Community Pharmacy Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the role of community pharmacy clerks is essential.

As community health needs grow, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can effectively manage and assist in our local pharmacies.

But what does a community pharmacy clerk really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager searching for the perfect candidate,
• Or just curious about the duties of a community pharmacy clerk,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable community pharmacy clerk job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Community Pharmacy Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Community Pharmacy Clerks are responsible for a variety of tasks related to the distribution of medications and the provision of pharmaceutical information.

They primarily assist pharmacists and customers, ensuring smooth pharmacy operations.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Community Pharmacy Clerk:

• Greet customers and assist them in locating specific items in the pharmacy
• Handle and process prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist
• Manage the cash register, process payments and provide accurate change to customers
• Answer phone calls and queries from customers or healthcare professionals
• Maintain pharmacy inventory, restock shelves and alert pharmacist of any low-stock items
• Organize and file prescription records as per the pharmacy regulations
• Provide general health and medication information to customers, under the guidance of a pharmacist
• Ensure compliance with pharmacy and health safety regulations
• Handle and resolve customer complaints or escalate them when necessary

 

Community Pharmacy Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Community Pharmacy Clerk to support our pharmacy team.

Community Pharmacy Clerk responsibilities include assisting pharmacists with prescription management and advising patients on general healthcare.

Our ideal candidate has a solid understanding of pharmacy practices, exceptional customer service skills, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Ultimately, the role of the Community Pharmacy Clerk is to ensure our pharmacy runs smoothly and effectively while maintaining high standards of customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Assisting pharmacists with prescription processing
• Maintaining patient profiles and prescription records
• Advising patients on the selection of medication brands, medical equipment, and healthcare supplies
• Handling monetary transactions and operating cash registers
• Assisting with inventory management
• Ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the pharmacy
• Answering incoming phone calls and addressing customer inquiries
• Complying with pharmacy policies, procedures, and safety rules
• Maintaining confidentiality of patient information

 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a pharmacy or related field preferred
• Knowledge of pharmacy law and medical terminology
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Proficiency in handling cash registers and monetary transactions
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Pharmacy Clerk
• Work Environment: Pharmacy setting. This role often involves standing for extended periods and may include weekend and evening shifts.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pharmacy Manager or Lead Pharmacist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Pharmacy Clerk Do?

Community Pharmacy Clerks, also known as Pharmacy Assistants, work in retail pharmacies under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Their main role is to assist in the daily operations of the pharmacy.

They play a key role in managing the front desk operations such as greeting customers, answering phone calls, and handling cash transactions.

They also manage inventory by restocking shelves, ordering supplies, and maintaining an organized storage system.

Community Pharmacy Clerks assist the pharmacist with prescription orders.

This involves collecting information from customers, preparing labels, and packaging medications for dispensing.

They may also help in explaining the basic dosage and usage instructions to the customers.

In addition to these duties, they often provide support in administrative tasks such as updating patient records, processing insurance claims, and maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the pharmacy.

Community Pharmacy Clerks must adhere to all regulations and guidelines related to the handling and sale of medications, and are an essential part of the healthcare team in providing efficient service to the community.

 

Community Pharmacy Clerk Qualifications and Skills

A skilled Community Pharmacy Clerk should possess a range of qualifications and abilities suitable to the role, including:

• Excellent customer service skills to assist customers with their needs, answer their queries and build strong relationships.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and pharmaceutical products to accurately provide information and ensure the correct medication is provided to the customer.
• Strong organizational skills to manage inventory, stock shelves, and track customer orders efficiently.
• Detail-oriented abilities to accurately process prescriptions, handle cash transactions and maintain patient records.
• Good communication skills to liaise with pharmacists, interact with customers and handle telephone enquiries effectively.
• Problem-solving skills to address customer complaints, answer complex queries and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and carry out tasks such as stocking shelves.
• Basic computer skills to use pharmacy databases and software, process transactions, and maintain digital records.

 

Community Pharmacy Clerk Experience Requirements

Entry-level Community Pharmacy Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with no prior pharmacy experience necessary.

These candidates may have experience in customer service or retail environments, which can be beneficial for the role.

Many community pharmacies offer on-the-job training for pharmacy clerks.

This training usually includes learning about the different types of medication, basic pharmaceutical knowledge, and how to assist pharmacists.

Community Pharmacy Clerks with 1 to 2 years of experience may have gained substantial knowledge in customer service, data entry, and understanding pharmaceutical terminology.

They may be more equipped to handle customer inquiries and assist pharmacists more effectively.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are often highly skilled in handling a variety of tasks, such as managing stock, processing prescriptions, and coordinating with health professionals.

They might also have experience with pharmacy software systems and insurance claims.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience may have a deeper understanding of the pharmacy industry, demonstrating the ability to handle more complex tasks.

They may also have leadership experience and could be ready for a supervisory role within the pharmacy.

 

Community Pharmacy Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Community Pharmacy Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

In-depth on-the-job training is often provided, as clerks need to be familiar with pharmacy operations, including handling prescriptions, managing inventory, and interacting with customers.

Clerks must also have a firm understanding of medical terminology, basic math skills, and the ability to operate computer systems.

This can be learned through a vocational program or certification course in pharmacy technology or a related field.

Most states require Pharmacy Clerks to be registered with the state pharmacy board.

Registration requirements may include passing a criminal background check and paying a fee.

In some cases, certification from a recognized pharmacy technician certification board might be required or preferred.

Continuing education is encouraged, as this helps clerks stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in pharmacy technology and regulations.

Strong customer service skills are also essential, which can be developed through experience in retail or customer-facing roles.

 

Community Pharmacy Clerk Salary Expectations

A Community Pharmacy Clerk can expect to earn an average salary of $30,500 (USD) per year.

This salary could vary depending on factors such as experience, location, level of responsibility within the pharmacy, and the specific policies of the employing company.

 

Community Pharmacy Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Community Pharmacy Clerk need?

Community Pharmacy Clerks require strong organizational and multitasking skills as they often handle multiple tasks at once, such as assisting customers, answering phones and managing inventory.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with customers and healthcare professionals.

Attention to detail is crucial for tasks such as labeling medications and maintaining records.

Basic computer skills are also necessary for this role.

 

Do Community Pharmacy Clerks need a degree?

Community Pharmacy Clerks do not necessarily need a degree, however, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required.

Some employers provide on-the-job training but knowledge of medical terminology, customer service experience, and familiarity with pharmacy operations can be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a Community Pharmacy Clerk resume?

A good Community Pharmacy Clerk resume should highlight relevant experience in a pharmacy setting, strong customer service skills, basic computer skills and attention to detail.

Any training in pharmacy operations or medical terminology can also be a plus.

Additionally, it’s important to check for any certificates in pharmacy services if applicable.

 

What qualities make a good Community Pharmacy Clerk?

A good Community Pharmacy Clerk is someone who is detail-oriented, ensuring that customers receive the correct medication and advice.

They need to have strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with customers and healthcare professionals.

Good Community Pharmacy Clerks should also have the ability to work under pressure, as pharmacies can often be busy and fast-paced.

A sense of integrity is also crucial, as they are dealing with sensitive information and medications.

 

Is it difficult to hire Community Pharmacy Clerks?

It may be challenging to hire Community Pharmacy Clerks if you’re looking for individuals with prior experience in a pharmacy setting.

However, since many employers provide on-the-job training, it’s possible to hire someone with strong customer service skills and a willingness to learn.

In competitive markets, offering competitive salaries and benefits can attract more qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the dynamic world of a community pharmacy clerk.

And guess what?

It’s not just about filling prescriptions.

It’s about providing essential healthcare support, one customer at a time.

With our handy community pharmacy clerk job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every customer interaction is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that healthier future. Together.

How to Become a Community Pharmacy Clerk (Complete Guide)

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