Pharmacist - On Call

About the role

At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, we honor all members of our community and acknowledge the dignity of each person we serve. Our purpose is to provide high quality, comprehensive primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farm workers and a view to removing barriers to health care. We strive to provide an environment that welcomes and values the people we employ and serve.

The On Call Pharmacist delivers quality pharmacy services, collaborating with primary care physicians and staff to improve the health of Virginia Garcia patients. Pharmacy services include assisting medical personnel and patients with drug information and identification, developing and sustaining productive patient relationships, evaluating and resolving potential drug therapy problems identified through any and all available sources, patient counseling, prescription verification, adherence to state and federal pharmacy laws, precepting students and interns, assisting with supervision of technical staff, pharmacy cashier and support staff, and participation in projects assigned by the Pharmacy Director.

Responsibilities

• Review and enter prescriptions on computer software, fill and label prescriptions, or supervise technical staff as they become capable of taking over these functions.
• Resolve clinical questions regarding patient prescriptions with provider staff; answer clinical questions from provider staff, researching when necessary.
• Counsel patients on all new prescriptions, utilizing assistance from bilingual staff; willing to acquire Spanish skills to counsel patients solo over time.
• Perform Medication Therapy Management (MTM) involving assessing the patient, screening for drug interactions and adverse effects, providing disease/medication education, and exploring opportunities to simplify and/or decrease the cost of the medication regimen.
• Supervise performance and accuracy of technical staff as required by Oregon Law, offering guidance and troubleshooting errors as they occur.
• Supervise pharmacy cashier and support staff to ensure quality customer service, observance of HIPAA requirements regarding patient confidentiality, and the highest regard for patients of Virginia Garcia.
• Precept pharmacy students from various pharmacy schools and pharmacy tech schools; attend or present in-services in conjunction with medical staff; participate in clinic committees; assist with training pharmacy technicians; conduct medication reviews (MTM) and other pharmacy services.
• Complete projects assigned based on professional skill areas, experience, and interest.
• Supervise relief pharmacist(s) if needed during the Director’s absence.
• Responsible for day-to-day operation of the pharmacy either as PIC or in lieu of PIC when the Director is unavailable.
• Handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with HIPAA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

HIPAA Requirements

The On Call Pharmacist has access to PHI to create and maintain an accurate and up-to-date health record. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated record sets to which this employee will have access include all sections of the dental and medical record, patient demographic information in the practice management system, incoming records, reports, results, consultations, etc. The pharmacist should read the content of these records only to the extent needed to accomplish the assigned task (e.g., filing or disclosure).

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based work environment.
• Cultural diversity awareness, sensitivity, and competency, including ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to make independent decisions based on VGMHC policies and protocols.
• High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism when interacting with colleagues and patients where applicable.
• Able to use the phone and other forms of communication.
• Commitment and alignment to Virginia Garcia’s mission, vision, and values.
• Bilingual/bicultural proficiency (Spanish/English spoken and written) preferred.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Registered Pharmacist in good standing with the State of Oregon, B.S. or Pharm.D. degree.
• Preceptor registration desired, or eligible.
• Additional training or clinical pharmacy experience desired, which may include disease state management, long-term care or institutional pharmacy experience, pharmacy students, or collaborative work with physicians/NP/RNs.

State and Federal Pharmacy Requirements

• Must not have any sanctions or restrictions on pharmacy license.
• May be required to submit to background check; may be required to have drug screening at request of supervisor.
• Must be willing to submit to drug testing if requested by supervisor.

Behavioral Competencies

• Accountability: Role model VG’s mission, vision, and shared values.
• Customer-Focus: Listen to the voice of the customer and strive to delight them by exceeding their expectations.
• Teamwork: If someone needs help, help them.
• Initiative: Be innovative, apply fresh ideas, and continuously improve how you do your work.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and respect the privacy of others.
• Ethical: Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and stewardship in all encounters at work.
• Respect: Demonstrate consideration and appreciation for co-workers and patients.
• Communication: Demonstrate the ability to convey thoughts and ideas as well as understand perspective of others.

Physical Requirements

• Percentage of time spent standing/walking: up to 90%
• Percentage of time spent sitting: up to 5%
• Lifting/carrying: may occasionally lift up to 30 lbs
• May occasionally stoop, bend; will reach frequently
• May use step stool occasionally
• Must be able to type
• Must be able to open and close prescription and patient vials
• Must be able to read for extended periods

Working Environment / Physical Hazards

• Work in well-lighted, ventilated environment.
• Exposed to drug vapor or particles (e.g., powdered antibiotics that are reconstituted).
• May be exposed to blood borne pathogens if pharmacist participates in disease state management activities.
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals occasionally.

Equipment Used

• Office equipment
• Computer: pharmacy software, databases, and word processing
• Telephone: must be able to hear and communicate
• Fax/copier
• Cash register (all employees required to have basic training)
• Pharmacy equipment
• Automated tablet counting machine
• Electronic ordering device

Immunization Requirements

Staff members must meet immunization requirements as stated in VGMHC’s immunization policy and state and federal guidelines.