience in sterile/non-sterile areas, IV admixtures, and controlled substances management, with strong documentation and regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent or completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program.
• Five years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Operation Specialist.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) and PA registration are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in medication preparation and distribution with accurate labeling and packaging.
• Maintain inventory levels and manage controlled substances per regulations.
• Lead and train technicians, develop policies to improve workflow and safety.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, Joint Commission, and state/federal rules.
• Support billing, documentation, and operational reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Pharmacy technician program

Job description

Purpose

The Lead Pharmacy Technician provides pharmaceutical care to patients within the UPMC Health System by demonstrating proficiency in knowledge, skills, and leadership in a designated area of pharmacy operations. Examples of areas that a Lead Pharmacy Technician may include the sterile products area, RobotRX operations, general pharmacy operations, operating room, non-sterile product packaging areas, and controlled substances. The Lead Pharmacy Technician is responsible for coordinating daily activities with pharmacists and pharmacy management, mentoring and instructing new technicians in designated areas of responsibility, and developing policies and procedures optimize general workflow and better provide effective patient care and pharmacy services. These services are provided in compliance with state and federal regulations, The Joint Commission Standards, and the mission and policies of the hospital and department.

Purpose

The Lead Pharmacy Technician provides pharmaceutical care to patients within the UPMC Health System by demonstrating proficiency in knowledge, skills, and leadership in a designated area of pharmacy operations. Examples of areas that a Lead Pharmacy Technician may include the sterile products area, RobotRX operations, general pharmacy operations, operating room, non-sterile product packaging areas, and controlled substances. The Lead Pharmacy Technician is responsible for coordinating daily activities with pharmacists and pharmacy management, mentoring and instructing new technicians in designated areas of responsibility, and developing policies and procedures optimize general workflow and better provide effective patient care and pharmacy services. These services are provided in compliance with state and federal regulations, The Joint Commission Standards, and the mission and policies of the hospital and department.

Key Responsibilities

Medication Preparation & Distribution

• Assist in filling medication orders through accurate labeling, counting, packaging, and stocking practices.
• Participate in medication distribution, including medication cassettes, emergency medication carts, and controlled substances in accordance with department policies and federal/state regulations.
• Support the procurement, storage, preparation, accountability, and distribution of investigational and study medications.

Inventory & Controlled Substance Management

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels in pharmacy stock rooms, automated dispensing systems, and medication carousels.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping, auditing, storage, and distribution of controlled substances in compliance with federal, state, and departmental regulations.
• Demonstrate advanced technical competency in specialized areas such as sterile compounding, IV admixtures, automation systems, packaging operations, operating room support, and controlled substance management.

Operations, Leadership & Training

• Coordinate daily workflow, prioritize responsibilities, and develop tools, guidelines, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency and maintain regulatory readiness within the designated area.
• Provide leadership and technical direction for medication preparation and operational activities.
• Train, mentor, and support Pharmacy Technicians, ensuring competency and adherence to departmental standards.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and support new programs to enhance pharmaceutical care, operational performance, and patient outcomes.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure medications are stored securely and in compliance with Department of Health, Joint Commission, State Board of Pharmacy, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain required documentation, including inventory records, refrigerator and eyewash logs, billing records, and patient information.
• Comply with all applicable regulations and policies, including HIPAA, OSHA, CMS, FWA, and other federal and state requirements.
• Complete departmental documentation, reporting, and billing accurately and within established timelines.

Customer Service & Collaboration

• Demonstrate professionalism and a strong service-oriented approach when interacting with patients, visitors, and healthcare team members.
• Foster positive working relationships and provide constructive feedback consistent with UPMC values and a culture of service excellence.
• Support departmental initiatives and collaborate with colleagues to improve workflow, productivity, and patient care.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Process pharmacy sales transactions and follow established cash-handling procedures.
• Prepare operational reports and maintain pharmacy computer systems, records, and databases.
• Regularly inspect designated work areas to ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with operational standards.

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent or Completion of an accredited pharmacy technician program.
• Five years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Operation Specialist.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in current position.
• Demonstrated competency in all detailed aspects of the Lead Pharmacist Technician's DESIGNATED area:
  • Create and evaluate policy, procedure, and training materials regarding operational workflow
  • Take an active role in the training of fellow staff members in one's area of expertise.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

Pharmacy Technician Certification required.PA State Board of Pharmacy Registration required for all PA locations. RxPartners specific BU criteria may also include Driver’s License and Automotive insurance Non-licensed Pharmacy Technicians working in a NY facility are not permitted to perform Sterile Compounding. All Pharmacy Technicians working in NY facilities performing sterile compounding are required to have received certification from a nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification program (CPhT) and be registered with the New York State Board of Pharmacy

• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• PA Pharmacy Tech Registration
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran