Staff Pharmacist

SUMMARY

This position works collaboratively with the Health Administrator, Pharmacy Manager, physicians, nurses, and pharmacy technicians to give excellent care to Tribal members and all other 340B eligible patients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have an active in good standing Registered Pharmacist license and Pharmacist Controlled Substance License issued by the State of Michigan.
• Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree required.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain patient confidentiality as per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and complete HIPAA compliance training. Pharmacy Open and Operational
• Maintain professional competence, continuing education requirements and licensure.
• Responsible for proper interpretation and dispensing of prescriptions and ensure no prescription leaves the pharmacy without final verification by the pharmacist.
• Reviews all prescription orders for safety and appropriateness.
• Dispenses medications with very high degree of accuracy to minimize risk to patients
• Use professional judgment regarding any drug utilization review called into question, for example: drug/food interactions, to any synergistic, antagonistic, and cumulative effects, as well as questionable overdoses or incompatibilities, and communicating with the prescriber whenever deemed necessary to achieve resolutions.
• Ensuring that patient safety is one of the utmost important factors when determinations are being made by the pharmacist.
• Counsel patients on general health issues, prescription medications, OTC medications, etc.
• Ability to compound medications when medically necessary and not commercially available at the time of dispensing.
• Ensuring proper dosing is calculated for each prescription.
• Provide guidance and advice to Pharmacy Technicians in execution of their duties.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to plan, monitor, review or evaluate drug therapy.
• Understand and maintain the integrity of federal 340b program under compliance of HRSA OPA rules and regulations.
• Communicate with third-party billing as necessary to resolve any billing issues.
• Complies with policies regarding the perpetual inventory system regarding Schedule II medications or other controlled substances and other medications subject to diversion.
• Provide drug information to patients and to Health Center staff, on such matters as the chemical differences between compounds, proper dosages, general administration of drugs and medicines, toxicity, precautions, alternative medications, contra-indications, side reactions, synergistic actions, forms of current new drugs, new usages for current drugs, and comparative cost of drugs with the same or similar properties.
• Maintain records, such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, and inventories.

340B-Specific

• Assists in auditing all points of service where 340B participation occurs to ensure compliance with 340B program requisites, including entity and patient qualifications and ensure consistent processes are followed across all.
• Responsible for understanding policies and procedures related to 340B compliance and how it relates to their duties.
• Understand and maintain the integrity of the federal 340B program under compliance with HRSA OPA rules and regulations.
• Assists with implementation of action plans to correct 340B compliance deficiencies, if indicated.
• Participates in the development of quarterly and annual 340B participation reports documenting utilization, savings, and exceptions or discrepancies.
• Assists in the audit of 340B formulary pricing, potential alternatives, and possible additional savings as a result of formulary and 340B prime vendor program on a routine basis.
• Collaborates with the Information Technology Team on charge description master (CDM) changes for new products, product changes, etc., that ensures the efficiency and accuracy of the charge process.
• Assists in audits or compliance assessments of specific areas and specific products to assure the CDM is accurate.
• Utilizes, and maintains a working knowledge of computerized systems, split-billing software programs and specialized equipment and technologies utilized in operations related to the 340B program.
• Effectively and continually maintains open lines of communication with all staff and management involved with the 340B program. Provides timely and accurate communication, both written and verbal as appropriate, regarding changes and continuous quality improvement activities, including goals and objectives of the 340B program. Reports any deficiencies identified during auditing and review for appropriate resolution.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have ability to speak clearly and comfortably to patients and coworkers using tact, sensitivity, and discretion.
• Must have an excellent past work and attendance record, as demonstrated through references and background checks.
• Must possess a personable, customer service attitude along with organizational ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have demonstrated; and be willing to maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each function listed under the essential duties and responsibilities categories of this position description.
• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other areas and personnel within the Clinic.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Must possess the ability to listen and communicate effectively to patient needs and use good judgment in directions given to patients.
• Uses good judgement in interpreting guidelines, in adapting department procedures, or in recommending approaches or solutions for specific problems.
• Must be proficient in the use of the electronic health record.
• Working knowledge of computers, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office products and database applications.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Must have an active in good standing Registered Pharmacist license and Pharmacist Controlled Substance License issued by the State of Michigan.
• Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree required.
• Three years of pharmacy experience preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision of Pharmacy technicians.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone systems, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting heavy objects. Must be in good physical and mental health.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgement in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a climate controlled medical office environment. Work schedules may need to be flexible according to business needs. Must be able to handle stressful situations while remaining focused and professional. Work may involve exposure to infections and communicable diseases. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary to attend meetings or training courses.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy regarding confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Staff Pharmacist Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians