JOB DESCRIPTION
Pharmacy Technician
Chronic and Complex Care
Position Title:
Pharmacy Technician
Organisation Unit:
Chronic and Complex Care
Location:
Whangarei, Northland District Health Board
Responsible to:
Dispensary Coordinator, Chronic and Complex Care, Northland
District Health Board
Pharmacy Manager, Chronic and Complex Care, Northland
District Health Board
Primary Functions of
the Position:
To provide a safe, accurate and timely medication supply for
patients of Northland District Health Board
Functional Relationships
The Pharmacy Technician will develop and maintain excellent relationships with:
Internal
External
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Pharmacy Manager
Dispensary Coordinator
Pharmacy Staff
Clinical Directors and all Medical Staff
All ward and department, clerical and
Nursing staff
Finance department staff
Business Manager Chronic and
Complex Care
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Medical and Nursing staff employed by
Hokianga and Whangaroa Trusts
Drug Company representatives
Patients under the care of Northland
District Health Board and their support
persons
Medication Wholesalers and Distributors
Key Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes
Northland District Health Board has established a set of values by which the organisation will
respond, in part, to achieving its goals and objectives through their workforce. The following
Values and supporting statements are expected behaviours of each individual employed with
NDHB:
Values
Supporting Statement
People First
Tangata I te tuatahi
Respect
Whakaute (tuku mana)
Caring
Manaaki
Communication
Whakawhitiwhiti korero
Excellence
Taumata teitei (hirangi)
People are central to all we do
We treat others as we would like to be treated
We nurture those around us, and treat all with dignity and
compassion
We communicate safely, openly and with respect to promote clear
understanding
Our attitude of excellence inspires success, competence,
confidence and innovation
The position of Pharmacy Technician encompasses the following major functions or key result
areas:
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Technician training
Dispensing and extemporaneous compounding
Stock management and repacking
Clinical Activities
Ward imprest stocks
Medico-legal
General duties
Quality Assurance
Treaty of Waitangi
Health and Safety
The outcome requirements of the above key responsibility areas are outlined below:
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Technician training
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Be responsible for personal learning needs, participate in
Continuing Professional Development and attend training
sessions when available.
Dispensing and
extemporaneous
compounding
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Dispense medicines for in-patients and out-patients, under
the supervision of a pharmacist and in accordance with legal
requirements and pharmacy protocols
Compound extemporaneous preparations as required
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Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Stock Management and
repacking
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Clinical Activities
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Ward Imprest Stocks
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Medico-legal
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General Duties
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Treaty of Waitangi
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Participate in the ordering, receiving, supply and general
management of pharmacy goods
Repack and label medications under the supervision of a
pharmacist and according to pharmacy protocols
Support and provide cover for Trainee Pharmacy
Technicians when required
Participation in the bi-annual pharmacy stocktake
Perform calculations and data manipulation as per training
packages to assist pharmacists in dosing of oncology and
therapeutic drug monitoring.
Support the ward based pharmacy team in carrying out
medicine reconciliation.
Maintain allocated ward imprest stocks according to agreed
levels
Have good knowledge of all wards imprest stock and top up
these to agreed levels when required.
Liaise with ward managers to ensure stock levels are
appropriate and adequate for current ward usage
All activities within the pharmacy service will be conducted
within the parameters of appropriate legislation, standards of
practice and Northland District Health Board policies
Medications will be supplied according to internal protocols
Confidentiality of all patient information will be maintained
Support the department in managing filing systems
Support the department by providing general clerical and
photocopying duties when required
Participation in quality improvement activities
Support the Dispensary Coordinator and Pharmacy
Manager, in providing effective and flexible deployment
within the Dispensary and clinical areas to ensure optimal
service delivery.
Participate in the stat holiday rota
Contribute to the promotion of the principles of Treaty of
Waitangi and the involvement of Maori within the decision
making process for their health and independence, within
District Health Board management processes and
procedures
Include the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi within all
aspects of the role and its outcomes
Ensure that consultation and engagement processes include
appropriate mechanisms to meet the need of Maori in a
culturally appropriate and safe manner
Attend the Northland District Health Board Treaty of
Waitangi Training
Key Responsibility Area
Expected Outcomes
Health & Safety
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Ensure compliance with designated responsibilities detailed
in Northland District Health Board’s Health and Safety Policy
Promote an environment of physical, occupational, cultural,
ethical and legal safety
Observe safe work practices, rules and instructions relating
to work, and be pro-active in hazard management
Willingly co-operate in the achievement of all health and
safety goals and initiatives by:
 Practising and observing safe work methods;
 The use of safety equipment;
 Reporting unsafe conditions or equipment; and
 Reporting and documenting all accidents or incidents
Complete annual life support and fire training
Variation of Duties
Duties and responsibilities described above should not be construed as a complete and
exhaustive list as it is not the intention to limit in any way the scope or functions of the
position. Duties and responsibilities can be amended from time to time either by addition,
deletion or straight amendment by the Pharmacy Manager to meet any changing conditions.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
 High School Education at least to sixth
form level
 Hold a National Certificate in Pharmacy
(Technician) (NC5501 - The Open
Polytechnic of New Zealand)
Desirable
Experience
Essential
 Member of and key contributor to a
successful team
 Previous pharmacy experience
Desirable
 Knowledge and experience of hospital
systems
Awareness and Understanding of
Essential
 The Treaty of Waitangi and its application
to the health setting
 Privacy Act (1993) and Health
Information Privacy Code (1994)
 Health and Safety in Employment Act
(1992)
Desirable
 Health and Disability Commissioner
(Code of Health and Disability Services
Consumers’ Rights) Regulations (1996)
 New Zealand Council of Healthcare
Standards
Skills & Personal Attributes
Skills
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Proven written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a
diverse range people
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Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to contribute to the team goal
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Ability to receive and act upon instructions within a specified timeframe and to a high
degree of accuracy and quality
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Ability to work unsupervised within clear guidelines and refer appropriately
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Personal Attributes
 Service focus
 Team orientated
 Self motivated
Performance Development Review
An initial review of performance will be conducted after three months, with an annual review
thereafter.
An individual Development Plan will be developed to reflect the contribution this position is
expected to make towards achieving the team’s objectives and measures. Key result areas
will be developed and agreed at this time.
Authorised by:
Signature:
Date:
Acceptance
Acceptance of the position implies acceptance of this position description.
Position Title:
Signature of employee:
Date:
Pharmacy Technician