Pharmacist - Opioid Treatment Program

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)•Juneau, AK

1d•$63 - $89

About The Position

This position reports to the Director of Pharmacy but functions within the integrated outpatient opioid treatment programs (OTPs) with a mission of serving at-risk populations. The primary purpose of this position is to monitor and maintain all drug processes within the consortium’s OTPs to ensure that all applicable State and Federal law and regulations are complied with. This position serves as the expert on all aspects of drug ordering, storage, monitoring, auditing, dispensing, dosing, and licensing within the OTPs and will develop and maintain policies and procedures related to the OTP medication process. This pharmacist will also be required to train staff on proper drug preparation, dispensing, documentation, and tracking in the OTPs as dictated by Federal and State law and SEARHC policies and procedures. Pharmacist may also: staff OPTs as needed; provide patient counseling/education; advise the medical and nursing staff on drug therapy; select and maintain an appropriate drug inventory; and formulate and participate in quality improvement activities. The services directly impact the healthcare of our patients. Performs in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual. Independent professional judgment is used prior to the dispensing of prescribed medications to evaluate it for appropriateness and safety. If any question arises, the prescriber must be consulted and recommendations for the alternate therapy are made by the pharmacist. Judgment failure could seriously affect the health care of one or more individuals. Independent judgment is also used to counsel patients, pharmacist must verify that patients understand their medications and appropriate outcomes of drug therapy. Counseling can directly increase medication compliance and decrease patient morbidity. Decision making is required in the Drug Utilization Evaluation process. This review performed by the pharmacist results in better patient care, educates medical staff, and can result in cost-savings to the clinic. Decision making is required in the formulation of policy and procedure which affects the overall operation of the department. SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Requirements

Pharm.D. degree and licensure as a registered pharmacist. Candidates licensed prior to 2003 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree will be considered with 3 years of experience in hospital and/or ambulatory clinic pharmacy. There is no equivalent substitution for the degree.
An unrestricted license as a registered pharmacist in any state.
Certification in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED, may be obtained within 1 year of hire).
Knowledge of State and federal laws governing the practice of pharmacy and OTPs.
Working knowledge of computer application skills.
Skills in Math skills required for the accurate calculation of drug dosages both oral and intravenous and compound formulations.
Ability to Work efficiently as part of the medical team; it is necessary to be proficient at reviewing the patient’s medical history, labs, and medications orders using an in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences. Provide care appropriate to the needs of patients of all ages. Communicate both orally and in writing to patients and staff. Work cooperatively within health system and pharmacy staff and exercise sound professional judgment. Handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule. Work independently, set priorities, make critical decisions, and respond quickly to emergency requests.
Travel via jet, boat, or small plane up to 40% of the time.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Must be able to travel 10% of the time.
Employees are responsible for complying with safe work rules; reporting all accidents and injuries immediately; cooperating in all accident and injury investigations; reporting defective equipment and unsafe conditions.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a nationally recognized (by ASHP) pharmacy residency program preferred.

Responsibilities

Has a firm understanding of all State and Federal laws and guidelines including but not limited to those dictated by SAMHSA, DEA, and State Board of Pharmacy.
Reviews medication orders for appropriateness of therapy, legality, completeness, contraindications, interactions, allergies, adverse drug reaction, lab value abnormalities and follow up by screening patient’s chart.
Provides clinical consultation and clarification and resolves any concerns or questions with prescriber prior to dispensing.
Documents all clinical activities and interventions accurately and completely.
Verifies clinic drug orders and assures orders are received and accounted for according to clinic policy.
Performs audits of drugs as required by State and Federal law and investigates any discrepancies. Unresolved discrepancies are reported to the Director of Pharmacy, CEO, and DEA.
Orders must be filled accurately while maintaining all required record keeping and documentation.
Works independently with minimal supervision. Organizes and prioritizes work assignments. Ensures pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner.
Advises patients clearly and accurately regarding their medications and appropriate outcomes and verifies patient understanding. The information will include the indication for which the patient is taking the medication, the drug name and strength, how it is used, and what changes to expect.
Communicates regularly with patients as well as health care providers within and outside of our facility to resolve problems and provide optimal care.
Performs chart reviews for medication orders and medication therapy management. Writes recommendations for providers and requests prescription refills on the patient’s behalf.
Provides drug information, drug therapy consultation and staff education relating to drug therapy.
Directs OTP support personnel. Verifies the daily medication-related activities. Serves as a role model and educator to dispensing staff. May supervise a support person in the accomplishment of individual tasks but does not have overall supervisory authority for the support personnel.
Participates in clinical and administrative activities including quality control and quality improvement within the department and OTPs. Attends meetings and participates on committees as requested.
Assures availability, preparation, and control of medications. Takes on additional departmental duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Provide health promotion and disease prevention activities related to drug use and preventative drug therapy.