Pharmacist - Opioid Treatment Program

Pay Range: $62.66 - $88.51

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; the 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.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

• Has a firm understanding of all State and Federal laws and guidelines including but not limited to those dictated by SAMHSA, DEA, and State Board of Pharmacy.

• Reviews medication orders for appropriateness of therapy, legality, completeness, contraindications, interactions, allergies, adverse drug reaction, lab value abnormalities and follows up by screening patient’s chart. Provides clinical consultation and clarification and resolves any concerns or questions with prescriber prior to dispensing. Documents all clinical activities and interventions accurately and completely.

• Verifies clinic drug orders and assures orders are received and accounted for according to clinic policy. Performs audits of drugs as required by State and Federal law and investigates any discrepancies. Unresolved discrepancies are reported to the Director of Pharmacy, CEO, and DEA.

• Orders must be filled accurately while maintaining all required record keeping and documentation. Works independently with minimal supervision. Organizes and prioritizes work assignments. Ensures pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner.

• Advises patients clearly and accurately regarding their medications and appropriate outcomes and verifies patient understanding. The information will include the…