Senior Pharmacy Technician - Limerick Cancer Centre

Location: Limerick Cancer Centre
Job type: Permanent

Overview of role:

We are currently recruiting a Senior Pharmacy Technician for Limerick Cancer Centre

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Act at all times to ensure that the care and safety of patients is assigned the highest priority.
Understand, model, and promote UPMC core values: Quality and Safety, Dignity and Respect, Caring and Listening, Responsibility and Integrity, Excellence and Innovation.
Demonstrate flexibility in relation to working across the UPMC Cancer Network.
Support a standardised and integrated approach to Pharmacy workstreams across the UPMC Cancer Network.
Achieve and maintain competence in the use and administration of the Oncology/Haematology clinical information system (ARIA) and other relevant clinical information systems relevant to the role.
Be fully conversant with best practice and relevant competency frameworks for the delivery of Oncology/Haematology pharmacy services.
Review Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) protocols within Limerick Cancer Centre.
Support the safe and cost-effective management and monitoring of new medications on to the UPMC formulary.
Support the Lead Technician (Procurement and Technical Services Integration) in establishing and maintaining a robust and resilient system for the proactive and cost-effective management of medicine stock shortages within Limerick Cancer Centre and across UPMC Pharmacy.
Support the Lead Technician in promoting and sustaining the integration and standardisation of Pharmacy Technical services across the UPMC sites in Ireland.
Carry out and supervise the assembly of requisitions for wards and departments.
Carry out and supervise the assembly of prescriptions as may be appropriate.
Perform and supervise extemporaneous compounding as required.
Carry out and supervise stock control and procurement procedures for all materials (pharmaceuticals and disposable equipment) used in the Pharmacy in line with best patient and medication safety and cost effectiveness practice.
Carry out and supervise the pre-packaging of bulk preparations.
Carry out and supervise top-up medication distribution systems to wards and clinical areas in Limerick Cancer Centre.
Ensure that the receipt, checking, and storage of pharmaceuticals is performed in line with best practice and all relevant legislation and professional guidance.
Support the development, maintenance, and audit of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required for all aspects of Pharmacy Technical services, including procurement, storage, handling, compounding and dispensing of medicinal products.
Ensure that these SOPs are updated and implemented in line with changing practices locally, nationally and internationally, and in accordance with Pharmacy law.
Together with the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy, define standards for Pharmacy Technical service delivery, developing and measuring Key Performance indicators (KPIs).
Implement and maintain systems to ensure the effective induction of Pharmacy Technician staff and Student Technicians.
Together with the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacists and Director of Pharmacy, establish and oversee a robust programme to support the ongoing training, development, and performance achievement of Pharmacy Technicians in Limerick Cancer Centre and UPMC which is aligned with service needs and professional best practice and the UPMC Pharmacy Transformation Programme.
As agreed with the Director of Pharmacy and Lead Technician, manage performance of Pharmacy Technicians against measured and reported competency and performance metrics.
Participate in the Engagement and Competency review process as required.
Ensure that systems are in place to promptly identify poor performance and that any individuals identified are appropriately managed and supported to achieve the required performance level.
Together with the Lead Technician and Director of Pharmacy, work to develop and advance the role of Pharmacy Technicians in Limerick Cancer Centre and UPMC to optimise Pharmacy skillmix and enhance the quality, safety and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical care
Identify and address deficiencies in medications management systems and processes, where applicable.
Highlight any discrepancies, incidents, or deficits in services to the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy.
Report and encourage reporting on incidents/near misses in to support management and mitigation of risk and to inform quality improvement initiatives.
Act as a leader and role model within Limerick Cancer Centre, UPMC Pharmacy, and across the UPMC Ireland network.
Propose, lead, and manage innovation and technological improvements in the Pharmacy service, as appropriate to the role.
Co-ordinate day-to-day operations of the Pharmacy service to ensure a high level of efficient and cohesive teamwork within Limerick Cancer Centre.
Assist in the development, mentoring and motivation of staff to maximise performance and delivery of service objectives and priorities.
Ensure that all UPMC Human Resource policy and procedures are adhered to.
Carry out any other duties relevant to this role as designated by the Director of Pharmacy or delegate.
Support the Lead Technician, Chief Pharmacists, and Director of Pharmacy as required in developing and implementing the UPMC Pharmacy Transformation Strategy.
Engage in continuous professional development appropriate to the role and in compliance with professional obligations.
Liaise with other departments and services as required, e.g. Clinical Nurse Managers, Quality and Patient Safety, Laboratory, and Finance.
Perform such other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time by the Lead Technician, Director of Pharmacy or nominated deputy.
Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
Participate in Limerick Cancer Centre’s accreditation process.

Qualifications & Experience:

Qualifications & Experience:

Eligible applicants must possess:

(i) the Pharmaceutical Technicians Diploma awarded by the University of Dublin
Or

(ii) the Pharmacy Technicians qualification at QQI Level 6 awarded by the Technological University Dublin, Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny), Technological University Shannon (Athlone), or South East Technological University (Carlow)

Or

(iii) the Pharmacy Services Certificate (NVQ 3) offered by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.

Or

a relevant qualification at least equivalent to (ii) or (iii) above.

Have at last 3 years satisfactory post-qualification hospital experience.
Possess the requisite specialised Oncology/Haematology/Aseptics knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the role.Demonstrate evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development and role-specific learning.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all relevant aspects of Hospital Pharmacy Technical services
Possess a current clean driving licence and ability to travel between UPMC sites. Although this role is based in Limerick Cancer Centre, from time to time, the successful candidate may be required to work on other UPMC sites as dictated by the needs of the UPMC Pharmacy service.

Desirable Criteria:

Formal management and leadership training or equivalent experience in management, training and supervision of Pharmacy Technician staff.
Experience in working in Pharmaceutical Procurement and Purchasing.
Experience with Oncology/Haematology information systems, e.g. ARIA, Clinichemo, NCIS.
Significant, proven post-qualification hospital practice experience, with a broad pharmacy experience and experience of line management.
Ability to demonstrate:
- excellent planning, organisational and resource management skills
- excellent leadership, interpersonal and people management skills
- excellent communication (written & verbal) and presentation skills
- experience of developing, implementing, and auditing SOPs

experience of change management and quality improvement initiatives
Previous experience of conducting performance appraisals and progress reviews

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.

Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.

Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.

Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC

UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.

In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.

Senior Pharmacy Technician - Limerick Cancer Centre

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