Pharmacy Assistant

Location:

At Shoppers Drug Mart, we're innovating health and wellness in Canada. From prescriptions to walk-in clinics, and a beloved loyalty program, we're caring and supporting our customers in new ways every day.
With more than 1,300 locally owned and operated stores from coast to coast, the Shoppers Drug Mart network is more than a great place to shop, it's a great place to work.  We're committed to building our talented team who champion collaboration, kindness and inclusivity. Join our team, and help recognize a healthy future for your career and for all Canadians.

Why this role is important?

Basic Function 

The Pharmacy Assistant is responsible for all administrative duties related to the dispensing, and where applicable, scheduling and/or shipping of medications. The Pharmacy Assistant communicates with patients regarding SDM Specialty Health Network (SDMSHN) Pharmacy services and clarify issues with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other parties involved in providing healthcare to the patient.  The Pharmacy Assistant coordinates relevant information with the customer service, reimbursement services, operations and finance departments regarding medication dispensing and appropriate billing. The Pharmacy Assistant may perform sterile compounding in cleanrooms and support with maintenance of cleanrooms in compliance with provincial authority.

Nature and Scope 

The Pharmacy Assistant plays a pivotal role in the coordination of internal and external workflows and communications to ensure medications are provided on a timely basis to patients.  This includes coordination, workflow management, data entry and billing accuracy.  The incumbent must possess a thorough knowledge of Pharmacy Practices. The Pharmacy Assistant must work under the supervision of a Pharmacist. 

Principal Accountabilities 

Medication preparation related activities - The Pharmacy Assistant is responsible for various aspects of medication preparation, including, but not limited to: 

o    Review received prescriptions and documents for completeness 

o    Triage production and workflow 

o    Accurate and timely entry of demographic information, payers' information, clinical notes and prescriptions into computer systems 

o    Generation of medication labels to enable timely dispensing and delivery 

o    Accurate labeling and preparing of medications for review by the pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician (where applicable) 

o    Oversee delivery of medication to patients. This may include packing and shipping as required 

o    Collation and filing of dispensing documents according to Pharmacy regulations and procedures 

o    Follow-up on any unsuccessful deliveries or back-ordered items 

o    Generation of delivery schedules in advance to ensure continuity of therapy for patients 

o    Fax and/or call physicians' offices to acquire reorders on medications in a timely fashion to maintain patient therapy. 

· Responsible for answering all SDMSHN Pharmacy telephone calls. The Pharmacy Assistant deals with inquiries within the scope of their knowledge and within SOPs and Provincial parameters; transfer calls to the pharmacist or other team members as appropriate 

· Inventory - Order pharmacy products and perform physical counts according to processes and procedures in order to maintain pharmacy inventory levels  

· Ensure proper storage, handling, disposal of drugs in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory requirements 

· Process credit card billings for patients and review each order for accuracy and completeness 

· Record keeping, including timely filing of documents and prescription hard copies 

· Maintain privacy and confidentiality according to provincial and federal regulations 

· Follow Required Operating Procedures (ROPs) and SOPs requirements at all times per company procedure 

· Report all Adverse Events (AE) and Product Technical Complaints (PTC) immediately or as soon as possible upon becoming aware of the event as per current policies and procedures. 

· Cleanroom activities (where applicable) include, but are not limited to: 

o    Perform sterile compounding using principles of NAPRA/USP797/USP800 guidelines while following appropriate aseptic techniques 

o    Participate in quality assurance programs (including training, assessment) 

· Support orientation and training of staff 

· Demonstrate teamwork, engagement, and apply Blue Culture and Core Values in all interactions 

· Perform other duties as required by Pharmacist or Specialty Pharmacy Manager 

Qualifications and Skills 

· Pharmacy Assistant Certificate and three (3) years of relevant pharmacy experience  

· Previous sterile (hazardous and non-hazardous) compounding experience an asset 

· Knowledge of USP797/USP800/NAPRA Standards an asset 

· Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail 

· Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment 

· Ability to handle multiple demands made simultaneously under short time constraints 

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

· Strong problem-solving skills 

· Knowledge of Pharmacy software systems and MS Office Applications  

· Flexible and adaptable to changes of responsibility reflective of business needs including rotational shifts 

· Overtime may be required occasionally  

Why work at Shoppers Drug Mart?

Acting as consultants, supporting internal customers and the Associate-Owners, you will get experience unique to the retail industry while working for an award-winning national brand.   Benefit from a purchase discount program, competitive pay and online learning through Academy.

Take ownership of your work and find more ways to care about your work, co-workers, customers and community.

How You'll Succeed:

At Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., we seek great people to continually strengthen our culture.  We believe great people model our values, are authentic, build trust and make connections. 

If that sounds like you, and you are open-minded, responsive to change and up to the challenges provided in a fast-paced retail environment, apply today. 

Employment Type:

Type of Role:

Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. recognizes Canada's diversity as a source of national pride and strength. We have made it a priority to reflect our nation's evolving diversity in the products we sell, the people we hire, and the culture we create in our organization. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired.

In addition, we believe that compliance with laws is about doing the right thing.  Upholding the law is part of our Code of Conduct – it reinforces what our customers and stakeholders expect of us.

Please Note: If you have Employee Self Service (ESS) on Workday, apply to this job via the Workday application.

#EN