POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Clinical Transformation Manager, in collaboration with NorthWest Telepharmacy and the multi-disciplinary team, the Pharmacy Technician supports the operation of the Pharmacy Department with the goal of achieving optimal drug therapy outcomes for patients.
The Pharmacy Technician ensures that Ontario College of Pharmacists standards and best/evidence-based practices are followed within the Pharmacy Department. The Pharmacy Technician performs a variety of technical and clerical pharmaceutical duties, including prepackaging and distribution, narcotic issue, receiving supplies, and dispensing prescriptions.
YOUR BENEFITS:
- Starting wage of $32.32-37.26/hour, depending on experience
- Enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Employer-paid Long-Term Disability coverage (HOODIP)
- Up to 7 weeks of vacation with service
- 12 paid holidays annually, including two floating holidays
- Education support and employer-funded required training and certification upgrades
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Consultation
- Refer questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters outside of scope to a Pharmacist (NorthWest Telepharmacy).
- Check with the nursing units daily to ensure that patients' medication needs are met.
- Ensure regular audits are performed, assisting when necessary.
Refer audit deficiencies to the Pharmacy Manager for follow-up.
Prepare Products for Issuing
- Receive and process prescriptions/orders.
- Prepare products for dispensing by selecting appropriate products, considering brand and generic names, dosages, and dosage forms.
- Apply drug interchangeability principles in accordance with the MHC formulary and policies.
Compounding (Assignment)
- Follow all facility policies and procedures in relation to access to controlled sterile compounding areas.
- Prepare sterile compounded medications according to prescriber orders, formulas, and regulatory standards.
- Perform accurate calculations and measurements for compounding pharmaceutical preparations.
- Label, package, and document compounded products according to internal procedures and quality assurance protocols.
- Conduct visual inspections of compounded medications for signs of contamination, discoloration, or particulate matter.
- Follow aseptic techniques to maintain sterility and prevent contamination in a cleanroom setting.
- Operate and maintain biological safety cabinets and other sterile compounding equipment.
- Ensure compliance with USP and NAPRA guidelines.
- Maintain a clean and organized sterile compounding area, including routine cleaning and environmental monitoring, and report any out-of-range parameters to the Sterile Compounding Supervisor and Clinical Transformation Manager.
- Maintain accurate records of compounding activities, including batch records, compounding logs, etc.
- Work with the pharmacists on duty to resolve discrepancies and clarify orders.
- Ensure applicable disinfection procedures are followed for the introduction of any materials and supplies into controlled areas.
- Monitor inventory in the pharmacy/chemo area and request materials as required.
- Receive and process orders.
- Prepare products for dispensing by selecting appropriate products, considering brand and generic names, dosages, and dosage forms.
- Apply drug interchangeability principles in accordance with the MHC formulary and policies.
- Coordinate with NECC to support seamless care for outpatient chemotherapy patients, following all policies, procedures, and safe handling requirements for hazardous drugs.
Dispensing and Verification
- Check the product and the Meditech order using a systematic approach.
- Verify the integrity of a product by considering stability and, where applicable, sterility, including checking expiry dates, physical appearance, and odour.
- Label products according to legislative requirements, best safety practices, established protocols, and patient-specific needs.
- Follow policy and procedure for double-checking medications prior to release from the Pharmacy Department; the second check may be completed by registered nursing staff.
- Package medication in cold packaging, unit dosing, and bottles as per policy.
- Follow guidelines for dispensing High Alert and Hazardous Drugs.
Purchasing and Inventory Management
- Follow Meditech Material Management procedures for inventory management.
- Identify issues within the drug supply chain, including drug shortages and recalls, and maintain an accurate inventory of back-ordered/unavailable items.
- Collaborate with the Chemotherapy Department regarding upcoming requirements and ordering.
- Inform the Manager of concerns and overages related to expired medications regularly and as necessary.
- Monitor and return expired medications for credits as per vendor policy and provide the Finance Department with information regarding credits.
- Complete a physical inventory count annually and as needed.
- Ensure medication/vaccine fridge logs are monitored.
- Maintain an up-to-date Drug Formulary.
Committee Participation
- Attend Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee meetings, reporting on department activities, developments, and challenges.
- Represent MHC where needed (ONE HITS/NECC).
Other
- Assist in the development of departmental policies and procedures.
- Perform the duties of the Meditech Pharmacy and Pharmacy Materials Management Super-user.
- Maintain a clean and tidy work area.
PATIENT SAFETY:
- It is recognized that the processes employed by this staff position impact upon the safety and efficacy of MHC's patient care activities.
- All incumbents are directed to therefore utilize processes that contribute to the overall safe culture environment of our hospital.
- This is a direct responsibility of each and every staff member of this organization.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
- Use and wear equipment and protective devices that are provided.
- Report to the supervisor any absent or defective equipment or protective devices.
- Report the existence of hazards to the supervisor.
- Do not remove or make ineffective any protective devices without providing an adequate temporary protective device.
- Operate equipment in a safe manner.
- Do not engage in horseplay.
- Be familiar with procedures to be carried out in the event of a disaster (Emergency Preparedness Plans).
COMPETENCIES/BEHAVIOURAL
- Service and Quality Orientation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Leadership Presence
COMPETENCIES/TECHNICAL
- Knowledge of the Ontario College of Pharmacists hospital regulations, National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), and the Narcotic Control Act.
- Advanced proficiency in computer software applications: Meditech Pharmacy and Pharmacy Materials Management; McKesson; CPDN; Health Pro.
- Proficiency in Policy & Procedures platform and Learning Management System.
- Proficiency in operation of unit dosing machine.
- Proficiency in cold packaging procedures.
- Proficiency in cold chain maintenance as per health unit protocol.
- Proficiency in inventory management, including narcotics.
- Knowledge of drug interactions.
- Proficiency in identification of High Alert and Hazardous Drugs and knowledge of reasons for special handling precautions.
QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Certifications, Experience, Licensure)
Required:
- Registered Pharmacy Technician with the College of Pharmacists of Ontario.
Preferred:
- Previous experience in a hospital Pharmacy department.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter, resume, and certifications to the attention of Human Resources at recruitment@mhc.on.ca
Please reference Job Posting #2026-OP-04 in your subject line and cover letter.
Thank you to all who apply.
Applicants with the required qualifications may be interviewed.
MHC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA2-S persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.MHC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.