Quality Monitor Pharmacist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. The Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) department is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The Quality and Program Improvement’s Quality Monitoring Program (QMP), Quality Monitoring Unit (QMU) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Pharmacist I. (Pharmacist Quality Monitor). The Pharmacist Quality Monitor reports to the QMP, QMU Manager. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by conducting monitoring visits in Texas nursing facilities as identified by the Early Warning System (EWS). The pharmacist quality monitor utilizes expertise in pharmacy to assess conditions that could place facility resident’s health, safety, and welfare at risk and assists providers in improving systems. This position uses independent and clinical judgment in the discovery process including collecting and evaluating medical and therapeutic prescribing practices and pharmacy data to improve the care and quality of life of facility residents. This position reviews facility systems to determine facility system strengths and weaknesses and policy/procedures and performance reports to determine if the facility's systems are consistent with evidence-based practice. This position must be able to apply the complex knowledge of prescribing practices as well as the rules outlined by the Scope of Standards from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards, personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.

Requirements

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to long-term care.
Knowledge of long-term care facility operation, regulation, and procedures.
Knowledge of modern office management practices and procedures and technology tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint and Teams productivity tools.
Knowledge of Medicaid, waiver programs, long-term care, local, state, and federal legislative processes, and/or long-term care programs and policies.
Skill in researching, creating, analyzing, monitoring, and evaluating complex clinical/nutritional issues.
Skill in communication and public speaking.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Skill in identifying trends, concerns, and recommending opportunities for improvement and areas of excellence.
Skill in paying attention to detail and the ability to implement creative solutions to problems.
Skill in working with diverse groups and interests, resolving conflicts, building consensus and problem solving.
Ability to work collaboratively across MCS to accomplish objectives
Ability to evaluate and interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret long-term care facility regulations.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts to interpret and apply policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, teach and provide oral presentations.
Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and make sound decisions.
Ability to evaluate drug therapies.
Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with moderate direction.
Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and make sound decisions.
Ability to conduct literature review and analyze complex information to update pharmacy related evidence based best practices technical assistance material
Ability to operate and drive a vehicle.
Ability to perform other essential job functions such as sitting, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending and lifting to 25 lbs.
This position requires a current Texas Registered Pharmacist license (in good standing) and a current Texas driver’s license. The applicant must enter their current RPh license number on the application.
This position may require use of a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. This position requires a reliable motor vehicle, a current, valid Texas driver's license and valid insurance. Applicants must provide proof of insurance and license.
Current Registered Pharmacist license.
Two years’ pharmacy experience working with adult populations or geriatrics.
Willing to travel 80% of the time.

Responsibilities

Conducts various types of visits including quality monitoring visits, rapid response team visits, and in-service visits as assigned. Monitors and evaluates drug therapies, as well as facility systems through observations, interviews and record reviews identifying facility strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Reviews policy/procedures and performance reports to determine if the facility's systems are consistent with evidence-based practice. Provides in-service education and other training to facility professional staff regarding evidence-based best practices. Assists with the development and updating of program policy/procedures, evidence-based best practice standards, and educational programs.
Documents accurate and complete reports of monitoring visits. Communicates accurate information, findings, recommendations, and technical assistance to the facility administrator and staff. Disseminates appropriate education tools and materials.
Communicates on a complex level with others (internally or externally) to provide clinical information, answer inquiries, address issues, and/or resolve problems. Maintains current knowledge in assigned areas by attending meetings, seminars, or other training and by continually reviewing program policies, procedures, and any changes. Conduct literature reviews and analyze complex information to update nursing-related evidence-based best practices technical assistance material.
Maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues and team members. May train and supervise the work of others in the context of a quality monitoring team visit, and orientation to peers and others as needed.
Must be able to travel 80%
Performs other duties as assigned.