Pharmacist II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Pharmacist II (Supervising Pharmacist) performs complex (senior-level) pharmaceutical work under the general supervision of the Director of Pharmacy. Directs organizes and executes pharmacy operations. When designated by the Director of Pharmacy, the Pharmacist II supervises and assures the training and competency of pharmacy personnel. Plans, coordinates, and oversees all aspects of pharmaceutical care, including inventory maintenance, drug storage, medication order review, drug dispensing, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance prescription processes. Creates, revises, and implements policies and procedures involving pharmacy operations for the hospital outpatient clinic. Provides consultative services to clinical staff regarding patient care, and to hospital employees injured in their course and scope of employment. Provides after-hours coverage for pharmacy services as needed. When designated by the Director or Pharmacy, is responsible for required pharmacy reports and attendance at identified facility and state-wide committees. Meets facility fiscal requirements and budget goals for the Outpatient Pharmacy. 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 (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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. Relating to pharmacy and medication use.

Supervises pharmacy staff when designated by the Director of Pharmacy; ensures performance evaluations are completed on all staff based on agency requirements; ensures staffing levels are based on patient/service needs; posts positions, conducts interviews, and completes the hiring process as required to ensure effective staffing; ensures qualifications are verified, including primary source verification on licenses, registrations, and certifications. Uses the HHSC performance management system effectively to develop staff and takes disciplinary action as required to ensure effective staff performance. Training is monitored to ensure compliance or actions are taken to correct deficiencies. Conducts quarterly reviews on direct reports and ensures reviews are completed on all supervised areas through monitoring. Ensures processes are in place to provide essential coverage to all supervised areas through effective scheduling and time monitoring. Provides after-hours coverage for pharmacy services as needed.

Plans and designs pharmaceutical care services for outpatient pharmacy staff. Reviews policies and procedures, mission, and goals of the pharmacy service. Revises as necessary and implements policies and procedures for pharmacy services which are consistent with current standards of pharmacy practice. Designs local processes in accordance with departmental operating instructions for pharmacy management and the fiscal manual to ensure compliance with state and hospital indicators relating to pharmacy and medication use.

Ensures standards of practice for pharmaceutical services are met and assures 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. Maintains current knowledge of local, federal, and state guidelines, procedures, rules, laws, and regulations relating to medication use. Interprets and monitors compliance of these standards.

Coordinates performance improvement activities for pharmacy services. Aggregates and analyzes data for performance improvement reporting via departmental and governing body reports, committees, and performance improvement teams. Reviews all areas on identified indicators to ensure are requirements are being met.

Coordinates pharmaceutical care activities by ensuring patients’ drug therapy is monitored for contraindications, interactions (drug-drug, drug-food, lab-drug, drug-disease state), allergies, adverse reactions, therapeutic duplications, and appropriateness through the following: medication order review, drug profile review, communication with medical and nursing staff; and formal written and informal pharmacology consults.

Maintains an unrestricted, active Texas State Board of Pharmacy License and all required CME. Participates in pharmacy performance improvement activities as directed. Assures confidentiality of patient records in the 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 and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of pharmacology principles

Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to the receipt, storage, and dispensation of drugs

Knowledge of principles and techniques used in institutional pharmacy practice.

Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy

Knowledge of procedures and laws pertaining to institutional pharmacy operations

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 develop policies, procedures, and budgets.

Ability to evaluate drug therapies.

Ability interpret and apply policies, laws, and rules.

Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others.

Ability to review medication orders for safety and accuracy.

Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records, files and reports.

Ability to type accurately based on work requirements.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Screening 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:

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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

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 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form