Lead Pharmacist, Hospital

About the role

This dynamic role supports UPMC Harrisburg, working full-time with rotating day and evening shifts. The ideal candidate will have flexibility regarding work location and scheduling. As a valued member of our pharmacy team, you'll play a key role in delivering safe, effective, and cost-conscious pharmacotherapy. You will support centralized and decentralized medication-use systems, participate in all aspects of pharmacy operations, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Purpose

The lead pharmacist is a working pharmacist for a minimum of 50% of the time with the remainder of the time allocated to pharmacy projects and subject matter expertise in an area of focus (ex: sterile products or controlled substances oversight). The Lead pharmacist is in a learning mode of pharmacy management and is to be exposed to evidence-based pharmacy leadership best practices. The lead pharmacist is to be mentored, coached, and developed by pharmacy managers and directors as well as through the pharmacy service line.

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor staff through continuous feedback
• Develop workflow guidelines and other tools (assignment sheets, scheduling, etc.) necessary to maximize productivity and standardize practices in the practice area
• Facilitate the development and completion of quality improvement and/or cost-reduction initiatives
• Maintain collaborative relationships with pharmacy, nursing, medical staff and other departments
• Consult with pharmacy leadership to discuss recommendations and issues as appropriate
• Oversee the daily activities and assist in training and education of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and all associated trainees
• Provide timely, comprehensive and accurate drug information to providers, nurses, patients and personnel of other departments as appropriate
• Ensure adequate inventory of medications and supplies necessary for patient care. Assist in the procurement as needed by following established procedures. Participate in recalls and shortage mitigation plans including implementation and monitoring
• Maintain professional competency through participation in continuing education and staff development programs. Provide formal and informal educational activities to various audiences
• Implement and uphold Executive Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee decisions with appropriate escalation through the leadership chain if needed
• Meet salary, drug and purchased services budgets with variances explained and justified
• Ensure regulatory compliance and quality in area of responsibility
• Lead by example for customer service and resolve customer relations issues for the pharmacy
• Ensure accurate billing of claims and services and troubleshoot billing and patient charge issues

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of pharmacy
• Minimum of 3 years post-licensure health-system pharmacist experience

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• Pharmacist
• Act 34

Benefits

UPMC offers a generous benefits package, an expansive total rewards program, outstanding career growth opportunities, and a sign on bonus.