The Pharmacy Technician Specialist is responsible for gathering information from medical records and other sources as required to process prior authorizations, patient assistance requests, and other ancillary tasks related to the operation of a Specialty Pharmacy program. Makes analysis of what further information needs to be collected to complete patient history. Makes recommendations to Pharmacist based on protocols and data gathered. Communicates authorization requests to requesting parties. Assists with processing of prior authorization and patient assistance program requests. Maintains database of activities to document workload and impact on patient outcomes. #CA-DS
Apply By Date 8/28/2026 at 11:59pm PST
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position.
- California Licensed Pharmacy Technician
- Minimum education satisfied through attainment of the required licensure/certification
- Two (2) years working experience as a licensed Pharmacy Technician in an outpatient (retail and/or specialty) pharmacy setting
- Experience in typing prescriptions into a pharmacy processing system
- Experience in resolving prescription adjudication rejections with insurance companies
- Experience in chart review and working with health insurance companies
- Experience with generic and trade drug names and pharmacy terminology
- Recent knowledge of Pharmacy Dispensing Software and Third-Party Billing
- Ability to communicate clearly with patients and hospital personnel, both orally and in writing
- Ability to make decisions about when to request more information in order to complete a full medical history
- Ability to be a self-starter in a new clinic environment
- Ability to communicate prescription authorizations to pharmacists/medical personnel/pharmacies
- Knowledge of generic and trade drug names and pharmacy terminology
- Ability to use pharmacy information systems and look-up patient data on hospital information systems
- Ability to operate fax machine, photocopier and voice mail system
- Ability to use an electronic medical record (EMR)
- Familiarity with electronic methods of communication, (i.e., email, computer messaging)
- Ability to use spreadsheet and word-processing programs
- Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain a friendly, welcoming environment for clinic’s/department’s customers, to demonstrate an interested, understanding, compassionate manner, to maintain a courteous and calm demeanor, and to use a proactive approach to negotiate with and persuade others to take required action
- Ability to maintain composure, efficiency and a positive, customer-service oriented manner during periods of peak workload, with frequent interruptions, under tight deadlines, and when interacting with challenging customers who may be ill, angry or emotionally distressed
- Problem-solving skills to independently recognize and define a problem and identify the resources available to help solve the problem, create and implement viable solutions, and follow through to ensure the problem is resolved to the satisfaction of all parties
- Working knowledge of current California Pharmacy Law
Preferred Qualifications
- Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- Experience in Health System Outpatient Pharmacy
- Experience working in a Specialty Pharmacy
- Prior Authorization or Patient Assistance Program experience in Epic EMR, Willow Ambulatory, specialty pharmacy case management systems and other clinical software experience
- Experience in MS Office suite: Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
- Experience in ensuring compliance of specialty pharmacy accrediting bodies [e.g., Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC), The Joint Commission (TJC), Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC), etc.]
- Experience in working for a Pharmacy Benefit Management company
- Experience in submitting and following up on prior authorizations and appeals
- Experience in navigating copay and financial assistance (patient assistance) programs and applications
- Ability to be self-motivated and work with minimal supervision yet to recognize when it is appropriate to seek assistance from others when limits of authority have been reached
- Knowledge of hospital, department and university policies and procedures
Key Responsibilities
- 40% - Prior Authorizations and Patient Assistance Programs
- 25% - Participates in Chart Review Process and Clinical Assessment Preparation and Refill Reminders/Adherence Calls to Patients
- 15% - Works with Clinical Pharmacist to provide patient care
- 5% - Prescription Filling
- 5% - Follows protocol/policy to make recommendations to the Pharmacist
- 5% - Follows up with Medical Personnel and/or Pharmacy
- 5% - Completes documentation on all requests
Department Overview
UC Davis Health is a nationally recognized leader in the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care, based in the Greater Sacramento area of Northern California. UC Davis Health has a Comprehensive Cancer Center, internationally recognized MIND Institute, and a nationally ranked pediatric hospital. The UC Davis acute care hospital has 646 beds and an ambulatory care service area spanning north to the Oregon border, east to Nevada, and down the Central Valley to Fresno, California, covering 65,000 square miles across 33 counties.
The Department of Pharmacy is a dynamic, integral, and critical part of patient care provided by UC Davis Health. As a department of greater than 600 professional, technical, and administrative support personnel, we focus on providing patient-centered medication management that optimizes outcomes through practice, education, research, and leadership through the continuum of care. We also have the largest pharmacy residency program in the country with 46 total residents in 13 different programs.
The Department of Pharmacy offers comprehensive pharmaceutical services (unit dose, IV admixtures, clinical services, infusion pumps, and teaching) throughout the health system complex 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pharmacy services encompass inpatient pharmacy services as well as an expansive footprint in the ambulatory care space where we have clinical pharmacists embedded within our clinics and specialty care locations. Our operational teams support the health system enterprise with three inpatient pharmacies, five outpatient pharmacies, two infusion pharmacies, a home infusion service line, and the full complement of pharmacy purchasing, stores, and distribution.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $37.84 - $47.13
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 289
- UC Job Title: PHARMACY TCHN 3
- UC Job Code: 009281
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100
- Shift (Work Schedule): 8 hours
- Location: Pharmacy Shared Service Center (BLDG108)
- Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Must be able to work occasional overtime. Variable shifts dependent on department need. Must dress in a professional manner as outlined by the departmental dress code and have good personal hygiene.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
