Medication History Pharmacy Technician Specialist, Full-time Evening Shift

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Pharmacy Technician Specialist to join our clinical team in a hospital setting. The role emphasizes obtaining complete medication histories, supporting transitions of care, and maintaining accuracy in EHR documentation.

You will lead process improvements, coordinate with departments, and assist with controlled substances and recalls. Illinois license and PTCB/ExCPT certification are preferred.

Qualifications

• Active Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR) required.
• Certified or Student designation per Illinois law by second license renewal.
• High School diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Obtain accurate medication histories from patients in hospital/ED.
• Document histories clearly in the EHR and communicate concerns to pharmacists.
• Assist with transitions of care and ensure medication safety at handoffs.
• Support medication history verification using secondary sources when needed.
• Lead with other technicians on workflow, scheduling, and training.

Skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR)

Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCB/ExCPT)

Job description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

Pharmacy Technician Specialist

The Pharmacy Technician Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

Medication History Responsibilities

• Acts as a member of the clinical team to obtain the most complete and accurate medication history possible for patients throughout the hospital and emergency department
• Obtains medication history in a timely manner to ensure efficient transitions in the continuum of care
• Interviews patients, utilizing all resources to obtain complete and accurate medication history, along with obtaining and clarifying allergy information
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills with all members of the care team and the public, including patients and patients’ representatives
• Reviews secondary sources of information to obtain medication histories if unable to obtain directly from patient, or to verify the accuracy of a patient-provided history
• Ensures that all medication histories are of the highest quality, and communicates any potential concerns with the covering clinical pharmacist to prevent medication errors
• Documents medication histories, and other pertinent information, in a clear and concise manner
• Maintains a dedication to improving patient safety and reducing medication errors at transitions in the continuum of care
• Attention to detail, confidentiality, and complete documentation are core responsibilities within this role
• Demonstrates competency with electronic health record (EHR) documentation and medication knowledge necessary to complete the role

Pharmacy Technician Specialist Core Responsibilities

• Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician at advanced level.
• Leads performance improvement initiatives
• Liaison between pharmacy and other departments
• Assists with/coordinates pharmacy technician schedule, services, prioritizing assignments and workflow, and promoting situational decision making/problem solving
• Fosters a team environment by providing education and training
• Maintains documentation of completion for media fill and fingertip testing
• Participates in site meetings (i.e. Drug Shortage, huddles, staff meetings)
• Responsible for controlled substance receiving, reconciliation, discrepancy tracking, and investigations
• Performs minor repairs of ADS machines
• Participates in projects as assigned by manager
• Handles recalls, crash carts monitoring, and kitcheck ordering
• Troubleshooting
• Restocks
• Performs Tech-Check-Tech (i.e. automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) runs/controlled substance in ADC; barcode scanned pills, pre-mixed IV bags)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• Active Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR)
• Pharmacy Technician licenses issued after 12/31/07 must have either CERTIFIED or STUDENT designation by their second license renew in accordance with Section 9 of the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act
• Licensed Technicians prior to 1/1/2008 certification requirement must meet department skill level
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• 1-2 years’ technician experience
• Previous experience as a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital or outpatient setting
• Excellent critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work with minimal supervision
• Specialty Pharmacy: Certified Pharmacy Technician through PTCB or ExCPT through NHA

Preferred

• Minimum 5 years’ technician experience

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.