Lead Pharmacy Technician - UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Health System in Pittsburgh seeks a Lead Pharmacy Technician to coordinate daily pharmacy operations under supervision of pharmacists, ensuring safe medication preparation, distribution, and regulatory compliance. The role includes mentoring technicians and implementing policies to optimize workflow and patient care.

The position emphasizes leadership, training, and collaboration across departments to maintain high standards of service and accuracy in a busy hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating daily pharmacy operations with pharmacists.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (HIPAA, Joint Commission, State Board) and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Medication Preparation & Distribution: assist in labeling, counting, packaging, and stocking.
• Inventory & Controlled Substance Management: maintain inventory levels and ensure compliant recordkeeping for controlled substances.
• Operations, Leadership & Training: coordinate workflow, develop guidelines, train staff, and support quality initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance & Documentation: store medications securely and maintain required records and logs; ensure regulatory adherence.
• Customer Service & Collaboration: maintain professional service and foster collaborative relationships with healthcare teams.
• Financial & Administrative Responsibilities: process transactions and maintain pharmacy systems and reports.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Customer service

Inventory management

Pharmacy operations

Education

Licensed Pharmacy Technician

Tools

Automation systems

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.

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.