Pharmacy Technician - San Francisco, CA

The Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) is a non-profit, multi-site community health organization offering comprehensive health services in the Mission and Excelsior Districts of San Francisco.  The center offers primary health care services, adult medicine, pediatrics, fam ...

Job description

The Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) is a non-profit, multi-site community health organization offering comprehensive health services in the Mission and Excelsior Districts of San Francisco.  The center offers primary health care services, adult medicine, pediatrics, family planning, OB/GYN, HIV and homeless services. We advocate for health equity and deliver innovative, high-quality services responsive to the neighborhoods and diverse communities we serve.

We are currently looking for qualified candidates for our Pharmacy Technician role. Please note: This role requires applicants to be bilingual in English and Spanish. This position reports to the Pharmacy Director and is a Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt role with an hourly rate of $31.08.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES
Prescription Processing & Data Entry

• Receive and accurately enter written, electronic (eRx), faxed, and authorized refill prescriptions into the pharmacy management system in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Verify completeness of prescription information, including patient demographics, medication details, prescriber information, and refill status.
• Process refill requests and identify medications due for refill, discontinued therapies, prior authorization requirements, or prescriptions requiring pharmacist intervention.
• Generate prescription and auxiliary labels, prepare prescriptions for pharmacist verification, and assist with prescription transfers in accordance with California law.

Medication Preparation

• Retrieve, count, pour, measure, and package medications in appropriate containers with proper labeling for pharmacist verification.
• Prepare compliance packaging programs (e.g., medi-sets, blister packs, adherence packaging), support medication synchronization programs, and assist with non-sterile compounded medications as authorized and supervised by the pharmacist.
• Stage completed prescriptions for pharmacist final verification and patient pickup or delivery.

Third-Party Billing & Insurance Processing

• Submit prescription claims electronically to third-party payers and troubleshoot claim rejections, coordination of benefits issues, and prior authorization requirements.
• Communicate with insurance providers, medical providers/clinical staff, and patients to resolve billing issues.

Customer Service & Communication

• Manage inbound and outbound calls related to prescription processing, refill coordination, delivery scheduling, and insurance issues.
• Provide professional and courteous service at prescription drop-off and pickup counters and operate the POS system for prescription and over-the-counter sales.
• Support pharmacist consultations and immunization services by assisting with patient intake and workflow coordination.
• Provide Spanish-language translation services for patients and staff as needed.

Inventory Management

• Create and submit inventory orders to approved wholesalers, maintaining appropriate stock levels by monitoring usage and anticipating demand.
• Receive, verify, and reconcile medication orders in the pharmacy system; maintain accurate inventory, reporting, and documentation in accordance with 340B program policies and federal regulations.
• Remove expired, damaged, or recalled medications and process reverse distribution and inventory returns to wholesalers or manufacturers in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policy.
• Process return-to-stock prescriptions in a timely manner to maintain accurate inventory records.
• Assist with controlled substance inventory management and documentation as permitted by law.

Specialty & Operational Support

• Coordinate specialty services including prescription delivery scheduling, courier coordination, and patient notification.
• Conduct patient outreach related to refills, specialty services, recalls, or pharmacist-directed follow-up.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Reconcile end-of-day POS reports, run daily closing reports in pharmacy and POS systems, and prepare required financial documentation for submission to the finance department.
• Follow established cash-handling procedures.

Compliance & Safety

• Maintain pharmacy cleanliness, organization, security, and proper medication storage conditions, including temperature monitoring and documentation.
• Safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI) and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Report medication errors, safety incidents, or operational concerns to the Pharmacist-in-Charge or Pharmacist on duty in a timely manner.
• Adhere to California Board of Pharmacy regulations, DEA requirements, and company policies; maintain active California Pharmacy Technician registration and complete required continuing

CORE COMPETENCIES
Customer Service

• Provide professional, patient-centered service with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
• Maintain composure and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Protect patient confidentiality and promptly report safety concerns or incidents.

Accuracy & Teamwork

• Ensure accuracy in data entry, medication preparation, and billing.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with pharmacists and team members to support efficient workflow.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.

Adaptability

• Prioritize tasks, demonstrate flexibility, and seek pharmacist guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced setting.
• Composure and tact under pressure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Active, unrestricted California Pharmacy Technician registration issued by the California State Board of Pharmacy.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Proficiency in pharmacy management systems and electronic prescription processing.
• Strict adherence to patient health and financial information confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and strong customer service orientation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, providers, and team members in a multicultural environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 1 year of retail pharmacy experience.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (if supporting immunization services).
• Working knowledge of third-party insurance billing platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word) and general computer systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

• Requires prolonged standing and walking throughout scheduled shifts.
• Requires frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, medication preparation, labeling, and operating pharmacy equipment.
• Requires reaching, bending, stooping, and occasional squatting.
• May require lifting and carrying items up to 25–50 pounds (e.g., medication totes, inventory shipments).
• Requires the ability to see clearly at close range for reading prescriptions, medication labels, and computer screens.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Work is performed in a retail pharmacy environment with moderate noise levels and frequent public interaction.

Mission Neighborhood Health Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for our diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.