Pharmacist In Charge

Job Description

Job Description

The following job description identifies the qualifications and standards for the Pharmacist in Charge (PIC). The PIC will meet the following requirements and competencies listed. This position description provides a general overview of the type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that may be required of the employee assigned to the position. Depending on the facility, job duties may vary. The PIC reports directly to the Director of Outpatient Pharmacy.

I. Job Summary :

The Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the overall operation of the Pharmacy Department. The PIC shall manage various operations within the pharmacy including, but not limited to: 

• Supervises personnel and participates in all aspects of pharmacy workflow including data entry, prescription fulfillment, final verification, and dispensing.
• Ensures compliance with patient care quality standards as it relates to the care provided to all age groups of patients.
• Directs and controls the purchase and inventory maintenance of pharmaceuticals and related substances and supplies.
• Participates in the department’s planning, revenue analysis, budgeting, education, and human resource activities.
• Maintains appropriate records for all medications and other pharmaceutical supplies ordered by physicians or other qualified prescribers. The PIC will have strong communication skills and be able to perform detailed work. Work is accomplished in accordance with the policies and regulations of local, state, and federal authorities as well as accepted standards of practice.

II. Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Distributive Activities:

• Prepares, labels, and dispenses medications for all age groups according to accepted standards of practice.
• Performs computer order-entry functions in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assists in maintaining an acceptable inventory of medications and supplies under proper conditions of storage and security.
• Supervises and verifies appropriate and accurate drug distribution tasks performed by support and technical staff.
• Effectively uses all necessary forms of informatics.
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned.

2. Direct Patient Care Activities:

• Performs all aspects of pharmacy operations in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors.
• Interprets medication orders, monitors drug regimens, and performs interventions when order clarification is necessary or when therapeutic problems are identified.
• Meets and maintains competencies to perform the required duties of the position.
• Assists with adherence packaging and education of use.
• Promotes the use of cost-effective drug therapy.
• Documents activities per departmental policies.
• Provide general drug information services when necessary.

3. Educational Activities:

• Assists in the training and orientation of new employees.
• Demonstrates the ability to counsel patients, families, and/or caregivers.
• Attends staff meetings.

4. Administrative Activities:

• Monitors activities of the department and takes appropriate action as necessary to ensure efficient and effective operation.
• Assists with staffing problems as needed and can suggest ways to efficiently distribute workflow.
• Supervises support personnel in a consistent and fair manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritize and effectively organize workload and problem solve.

5. Professional Responsibilities:

• Completes annual continuing education requirements.
• Obtains and maintains Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) Certification, as necessary.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Follows accepted standards of practice and adheres to federal, state, and local regulations as well as the policies and procedures of the organization.

6. Regulatory Requirements:

• Graduation from a School of Pharmacy accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education; Baccalaureate or PharmD degree required.
• Current and valid registration and licensure by the State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacist.
• Abide by and uphold the privacy rule standards of HIPAA.

7. Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Pharmacist in Charge.
• MTM Training/Certification

8. Language Skill :

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

9. Skills :

• Moderate computer knowledge.
• Self-directed, motivated, and capable of supervising support personnel

10. Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift twenty (20) pounds, moving, lifting, or carrying boxes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Fine Motor Skills.
• Visual Acuity.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.