The Medication Access Specialist supports ambulatory care pharmacy programs by managing prior authorizations and financial assistance processes. They act as a liaison between patients, providers, and insurers to prevent therapy interruptions and ensure smooth medication access.
Requirements summary
Requires a high school diploma and a valid California Board of Pharmacy technician license along with PTCB certification. Candidates must have 3-5 years of experience as a licensed Pharmacy Technician in a clinical or specialty pharmacy setting.
high schoolprofessional certificateElectronic Health RecordsInsurance VerificationPrior AuthorizationsPatient Assistance ProgramsClinical Pharmacy SupportPatient AdherenceSpecialty Medication CoordinationMedication Access WorkflowsPharmacy Benefit ToolsManufacturer Hubs
Job description
Job Description
The Medication Access Specialist is responsible for supporting ambulatory care pharmacy programs that support patient medication access. The position is responsible for providing support to prior authorization (PA) and financial assistance (FA) processes, medication refills, and other related patient support activities. This role focuses on completing prior authorizations, communicating with insurers and clinic staff, working on refill protocols, to prevent therapy interruptions. The Specialist serves as a key liaison between patients, providers, payers, and pharmacy teams to ensure smooth medication access.
Education
High School Graduate or Equivalent - Required or Equivalent
Completion of
Pharmacy
Technician
Program -
Preferred
Experience: 3-5 years of experience as a licensed Pharmacy Technician in a clinical, ambulatory care, or specialty pharmacy setting –
Required
Additional
Experience
Preferences: Demonstrated experience with prior authorizations (PAs), insurance verification, and medication access workflows Proficient in using electronic health records (EHRs), pharmacy benefit tools, and prior authorization portals (e.g., CoverMyMeds, Surescripts, etc) Experience collaborating with pharmacists, providers, and insurance companies to resolve access barriers and support patient adherence Strong understanding of specialty and high-cost medications, including coordination with patient assistance programs (PAPs) and manufacturer hubs
Certifications/Licensures: Pharmacy Tech - California Board of Pharmacy – Required CPhT Pharmacy Technician - PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Required This position is TEMPORARY and expected to last at least until December 31st 2026.
Shift
8am-4:30pm - 8:30am-5pm
Work
Shift: 08.0 - 08:00 - 16:30
No
Waive (United
States of
America)
Pay
Range: $38.04 - $51.35 Hourly Offer amounts are based on demonstrated/relevant experience and/or licensure. Pay will be adjusted to the local market if hired outside of the Bay Area.
Note
Positions at JMH which are exempt (not eligible for overtime) under the level of Manager are listed as hourly for compensation purposes on this posting. The work shift will contain the word ‘exempt’ on it.
Benefits
Competitive Salary
Benefit Package
Scheduled
Weekly
Hours: 20 John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians and 6,300 employees, The health system’s facilities include John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center (554-bed acute care facility), which serves as Contra Costa County's only designated trauma center, and John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center (247-bed acute care facility). Together, they are recognized as top centers for neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatric, and high-risk obstetrics care. Other areas of specialty include general surgery, robotic surgery, weight-loss surgery, rehabilitation and critical care. In February 2024, John Muir Health opened the Behring Pavilion, which is home to the UCSF-John Muir Health Jean and Ken Hofmann Cancer Center in Walnut Creek. This state-of-the-art facility brings cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination into one location. Patients benefit from the expertise of top cancer specialists from John Muir Health and UCSF Health and have access to the latest treatment advances close to home. John Muir Health also offers complete inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs and services at our 73-bed fully accredited psychiatric hospital and outpatient center located in Concord. In addition, John Muir Health provides a number of primary care and outpatient services at 89 practice sites throughout the community and urgent care centers in Berkeley, Brentwood, Concord, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. John Muir Health offers a collaborative, patient-centered health care environment with an emphasis on listening, explaining, and working together as a team, to help patients achieve their optimal health. We recognize those who exemplify excellence and reward them for contributing to our collective success. From individual to department to spontaneous recognition, Employee of the Month, Employee Suggestion Program rewards, Employee Success Sharing Program, and many more, we find unique ways to thank our employees for the outstanding efforts they make every day. Competitive salary and benefit package available. At John Muir Health, we strive to be a leading health system through the cultivation of a culture of belonging where every patient, employee, provider, and community member feels safe and valued for embracing all aspects of their differences. As an Equal Opportunity employer, we encourage and consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please visit the EEO website here. All hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, a national surveyor of quality patient care. John Muir Health is an equal opportunity employer.
