Staff Pharmacist - Opioid Treatment Program

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

1d•$63 - $89•Hybrid

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.

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.
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.
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, proficient at reviewing patient’s medical history, labs, and medications orders using an in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences.
Ability to provide care appropriate to the needs of patients of all ages.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to patients and staff.
Ability to work cooperatively within health system and pharmacy staff and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule.
Ability to 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Monitor and maintain all drug processes within the consortium’s OTPs to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.
Serve as the expert on drug ordering, storage, monitoring, auditing, dispensing, dosing, and licensing within the OTPs.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to the OTP medication process.
Train staff on proper drug preparation, dispensing, documentation, and tracking in the OTPs.
Staff OTPs as needed.
Provide patient counseling/education.
Advise medical and nursing staff on drug therapy.
Select and maintain an appropriate drug inventory.
Formulate and participate in quality improvement activities.
Perform in a professional manner, respect confidentiality, and demonstrate qualities endorsed by the seven Standards for Service Excellence.
Use independent professional judgment prior to dispensing medications to evaluate appropriateness and safety, consulting with the prescriber if questions arise and making recommendations for alternate therapy.
Counsel patients to ensure they understand their medications and the appropriate outcomes of drug therapy.
Perform Drug Utilization Evaluation.
Formulate policy and procedure affecting the overall operation of the department.
Review medication orders for appropriateness of therapy, legality, completeness, contraindications, interactions, allergies, adverse drug reactions, and lab value abnormalities, and follow up by screening the patient’s chart.
Provide clinical consultation and clarification, and resolve concerns or questions with the prescriber prior to dispensing.
Document all clinical activities and interventions accurately and completely.
Verify clinic drug orders and assure orders are received and accounted for according to clinic policy.
Perform audits of drugs as required by State and Federal law and investigate any discrepancies.
Report unresolved discrepancies to the Director of Pharmacy, CEO, and DEA.
Fill orders accurately while maintaining all required record keeping and documentation.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Organize and prioritize work assignments.
Ensure pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner.
Advise patients clearly and accurately regarding their medications and appropriate outcomes, and verify patient understanding.
Communicate regularly with patients and healthcare providers within and outside the facility to resolve problems and provide optimal care.
Perform chart reviews for medication orders and medication therapy management.
Write recommendations for providers and request prescription refills on the patient’s behalf.
Provide drug information, drug therapy consultation, and staff education relating to drug therapy.
Direct OTP support personnel.
Verify daily medication-related activities.
Serve as a role model and educator to dispensing staff.
Supervise a support person in the accomplishment of individual tasks (without overall supervisory authority).
Participate in clinical and administrative activities including quality control and quality improvement within the department and OTPs.
Attend meetings and participate on committees as requested.
Assure availability, preparation, and control of medications.
Take on additional departmental duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Provide health promotion and disease prevention activities related to drug use and preventative drug therapy.