Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Discovery Health Job - Job Description
Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Discovery Health
Introduction
In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of healthcare, pharmacists play an integral role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medication.
The role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant (PBPA) is critical within this context, particularly when working within organizations such as Discovery Health. Discovery Health’s approach to healthcare is grounded in innovation, customer-centric service, and an unwavering commitment to making people healthier.
This article explores the purpose, responsibilities, and opportunities available within the role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Discovery Health, while also providing an in-depth understanding of the skills, qualifications, and experiences required for success in this position.
About Discovery Health
Discovery Health is a leading health organization with a core mission to enhance and protect the lives of its members. As part of the Discovery Group, Discovery Health is committed to offering world-class healthcare services through innovative health solutions. Discovery’s core values are centered around making people healthier and supporting them in living their best lives. This philosophy not only drives the company’s operational practices but also guides its approach to talent acquisition.
Discovery Health seeks individuals who are passionate about healthcare, innovation, and customer service. Employees at Discovery Health are encouraged to be self-driven, innovative, and committed to achieving personal and organizational goals. Discovery has fostered a fast-paced, dynamic environment where exceptional individuals can thrive, both professionally and personally. With a global presence, Discovery Health is recognized as a leader in the health and wellness industry, and its continuous drive for improvement fuels the company’s mission to transform healthcare on a larger scale.
Discovery HealthCare Services (DHCS)
Discovery HealthCare Services (DHCS) is an integral division within Discovery Health, comprising several specialized teams that work collaboratively to enhance healthcare delivery and member satisfaction. DHCS plays a pivotal role in improving patient care, reducing costs, and streamlining healthcare processes. The division encompasses six key teams:
Executive Wellness
Corporate Wellness
Health Coaches
Southern Rx Pharmacy and Discovery Medical Suppliers
Home Care
Corporate Clinics
Through these teams, DHCS aims to bridge gaps in the healthcare market by providing quality services, enhancing the member experience, and leveraging health technology. The division works to reduce administrative burdens for both healthcare providers and patients, ultimately making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and effective.
The vision of DHCS is to create a sustainable and scalable model that not only improves health outcomes for Discovery’s members but also sets a global standard for excellence in healthcare service delivery.
The Role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant
The Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant (PBPA) plays a crucial role in supporting pharmacists in the dispensing and management of medication. The primary function of the PBPA is to ensure that prescriptions are accurately captured, medication is dispensed in a timely manner, and patients are provided with the necessary guidance and counseling on the proper use of their medications. This role is carried out under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, who oversees the PBPA’s work to ensure compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
In the context of Discovery Health, the PBPA contributes to the company’s core mission of improving the health of its members. Through effective medication management, patient counseling, and attention to detail, the PBPA helps optimize healthcare outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce medication errors. Additionally, the PBPA ensures that the pharmacy adheres to best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
Key Responsibilities of the Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant
The PBPA’s role encompasses a variety of tasks, each designed to ensure that medication management is efficient, accurate, and safe. Some of the core responsibilities include:
Accurate Capturing of Scripts: The PBPA is responsible for ensuring that prescriptions (scripts) are accurately captured and processed. This includes verifying the details of each prescription, ensuring correct medication is dispensed, and performing any necessary generic switches in line with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) guidelines.
Patient Counseling: Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the PBPA counsels patients on the correct use of their medications. This involves providing information on dosage, potential side effects, and answering any questions the patient may have. Effective patient counseling is crucial to ensuring that medications are used properly, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Maintaining Timely Operations: One of the PBPA’s key responsibilities is ensuring that the pharmacy’s operations run smoothly. This includes making sure that all tasks are completed within the same day, updating patient profiles and templates as necessary, and assisting with the management of medications, stock, and administrative functions.
Assisting with Authorizations and Status Management: The PBPA may be required to assist with processing authorizations for medication, including status updates on prescription refills and renewals. They also assist with handling the status of various medication requests to ensure that patients receive their medications promptly.
Collaborating with the Call Center: At times, the PBPA may need to collaborate with the call center to address patient inquiries or medication-related issues. This requires good communication skills and the ability to manage patient expectations effectively.
Inventory Management: The PBPA assists with managing pharmacy stock, including performing stock takes, cycle counts, and assisting with the pre-packing and packing of medications. Proper inventory management is essential to avoid stockouts and ensure the availability of medications for patients.
Adhering to Pharmacy SOPs and GPP: As a healthcare professional, the PBPA must adhere to all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) guidelines, and regulatory requirements. This ensures that all activities within the pharmacy are conducted in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Assisting with Other Pharmacy Functions: The PBPA may also be called upon to assist with a variety of other tasks, such as supporting the administration pharmacist, attending meetings, or engaging in offsite or onsite training and team-building activities.
Personal Attributes and Skills for Success
To thrive in the role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Discovery Health, certain personal attributes and skills are essential. These qualities enable the PBPA to deliver high-quality patient care, work effectively within a team, and contribute to the overall success of the pharmacy and healthcare services. Some key attributes and skills include:
Customer Focus: The PBPA must be dedicated to meeting the needs and expectations of both internal and external customers. This involves providing compassionate, professional service to patients while ensuring that their medication-related needs are met promptly and accurately.
Integrity and Trust: As a healthcare professional, the PBPA must demonstrate integrity by presenting truthful and helpful information to patients and colleagues. Trustworthiness is essential in ensuring that patients receive the correct medication and counseling.
Compassion: A compassionate attitude is crucial for success in this role. The PBPA must be approachable and ready to assist patients with their concerns, ensuring that they feel heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Action-Oriented: The PBPA must be proactive and action-oriented, taking initiative to complete tasks efficiently and resolve challenges. This includes being responsive to patient needs and adapting to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to Detail: Given the critical nature of medication management, the PBPA must possess a keen eye for detail. Accurate prescription capture, medication dispensing, and patient counseling require a high level of precision and thoroughness.
Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are vital for the PBPA, particularly when interacting with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Clear communication helps ensure that patients fully understand their medication instructions and fosters collaboration within the pharmacy team.
Stress Tolerance and Time Management: The PBPA must be able to work efficiently under pressure and manage their time effectively. This is especially important when handling a high volume of prescriptions or dealing with urgent patient needs.
Willingness to Learn: The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and the PBPA must be committed to ongoing learning. This includes staying updated on new medications, pharmacy practices, and industry regulations.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
To be considered for the Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant position at Discovery Health, candidates must meet specific educational and experience criteria. These requirements ensure that the PBPA is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties effectively.
Education: Candidates must be a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant registered with the relevant Pharmacy Council. This qualification ensures that the individual has the foundational knowledge and training required to work in a pharmacy setting.
Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience as a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant is typically required. Experience in Courier Pharmacy or Retail Pharmacy settings is advantageous, as these environments often involve managing a high volume of prescriptions and working directly with patients.
Additional Experience: Experience with Section 21 applications and Flexgen systems is considered an advantage, as these are commonly used tools within the pharmaceutical industry.
Introduction
In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of healthcare, pharmacists play an integral role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medication.
The role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant (PBPA) is critical within this context, particularly when working within organizations such as Discovery Health. Discovery Health’s approach to healthcare is grounded in innovation, customer-centric service, and an unwavering commitment to making people healthier.
This article explores the purpose, responsibilities, and opportunities available within the role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Discovery Health, while also providing an in-depth understanding of the skills, qualifications, and experiences required for success in this position.
About Discovery Health
Discovery Health is a leading health organization with a core mission to enhance and protect the lives of its members. As part of the Discovery Group, Discovery Health is committed to offering world-class healthcare services through innovative health solutions. Discovery’s core values are centered around making people healthier and supporting them in living their best lives. This philosophy not only drives the company’s operational practices but also guides its approach to talent acquisition.
Discovery Health seeks individuals who are passionate about healthcare, innovation, and customer service. Employees at Discovery Health are encouraged to be self-driven, innovative, and committed to achieving personal and organizational goals. Discovery has fostered a fast-paced, dynamic environment where exceptional individuals can thrive, both professionally and personally. With a global presence, Discovery Health is recognized as a leader in the health and wellness industry, and its continuous drive for improvement fuels the company’s mission to transform healthcare on a larger scale.
Discovery HealthCare Services (DHCS)
Discovery HealthCare Services (DHCS) is an integral division within Discovery Health, comprising several specialized teams that work collaboratively to enhance healthcare delivery and member satisfaction. DHCS plays a pivotal role in improving patient care, reducing costs, and streamlining healthcare processes. The division encompasses six key teams:
Executive Wellness
Corporate Wellness
Health Coaches
Southern Rx Pharmacy and Discovery Medical Suppliers
Home Care
Corporate Clinics
Through these teams, DHCS aims to bridge gaps in the healthcare market by providing quality services, enhancing the member experience, and leveraging health technology. The division works to reduce administrative burdens for both healthcare providers and patients, ultimately making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and effective.
The vision of DHCS is to create a sustainable and scalable model that not only improves health outcomes for Discovery’s members but also sets a global standard for excellence in healthcare service delivery.
The Role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant
The Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant (PBPA) plays a crucial role in supporting pharmacists in the dispensing and management of medication. The primary function of the PBPA is to ensure that prescriptions are accurately captured, medication is dispensed in a timely manner, and patients are provided with the necessary guidance and counseling on the proper use of their medications. This role is carried out under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, who oversees the PBPA’s work to ensure compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
In the context of Discovery Health, the PBPA contributes to the company’s core mission of improving the health of its members. Through effective medication management, patient counseling, and attention to detail, the PBPA helps optimize healthcare outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce medication errors. Additionally, the PBPA ensures that the pharmacy adheres to best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
Key Responsibilities of the Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant
The PBPA’s role encompasses a variety of tasks, each designed to ensure that medication management is efficient, accurate, and safe. Some of the core responsibilities include:
Accurate Capturing of Scripts: The PBPA is responsible for ensuring that prescriptions (scripts) are accurately captured and processed. This includes verifying the details of each prescription, ensuring correct medication is dispensed, and performing any necessary generic switches in line with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) guidelines.
Patient Counseling: Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the PBPA counsels patients on the correct use of their medications. This involves providing information on dosage, potential side effects, and answering any questions the patient may have. Effective patient counseling is crucial to ensuring that medications are used properly, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Maintaining Timely Operations: One of the PBPA’s key responsibilities is ensuring that the pharmacy’s operations run smoothly. This includes making sure that all tasks are completed within the same day, updating patient profiles and templates as necessary, and assisting with the management of medications, stock, and administrative functions.
Assisting with Authorizations and Status Management: The PBPA may be required to assist with processing authorizations for medication, including status updates on prescription refills and renewals. They also assist with handling the status of various medication requests to ensure that patients receive their medications promptly.
Collaborating with the Call Center: At times, the PBPA may need to collaborate with the call center to address patient inquiries or medication-related issues. This requires good communication skills and the ability to manage patient expectations effectively.
Inventory Management: The PBPA assists with managing pharmacy stock, including performing stock takes, cycle counts, and assisting with the pre-packing and packing of medications. Proper inventory management is essential to avoid stockouts and ensure the availability of medications for patients.
Adhering to Pharmacy SOPs and GPP: As a healthcare professional, the PBPA must adhere to all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) guidelines, and regulatory requirements. This ensures that all activities within the pharmacy are conducted in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Assisting with Other Pharmacy Functions: The PBPA may also be called upon to assist with a variety of other tasks, such as supporting the administration pharmacist, attending meetings, or engaging in offsite or onsite training and team-building activities.
Personal Attributes and Skills for Success
To thrive in the role of a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant at Discovery Health, certain personal attributes and skills are essential. These qualities enable the PBPA to deliver high-quality patient care, work effectively within a team, and contribute to the overall success of the pharmacy and healthcare services. Some key attributes and skills include:
Customer Focus: The PBPA must be dedicated to meeting the needs and expectations of both internal and external customers. This involves providing compassionate, professional service to patients while ensuring that their medication-related needs are met promptly and accurately.
Integrity and Trust: As a healthcare professional, the PBPA must demonstrate integrity by presenting truthful and helpful information to patients and colleagues. Trustworthiness is essential in ensuring that patients receive the correct medication and counseling.
Compassion: A compassionate attitude is crucial for success in this role. The PBPA must be approachable and ready to assist patients with their concerns, ensuring that they feel heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Action-Oriented: The PBPA must be proactive and action-oriented, taking initiative to complete tasks efficiently and resolve challenges. This includes being responsive to patient needs and adapting to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to Detail: Given the critical nature of medication management, the PBPA must possess a keen eye for detail. Accurate prescription capture, medication dispensing, and patient counseling require a high level of precision and thoroughness.
Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are vital for the PBPA, particularly when interacting with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Clear communication helps ensure that patients fully understand their medication instructions and fosters collaboration within the pharmacy team.
Stress Tolerance and Time Management: The PBPA must be able to work efficiently under pressure and manage their time effectively. This is especially important when handling a high volume of prescriptions or dealing with urgent patient needs.
Willingness to Learn: The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and the PBPA must be committed to ongoing learning. This includes staying updated on new medications, pharmacy practices, and industry regulations.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
To be considered for the Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant position at Discovery Health, candidates must meet specific educational and experience criteria. These requirements ensure that the PBPA is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties effectively.
Education: Candidates must be a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant registered with the relevant Pharmacy Council. This qualification ensures that the individual has the foundational knowledge and training required to work in a pharmacy setting.
Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience as a Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant is typically required. Experience in Courier Pharmacy or Retail Pharmacy settings is advantageous, as these environments often involve managing a high volume of prescriptions and working directly with patients.
Additional Experience: Experience with Section 21 applications and Flexgen systems is considered an advantage, as these are commonly used tools within the pharmaceutical industry.
