Pharmacy Technician 2 - Relief
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Department Overview
This position provides technical support to pharmacists through preparation of unit doses, data entry, delivery
of medications, and cartfill exchange. Functions as a liaison and a point of contact for various pharmacy operations and interdisciplinary team members. Facilitate and prioritizes time sensitive duties which may include but are not limited to delivery of urgent medications, pharmacy program support and operational procedures. Person working this shift is responsible for ensuring accountability and accuracy of standard operations procedures in these areas. Position works under direct supervision of a Pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and proper distribution and use of drugs in inpatients and outpatients who range in age
from neonates, infants <1 year old, children and adolescents ages 1-18, adults ages 19-65, and the elderly age
>65. Be able to perform duties as specified in Pharmacy Technician 1 Class specification as applicable to work
unit.
Function/Duties of Position
- Assist pharmacist through performance of the following technical support activities:
- Computer order entry of inpatient and outpatient orders.
- Filling unit dose medication orders.
- Select ordered medications from inventory to fill new orders or to provide 24-hours medication for distribution to patient's room.
- Answering telephone, filing, billing / crediting and medication profile maintenance.
- Load and refill medications into automated dispensing cabinet stations.
- Maintain manufacturing logs and documents to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies.
System optimization, hardware maintenance, user support, reporting, file transmission and assistance in problem-solving pertaining to automation and technology.
- Performs a detailed and thorough audit of controlled substances medications dispensed for a patient and reconciles against products documented as adminisered or returned to the pharmacy for wasting. Demonstrates the ability to strengthen accountability, identify suspected diversion, and responds to known or suspected diversion incidents to avoid serious patient care, legal, and compliance implications.
- Prioritize labels from new orders to assure that product is delivered to label location at least one hour prior to label due time.
Organize and restock work areas during and prior to end of shift, and remove expired medication.
Round to nursing locations; deliver items and remove excess and
discontinued oral dosage and injectable dosage units from patients’ bins and refrigerators and return to pharmacy for action.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma,
- Active State of Oregon Pharmacy Technician License AND
- 1 year of pharmacy work experience, or equivalent additional education; AND
- Certification from the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Healthcareer Association. Certification must be maintained.
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
- Must possess computer keyboarding skills.
- Ability to read and understand medical-related terms.
- Ability to perform basic pharmaceutical mathematics calculations.
- Skill at manipulating small objects, e.g., needles, syringes, ampules.
- Ability to use mechanical system for transfer of fluids.
- Knowledge of and skill at application of aseptic technique.
- Ability to establish priorities in workflow.
- Good interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work under supervision of diverse Pharmacists.
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal pharmacy technician training program
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital pharmacy experience.
- Medical and scientific nomenclature
Additional Details
Possible exposure to hazardous chemicals and noise. Understand the difference of non-hazardous and hazardous medications; safely handle hazardous medications per regulatory guidelines. Flexibility in scheduling of shift times. Accountability for accuracy associated with performance of the duties to this position.
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Pharmacy Technician 2 - Relief positions typically require more advanced skills such as handling controlled substances audits and supporting complex pharmacy operations. In Portland, this role demands state licensure plus certification, reflecting a step beyond entry-level pharmacy technician duties focused mainly on basic medication preparation.
Key competencies include proficiency in computer order entry, medication inventory management, and operating automated dispensing cabinets. Relief shifts also require adaptability to prioritize time-sensitive deliveries and maintain strict compliance with safety protocols, ensuring smooth pharmacy operations under pharmacist supervision.
Daily tasks involve preparing unit dose medications, auditing controlled substances, restocking automated dispensing units, and liaising with nursing staff to manage medication inventories. The role emphasizes precision, timely delivery, and regulatory compliance to support inpatient and outpatient care efficiently.
OHSU offers exposure to a diverse patient population and intricate pharmacy systems, fostering skills in clinical support and automation technology. This environment prepares technicians for advanced certifications and specialist roles, making it a strong stepping stone for career advancement within hospital pharmacy.
Beyond the mandatory Oregon pharmacy technician license and national certification, Portland employers often favor candidates with formal pharmacy technician training and hospital experience. These credentials align with regional compliance standards and enhance employability in competitive healthcare institutions.
Portland’s growing healthcare sector increases demand for certified pharmacy technicians, but competition remains high due to a strong applicant pool. Candidates with inpatient hospital experience and flexibility for relief shifts generally have an advantage in securing positions at top organizations like OHSU.
The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician 2 in Portland typically ranges between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Relief roles may also include shift differentials, reflecting the position’s technical demands and critical support functions in clinical pharmacy settings.
OHSU emphasizes continuous professional development by facilitating access to training programs and ensuring compliance with certification maintenance requirements. Relief technicians benefit from structured mentorship, technology training, and resources tailored to uphold high standards in medication management.
This role at OHSU integrates advanced automation technology with direct pharmacist collaboration, focusing on complex audits of controlled substances and multidisciplinary communication. The institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion also shapes a supportive workplace culture unique to its pharmacy team.
Portland’s urban layout offers various transit options, though OHSU’s campus can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. Prospective employees often consider proximity to public transportation or flexible scheduling to navigate commute challenges while balancing demanding relief shifts.