Pharmacy Technician

State of Mississippi; Mississippi; On-site; USD 29,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The State of Mississippi is seeking a Pharmacy Technician to support the daily operations of East Mississippi State Hospital's pharmacy in Lauderdale County, MS. You will process medication orders and refills, fill patient-specific meds, prepare unit-dose packages, manage Pyxis cabinets, and help maintain inventory and compliance logs.

A HS diploma or equivalent is required; 0–2 years experience preferred, with on-the-job training for QS/1 and Pyxis.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and organization are essential.
• Medication safety awareness and good communication are required.
• Ability to learn pharmacy software and follow established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process medication orders and refills.
• Fill patient-specific medications and unit-dose packages.
• Maintain Pyxis cabinets and manage inventory.
• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance logs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Medication safety

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

QS/1

Pyxis

Job description

Job Details

Salary: $28,542.30 - $50,161.32 Annually

Location : 38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 9236-0372-20261022L

Department: 0372 - MH-EAST MS STATE HOSPITAL

Opening Date: 10/22/2026

Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

Agency Minimum Salary: $28,542.30

Agency Maximum Salary: $50,161.32

About the Agency

East Mississippi State Hospital is a state-operated healthcare facility under the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, providing comprehensive inpatient psychiatric, residential, substance use disorder, and long-term care services to individuals across the region. Through a multidisciplinary approach, EMSH serves a diverse population with an emphasis on safety, quality care, recovery-focused treatment, and person-centered support. In addition to its psychiatric services, EMSH operates specialized programs and nursing home services across multiple campuses, including Meridian, Newton, and Kemper, to meet a broad range of clinical and operational needs. EMSH is committed to delivering high-quality care while maintaining compliance with applicable state, federal, and accreditation standards.

About the Position

The Pharmacy Technician is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the pharmacy by processing medication orders and refills, filling patient-specific medications, preparing unit-dose packages, and maintaining automated dispensing cabinets such as Pyxis. It also involves managing medication inventory, ordering and receiving supplies, checking expiration dates, maintaining accurate documentation and compliance logs, and preparing emergency medication boxes. Additionally, the position requires using pharmacy software such as QS/1 and Pyxis, responding to requests from nursing units, and ensuring medications and supplies are organized, properly stocked, and available when needed. The overall goal is to maintain an efficient, accurate, and safe pharmacy operation while supporting pharmacists, nursing staff, and patient care.

What you'll need to be Successful

To be success in this pharmacy tech position, it requires strong attention to detail, organization, medication safety awareness, and good communication skills. It is important to process medication orders accurately, maintain inventory, keep documentation up to date, and ensure that automated dispensing cabinets and emergency boxes are properly stocked. Learning the pharmacy software is a major factor for success, as are following established procedures, managing time effectively, and communicating promptly with pharmacists and nursing staff. Most importantly, prioritize patient safety, take responsibility for your work, and ask questions whenever there is a need for clarification.

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a High School Diploma or high school equivalency, 0-2 years of experience, and a passing score on the registration exam must be obtained within the first year of being a technician.

Health/Prescription Insurance

Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.

Wellness Benefits

Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.

Life Insurance

All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.

Optional Insurances

Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.

Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave

Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.

Military Leave

In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.

Holidays

Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.

Retirement Programs

The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us

Deferred Compensation

State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.