Northwestern Memorial Healthcare·Chicago, Illinois
The Pharmacy Technician Specialist supports ambulatory pharmacy workflow by managing prior authorizations, medication assistance programs, and benefits investigations. They also perform advanced technical duties, including controlled substance reconciliation, performance improvement initiatives, and staff training.
Company Description At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace.
This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry.
As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system.
We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees.
Ready to join our quest for better?
The Pharmacy Technician Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. Under the direction of a registered pharmacist, performs all technical duties associated with the daily operation of the dispensing areas; performs prescription-related, unit dose-related, and sterile product-related functions; performs manufacturing procedures that have been documented in the Department records. Ambulatory Pharmacy Technician Specialist Responsibilities: Supports the Northwestern Medicine Ambulatory Pharmacy team to enhance workflow for clinical pharmacy services throughout the network Responsible for providing access to medications for patients by completing Prior Authorization Requests, co-pay assistance programs, medication assistance programs, and benefits investigation Coordinates with third-party insurance, clinical staff, and patients to effectively process prior authorization requests for medications within the prescribed timelines Directly enrolls eligible patients into manufacturer patient assistance co-pay programs Provide support in medication adherence opportunities as well as other pharmacy related programming, including patient outreach, data/metric tracking, trending, and reporting Interacts with all levels of medical staff to discuss relevant patient information as warranted, e.g. prescription refill authorizations Conducts chart review and patient interviews to identify patient-specific reason for poor medication adherence; resolves identified program or escalates to clinical pharmacist Gathers data and generates reports to improve clinical pharmacy quality metrics Reviews medication adherence reports to remove patients who do not meet criteria for intervention Pharmacy Technician Specialist Core Responsibilities: Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician at advanced level. Leads performance improvement initiatives Liaison between pharmacy and other departments Assists with/coordinates pharmacy technician schedule, services, prioritizing assignments and workflow, and promoting situational decision making/problem solving Fosters a team environment by providing education and training Maintains documentation of completion for media fill and fingertip testing Participates in site meetings (i.e. Drug Shortage, huddles, staff meetings) Responsible for controlled substance receiving, reconciliation, discrepancy tracking, and investigations Performs minor repairs of ADS machines Participates in projects as assigned by manager Handles recalls, crash carts monitoring, and kitcheck ordering Troubleshooting Restocks Performs Tech-Check-Tech (i.e. automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) runs/controlled substance in ADC; barcode scanned pills, pre-mixed IV bags) Other duties as assigned
Required: Active Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR) Pharmacy Technician licenses issued after 12/31/07 must have either CERTIFIED or STUDENT designation by their second license renew in accordance with Section 9 of the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act Licensed Technicians prior to 1/1/2008 certification requirement must meet department skill level High School diploma or GED equivalent 1-2 years’ technician experience Previous experience as a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital or outpatient setting Excellent critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work with minimal supervision Specialty Pharmacy: Certified Pharmacy Technician through PTCB or ExCPT through NHA Preferred: Minimum 5 years’ technician experience
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus.
New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
Job Shift: Day Job (1st)
Minimum : $26.69
Maximum: $37.37 Compensation: USD 26.69 - USD 37.37 - hourly
Candidates must hold an active Illinois Pharmacy Technician License and have 1-2 years of technician experience in a hospital or outpatient setting. A high school diploma or GED is required, and specialty pharmacy roles require PTCB or ExCPT certification.
Market context
In Illinois, pharmacy technician openings are often driven by steady demand in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and health systems, with employers prioritizing candidates who already hold the required state license and CPhT certification. These roles can be competitive because the credentialing is specific and the work supports medication safety and workflow reliability. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly confirm fit, then verify your Illinois licensure and PTCB status before applying.
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