SENIOR PHARMACY AIDE

Code: 05989 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of a registered pharmacist or other supervisory official, performs the more difficult nonprofessional pharmacy duties within legal limitations and/or takes the lead over the work performed by one or more pharmacy aides; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Checks pharmacy stock to determine if it is at required level, rotated properly to ensure freshness, and stored correctly (for example, alphabetically by generic rather than trade name).
• Refers unusual conditions, such as discoloration, to the supervisor; accumulation of abnormally large amounts of supplies and need for replenishment of items are also referred to the supervisor.
• Repackages a wide variety of items into smaller units (for example, liquids, tablets, and capsules).
• Determines that information such as generic name of drug, manufacturer's name, lot number, control number, shipment number, and so forth is recorded in log books and on labels.
• Bulk compounds and packages a variety of simple solutions and products most of which are for external application or for use by hospital staff (for example, body lotions, mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, tooth paste, detergents, sterilizing solutions, and disinfecting agents).
• Prepares specified parts of drug supply orders received from wards, clinics, emergency room, and so forth.
• Fills orders for bulk items with which they have become familiar through placing stock on shelves, repackaging items, and bulk compounding.
• Receives requisitions for pharmaceuticals, selects proper packaged items from shelf (excluding narcotics or other controlled substances), and assembles them with requisition for final check by pharmacist prior to issuance.
• May take the lead over work performed by one or more pharmacy aides.
• May distribute and balance workload among employees in accord with established work flow or job specialization ensuring timely accomplishment of assigned workload and that each employee has a sufficient amount of work.
• May observe status and progress of work and make adjustments in accord with established priorities, notifying supervisor as to the work's progress and status, and requesting advice or needed information as to problems that arise and passing on to other workers instructions received and demonstrating proper work methods.
• May answer questions of other workers regarding procedures, policies, regulations, and instructions, and instructs them in specific tasks and job techniques, checking on work in progress and completed to see whether instructions have been carried out properly.
• Answering questions of the supervisor on overall work operations and problems.
• Gives on-the-job training to new employees and informs them of available services and agency regulations.
• Resolves simple informal complaints of employees and refers others to the supervisor.
• Informs supervisor as to progress and training needs of employees, and makes suggestions as to disciplinary matters, promotions, reassignments, dismissals, and other personnel problems.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in performing subprofessional pharmaceutical work in a pharmacy or in other work involving the manufacture or dispensing of pharmaceutical preparations.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature.
• Knowledge of characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical systems of weights and measures.
• Knowledge of the operation and care of a variety of pharmaceutical equipment.
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals.
• Ability to read and understand pharmaceutical nomenclature.
• Ability to perform routine, repetitive tasks.
• Ability to maintain the assigned area in a clean and orderly condition.
• Ability to make simple arithmetical calculations.
• Ability to keep essential records and files.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to give instructions and advice to other workers.
• Ability to organize assigned work and develop appropriate work methods.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates, supervisors, and other institutional personnel and patients.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Successful completion of a one (1) year training course in pharmacy or pharmacy technology or in the preparation, care, and storage of pharmaceuticals from an accredited college or university or vocational or trade school or in the military service may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.