Description
Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team.
The Pharmacist II works at Pharmacy Department from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Pharmacist II (Clinical Pharmacist) performs advanced (senior-level) pharmaceutical work under the Director of Pharmacy. Work involves planning and coordinating clinical pharmaceutical programs, activities and operations. Coordinates all aspects of clinical pharmaceutical care, including drug use evaluations and formal and informal consultation services. Provides consultative services to medical and other clinical staff. Provides pharmacy staffing services as needed and as directed by the Director of Pharmacy. Provides after-hours coverage for pharmacy services on a rotating schedule. Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal relationships. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Provides consultative services. Prepares formal written and informal psychopharmacology consults which may include patient interview and chart review. Patient interviews include data collection for medication histories,
assessment of current symptoms, use of psychiatric/cognitive/behavioral rating scales, and limited physical/neurological assessment and rating scales for adverse effects of medications. This information, in addition to data obtained from the patient record, is used in planning and recommending a course of pharmacotherapeutic treatment. Participates on multi-disciplinary treatment teams.
Participates in pharmaceutical care activities by monitoring patients' drug therapy for therapeutic response, contraindications, interactions (drug-drug, drug-food, lab-drug, drug-disease state), allergies, adverse reactions, and appropriateness through the following: medication order review, drug profile review, and communication with physicians and nursing staff.
Plans and delivers educational activities for staff and for patients. This may include continuing education events, informal educational talks, educational emails and newsletters, and medication education groups.
Provides pharmaceutical information to patients and staff. Researches and responds to drug information requests from staff and patients. Provides accurate information in a timely manner in a format appropriate to the question and to the requestor. Prepares and conducts medication education classes for patients.
Participates in the pharmacy dispensing process. Reviews and interprets medication orders for appropriateness, product availability, cost effectiveness and compliance with local policy, formulary and with applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system. Monitors drug distribution to ensure correct medications are dispensed. Verifies the work of Pharmacy Technicians.
Participates in pharmacy performance improvement activities. Plans, coordinates, and executes pharmaceutical programs and activities to improve clinical pharmacy services. Plans, develops, monitors, and implements policies and procedures relating to clinical pharmacy services in response to hospital needs, inspection and audit results, and changes in pharmacy regulations.
Provides pharmacy staffing services as needed and as directed by the Director of Pharmacy. Participates in an after-hours on-call schedule.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of principles and techniques used in pharmacy.
Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.
Knowledge of psychiatric pharmacotherapy.
Skills in the operation of applicable pharmacy computer software.
Skills in reviewing and interpreting laboratory reports.
Skills in written and oral communication.
Skills in using a personal computer, email, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and office equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records, files and reports.
Ability to type accurately based on work requirements.
Ability to review medication orders for safety and accuracy.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must be licensed as a Pharmacist by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
Board certification or board eligibility in psychiatric pharmacy preferred.
Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in pharmaceutical work. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in pharmacy.
Must have an unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in Texas.
Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant's current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
MOS Code:
97E, 230X, 95, MED10, 43PX
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 97E, 230X, 95, MED10, 43PX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
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