Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Under general direction, to plan, organize and coordinate pharmacy services and operations for the Health Services Agency; to compound and dispense pharmaceutical drugs and prescriptions; and to do other work as required.

This single position class is responsible for managing pharmacy services and operations for the Health Services Agency including systems, procedures, purchasing, and vendor liaison and staff supervision. This class is distinguished from the lower class of Pharmacist by the responsibility for planning, organizing and coordinating pharmacy services and operations in addition to compounding and dispensing pharmaceutical drugs and prescriptions.

Plans, organizes and coordinates pharmacy services and operations; selects, trains, schedules and evaluates professional and support staff; develops and recommends policies, procedures, rules and protocols for pharmacy services and implements as approved; develops and manages the program budget; keeps abreast of changes in legislation pertaining to program issues and implements changes in pharmacy services as required; monitors new drugs available on the market and local medical trends to determine pharmaceutical needs for new or continuing programs; assesses inventory needs, develops bid list and recommends manufacturers/suppliers to implement a cost effective pharmaceutical program; maintains adequate inventory levels; oversees and coordinates computerized billing for pharmacy, services; designs, implements and updates the drug distribution program for County jail sites; serves as an internal consultant to staff on pharmaceutical issues; works with medical staff to develop and update drug formulary for Health Services clinics, the jail and other County programs; orients pharmacy, medical and other staff to pharmacy policies and procedures; compounds, prepares, mixes, packages and dispenses medicines and preparations; prepares prescriptions and provides oral consultation to patients or their agents regarding prescriptions including usage and effects; maintains accurate records of prescriptions dispensed; orders, receives and stores pharmaceutical supplies; consults with physicians and staff to clarify medication orders; assumes legal custody of controlled substances in the Agency; assures that controlled substances are dispensed in compliance with the law and that inventory control and record keeping requirements are met; prepares reports, statistics and studies; maintains files and records; assists in designing and updating computerized record keeping and billing systems; inputs, accesses and analyzes data using a computer; attends meetings and conferences.

• Thorough knowledge of:
• Methods and procedures used in the practice of pharmacy including chemistry, mathematics and national formulae.
• Federal and state laws pertaining to the dispensing and the use of prescription drugs including controlled substances.
• Composition, storage and uses of drugs.
• Working knowledge of:
• Compounding of prescriptions and pharmaceutical preparations.
• Purchasing pharmaceutical supplies and inventory.

Some knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of supervision and training.
• Budget preparation and control.

• Plan, organize and coordinate pharmacy services and operations.
• Supervise, direct, schedule, train and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Develop policies and procedures and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Serve as the technical expert and resource for pharmaceutical matters with the Agency.
• Compound a variety of drugs and medicines with accuracy.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Maintain safe dispensary practices and procedures.
• Develop policies, procedures and the drug formulary.
• Develop and maintain cost effective pharmacy services.
• Prepare and monitor the budget for the pharmacy.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws, rules and regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer terminal.

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years of experience as a licensed pharmacist with some experience as a lead or supervisor.

Possession of a valid license to practice as a pharmacist in the State of California at the time of employment.

Bargaining Unit: Mid-Management

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 49

Worker's Comp Code: 0290