Pharmacy Automated Dispensing Coordinator

Beacon Health System; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System is seeking a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor to coordinate Automated Dispensing Machines (Pyxis) operations and support pharmacy staff. You will ensure proper Pyxis setup, restocking, and regulatory compliance while guiding technicians and collaborating with pharmacists and system analysts.

You will monitor Pyxis usage, run reports, train users, protect access security, and help meet hospital and Indiana regulations.

Qualifications

• Two years of pharmacy technician experience preferred.
• Indiana pharmacy technician certification required.
• Pyxis hardware experience desired.
• Leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Pyxis operations and provide technical support to users.
• Ensure Pyxis restocking and monthly inspections.
• Maintain knowledge of hospital formulary.
• Deliver medications to Pyxis stations across the hospital.
• Train users and manage Pyxis access and passwords.
• Communicate with management and nursing on Pyxis activity.

Skills

Leadership

Pyxis knowledge

Pharmacy operations

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Indiana-approved pharmacy technician program

Indiana state certification

Tools

Pyxis software

Microsoft Office

Hospital information systems

Job description

Reports to the Assistant Director and/or Director. Coordinates the daily operational functions related to Automated Dispensing Machines (Pyxis) and assists with overseeing daily activities of Pharmacy Technicians. Assists staff for the appropriate use of Pyxis equipment per hospital/department policy and procedures and Indiana State Board of Pharmacy Law. Maintains close working communication with staff (i.e., Pharmacists, Technicians, and Pharmacy Systems Analyst) regarding the proper set‑up, use and maintenance of Pyxis equipment. Facilitates departmental and hospital initiatives to meet or exceed regulatory agency requirements.

Mission, values and service goals

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Coordinate activities related to Automated Dispensing Machines (Pyxis) and provide ongoing technical support and guidance to users

• Ensuring medication floor stocks, intravenous solutions, and supplies are restocked in Pyxis machines.
• Running reports to assess the appropriate use of Pyxis units by users. Reports discrepancies and issues to appropriate staff and managers.
• Ensuring that Pyxis inspections and outdated medications are removed from storage units monthly.
• Maintaining basic knowledge of current medications on the hospital's formulary.
• Responsible for deliveries of medications to all Pyxis stations throughout the hospital and outlying areas.
• Ensuring that restocking and rotating stock of medications, intravenous solutions and supplies in Pyxis cabinets is done efficiently and effectively utilizing the least amount of manpower.
• Supporting the pharmacy billing agent and systems application analysts as it relates to the proper utilization of Pyxis.
• Providing assistance to Memorial and Epworth medical staff, nursing and pharmacy administration on issues related to Pyxis access by providers, appropriate access to medications in Pyxis cabinets, and the investigation of diversion from units.
• Responsible for the training and password protection of all users of the system.
• Responsible for general and specific educational notification for users.
• Responsible for monitoring override activities.
• Communicating with Nursing Management regarding the Pyxis system activities, policies, and procedures.

Supports the management team and performs other department functions

• Coordinating the daily activities of the Technician staff; also resolving staffing‑related problems.
• Maintaining an accurate and complete daily schedule for Technician staff.
• Ensuring requirements pertaining to protocols, as identified in the Indiana Code, are met.
• Coordinating meetings with Technician staff on a regular basis to ensure they have the information regarding operational practices and procedures which they need for effective job performance.
• Following guidelines set forth in the bargaining unit contract.
• Administering (and implementing as necessary) established departmental and MHSB policies/procedures and standards.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with other departments.
• Acting as a resource person and role model for team members.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department

• Interacting in a positive, pro‑active and cooperative manner with team members, patients and physicians when providing information, seeking assistance or clarification and resolving problems.
• Communicating with management regarding any concerns or problems.
• Completing other job‑related assignments and special projects as assigned.

Organizational responsibilities

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six‑point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of a pharmacy technician training program approved by the State of Indiana. Current certification through the State of Indiana is required. A minimum of two years of experience working as a pharmacy technician is preferred. Previous experience with the use of Automated Dispensing Machines (Pyxis) is desired. Prior experience in a leadership role is preferred.

Knowledge & skills

• Requires thorough knowledge and understanding Pharmacy operations, policies/procedures and equipment. Previous hospital knowledge of unit dose and injectable medications, experience with the set‑up and maintenance of Pyxis equipment and general knowledge of hospital computer systems preferred.
• Requires proficient keyboarding skills (a minimum of 30 wpm) and the ability to accurately input information.
• Requires proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and spreadsheets) and the ability to use multiple applications/software - - such as Microsoft Office and Pyxis related software.
• Demonstrates the leadership and organization skills necessary to elicit cooperation and support from team members, supervisors and other Hospital staff members.
• Demonstrates mathematical skills necessary to accurately compute fractions, ratios, percentages and totals.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills necessary to understand and execute both verbal and written instructions, including the ability to understand technical and pharmaceutical terminology.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to consistently interact with patients, families, visitors and staff in a courteous manner; and to maintain positive working relationships.
• Requires the ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.

Working conditions

• Works in controlled environment.
• Occasional exposure to potentially hazardous substances.
• Requires the ability to continually change priorities in response to changing patient needs.
• Extensive use of keyboarding on computers.
• Must be able to be effective in a fast‑paced, quality‑focused, multi‑priority environment that frequently deals with constant distractions, stressful situations and important deadlines and schedules.
• May need to vary days and hours scheduled, including working evenings and/or additional hours, as determined by the department's needs.

Physical demands

• Requires physical ability and stamina (to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and to remain standing or walking for prolonged periods of time) to perform the essential functions of the position.