Pharmacist

Company Description

International Health and Medical Services delivers customized medical and security risk management and wellbeing solutions to enable our clients to operate safely and effectively in environments far from home. Founded in 1984, we operate in 92 countries providing integrated medical solutions to organizations with international operations. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We provide clinical services to include “hands on” direct care at over 800 sites around the world, many of which include inpatient clinical care capabilities. With 12,000 staff (including 5,200 medical and behavioral health providers) our services include the design, deployment, and operation of healthcare solutions including freestanding surgical facilities in remote and austere environments, telemedicine consultation through a wide range of virtual modalities, referrals to a global network of more than 100,000 vetted providers, and global aeromedical evacuation. Within our portfolio of companies, International Health and Medical Services headquartered in Houston, Texas provides contracted healthcare support to Government defense and civil agencies and government contractors, including support to military exercises and operations, diplomatic missions, natural disasters, and refugee care.

Job Description

This position is contingent upon award

International Health and Medical Services is looking for an experienced Pharmacist to manage the procurement, dispensing, and monitoring of medications to ensure safe and effective pharmaceutical care for patients. This role includes collaborating with healthcare providers to optimize medication management, provide drug information, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the patient population.

• Responsible for the provision of a full range of pharmacy services at the assigned facility as well as ensuring compliance with the pharmacy policies and procedures as stated in the Pharmaceutical Services Directive and Guide.
• Responsible for managing all pharmaceutical activities including the purchase, inventory, control, and record keeping of all Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) controlled substances stored in the pharmacy.
• Responsible for securing and maintaining a current facility DEA Registration Number and maintaining necessary legal records on controlled substance items.
• Provide direct care to patients within discipline Scope of Practice and perform functions in accordance with current accepted practice, licensure, certification, credentialing and or granted privileges.
• Provide treatment of persons throughout the life span as appropriate to discipline and facility setting.
• Respond to and or coordinate response to medical emergencies.
• Read individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed.
• Adjust prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic.
• Correlate instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription.
• Type accurate and concise labels that precisely convey provider’s instructions to the patients.
• Fill prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, placing the medication in smaller containers, and affixing the prescription label and all appropriate auxiliary labels.
• Counsel patients on the appropriate use of medication, utilizing the patient’s native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient’s native language.
• Screen all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug and dosage prescribed.
• Discusses therapeutic options with the provider suggesting drugs listed in the program formulary if drug requested is not on formulary.
• If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non-formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary.
• Answer routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, and other staff on the availability of specific items, drugs in stock, new drugs on order, and dosage forms available in the pharmacy.
• Answer questions concerning drug reactions, drug interactions, and new drugs.
• Package bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments and creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers.
• Operate tablet and capsule counting and labelling machines for the purpose of repackaging drugs.
• Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials.
• Fill all requisitioned items from other areas of the clinic. If the medication is not available in the requested quantity, makes necessary computations to provide the order in a different unit of measure.
• Prepare bulk compounds and packages a variety of simple solutions and products, most of which are for external application, such as mouthwashes and disinfecting agents.
• Place orders for supplies from appropriate sources and track supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories.
• Assist nursing department in locating sources for hard-to-find items and places orders for nursing supplies based on levels established by that department.
• Research supply vendors to find most economical sources for each item (within procurement guidelines).
• Receive pharmaceutical supplies and checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortage, breakage, deterioration and expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the supplier.
• Inspect stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing and proper stock rotation. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) and prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action.
• Responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness and maintenance of pharmacy equipment.
• Participates in monthly and annual inventory of pharmacy service as required.
• Check the medicine cabinet and all areas of the clinic daily where night pharmacy service is available.
• Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night.
• Inspects and logs the temperature of all clinic areas where any types of pharmaceuticals are stored.
• Gather all pharmacy statistical information required to collaborate a complete, monthly report and routes that report through the HSA and pharmacy leadership.
• Inventories all controlled substances and inspects all clinic areas monthly where pharmaceuticals are stored.
• Responsible for supervising work performed by Pharmacy Technicians.
• Perform record keeping functions in accordance with program policies and position.
• Maintain functional proficiency and ease of use utilizing electronic health records as required by, and appropriate to, position.
• Complete and passes all discipline specific competencies testing, initially and annually.
• Complete all initial, annual and ad hoc training as required and assigned.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and confidentiality of medical records, in compliance with the Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations in all work activities.
• Adheres to, and maintain awareness of, Policies, Procedures, Directives, Operational Memoranda and accreditation standards as prescribed.
• Adheres to, and participates in, Safety, Prevention, Infection and Control, Quality Improvement, Patient Education and other programs and collateral duties as appropriate to position.
• Attend and participate in general/medical staff meetings.
• Apply expert knowledge of pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and all management aspects related to the practice of pharmacy in a clinic and infirmary setting.
• Maintain knowledge of and competent in understanding and communicating pharmaceutical nomenclature, including generic, chemical and trade names, Latin abbreviations, dosage forms, drug strengths, formulations and English-Metric equivalents.
• Apply knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation to identify and correct errors to insure accurate copy.
• Work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment.
• Utilize telephonic interpreter/translation services to complete assigned duties if not fluent in a language the patient understands.
• Adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements
• Communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) to develop positive rapport with patients, co-workers and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Navigate in an electronic work environment including electronic health records, web-based training and communications.
• Moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Have knowledge of regulations (HIPAA/Privacy Act) regarding the confidentiality of patient medical records and information as well as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all communications with coworkers and clients, fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diversity.
• Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements/Certifications:

• Must have and maintain an unrestricted and current license as a pharmacist issued by the state licensing authority in the state where services are performed.
• Minimum of one-year experience as a licensed practicing pharmacist.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required. If not American Heart Association (AHA) certified, must be within first year.
• Trained in Basic First Aid.
• Employees shall have at least one year of general experience that demonstrates the following:
  • The ability to greet and deal tactfully with the public.
  • Capability of understanding and applying written and verbal orders, rules, and regulations. All personnel shall be literate and be able to interpret printed rules and regulations, detailed written orders, training instructions and materials, and must be able to compose reports.
  • Good judgment, courage, alertness, an even temperament, and render satisfactory performance through knowledge of his/her position responsibilities.
  • Ability to maintain poise and self-control during situations that involve mental stress, such as fires, explosions, civil disturbances, and building evacuations.

Education Required:

• B.S. in Pharmacy or Pharm D degree from a program that is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.

Attributes and Professional Qualities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking skills 4. Cultural competency.
• Integrity and honesty.
• Experience in a detention/correctional or residential healthcare setting (preferred, not required).

Physical Requirements:

• Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
• Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
• Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
• Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging patients or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
• Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
• Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
• Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
• Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
• Phone or computer use for extended periods of time.

Other Special Qualifications:

• Must maintain current/physical residency in the continental U.S.
• Pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 30 days prior to initial assignment.
• U.S. citizen and have resided in the U.S. for the last five years (unless abroad on official U.S. government duty).
• Successfully engage in and complete a thorough Background Investigation.
• Poses or have ability to obtain required security clearances.
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Additional Information

Pay range is based on several factors and may vary in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographical market data.

Benefits – Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401k plan paid time off and an annual bonus. International Health and Medical Services complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws

International Health and Medical Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with the applicable federal, state and local laws.