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Controlled Substance Coordinator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Review cGMP documentation related to controlled substances. * Oversees inventory accountability and reconciliation for controlled substances. * Coordination of controlled drugs destructions in ...

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Controlled Substance Coordinator information

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$24.5K

$57.2K

$87K

How much do controlled substance coordinator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for controlled substance coordinator in the United States is $57,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controlled substance coordinator?

A Controlled Substance Coordinator is a professional responsible for overseeing the management, storage, and documentation of controlled substances within an organization, such as a hospital, pharmacy, or research facility. Their duties include ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, maintaining accurate records, conducting audits, and training staff on proper handling procedures. This role is crucial for preventing misuse, loss, or diversion of controlled substances and ensuring legal and ethical standards are met.

What is the difference between Controlled Substance Coordinator vs Pharmacist?

AspectControlled Substance CoordinatorPharmacist
CredentialsTypically requires a certification in controlled substances or pharmacy technician licenseRequires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, pharmacies, hospitals, clinicsPharmacies, hospitals, clinics, retail stores
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, government agencies, pharmaciesPharmaceutical industry, healthcare facilities, retail pharmacies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Controlled Substance Coordinator primarily manages compliance and inventory of controlled substances within healthcare settings, often requiring certification or licensing. Pharmacists have a broader role in dispensing medications, patient counseling, and clinical decision-making, requiring advanced degrees and licensure. While both roles work with controlled substances, the Coordinator focuses on regulatory adherence, whereas pharmacists handle medication management and patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controlled substance coordinator?

To excel as a Controlled Substance Coordinator, you need a solid understanding of pharmacy operations, regulatory compliance, and inventory management, often supported by a pharmacy technician certification or similar qualification. Familiarity with automated dispensing systems, controlled substance tracking software, and DEA regulations is crucial. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong organizational skills are essential soft skills for managing sensitive pharmaceuticals. These competencies ensure controlled substances are handled securely, legally, and accurately, safeguarding patient safety and institutional compliance.

What are some common challenges a controlled substance coordinator faces in ensuring regulatory compliance?

A Controlled Substance Coordinator often encounters challenges related to maintaining strict adherence to federal and state regulations, such as DEA requirements. This includes ensuring thorough documentation, proper storage, and accurate inventory tracking of controlled substances. Coordinators must also oversee staff training and conduct regular audits to prevent discrepancies or potential diversion. Close collaboration with pharmacy staff, security teams, and regulatory agencies is essential to proactively address compliance issues and mitigate risks.
More about Controlled Substance Coordinator jobs

What cities are hiring for Controlled Substance Coordinator jobs?

Cities with the most Controlled Substance Coordinator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Controlled Substance jobs?

The most popular types of Controlled Substance jobs are:

What states have the most Controlled Substance Coordinator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Controlled Substance Coordinator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Controlled Substance Coordinator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,202 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Program Manager - Controlled Substance Coordinator

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Lexington, KY โ€ข On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Lexington VA Health Care System is seeking a highly skilled, motivated individual to serve as the Program Manager - Controlled Substance Coordinator (CSC) within Quality Service. As CSC, you will play a critical role in the oversight and management of the Controlled Substance Inspection Program (CSIP), ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting patient safety, and preventing diversion within our facility.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/11/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9 The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • GS-9 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
  • Basic knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods to assist with studies related to the efficiency and effectiveness of data management and performance improvement programs.
  • Familiarity with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures for assigned tasks.
  • Ability to apply established analytical techniques to carry out assigned projects under supervision.
  • General understanding of performance improvement processes and regulatory requirements such as TJC, VHA, and OIG.
  • Ability to utilize clinical and administrative VA computer systems to extract information for specific, well-defined assignments.
  • Ability to validate data for routine reports and support data tracking and analysis activities.
  • Developing skills to communicate findings through oral and written reports and briefings.
  • Ability to organize work, prioritize assignments, and assume routine administrative duties in support of program objectives, with increasing independence as experience is gained.
OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., if related Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond graduate level education (in excess of the first two years or 36 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements.
GS-11 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Your experience must have equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized Experience is defined as:
  • Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues and studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of the data management, and performance improvement programs.
  • Knowledge of the regulations, policies and procedures which affect the assigned programs.
  • Knowledge and skill in adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to the measurement and improvement of program effectiveness for both data management and performance improvement.
  • Formal training in performance improvement tools, techniques, and initiatives.
  • Understanding of regulatory agency requirements such as TJC, VHA, and OIG.
  • Knowledge of a broad range of clinical and administrative computer systems used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to collect data and how to extract pertinent information for specific assignments (Pyramid, VSSC, VistA, etc.).
  • Skill in applying fact-finding, investigative techniques, and critical thinking skills to identify, analyze and recommend solutions to problems posed by the management of the medical center.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the mission, vision, values, goals, and organization of the VHA and the health care system.
  • Knowledge and understanding of how the above relates to the mission of our Quality Management & Systems Redesign Programs.
  • Performs routine validation of data for standard reports submitted from the medical center to network and central office program offices.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of management principles, practices, and methods of data tracking and analysis.
  • Ability to analyze complex data and problems and present both oral and written recommendations for improvement, taking into consideration the wide range of factors and requirements that affect the management of the medical center.
  • Ability to organize and deliver oral and written briefings to managers to foster understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations.
  • Ability to identify problems, analyze pertinent findings and circumstances, arrive at solutions/resolutions and assess impact of same.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments, Ability to be flexible and assume a wide variety of administrative duties.
OR,
GS-11 Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. in a field related to this position. (Transcripts must be submitted with application)
OR,
GS-11 Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond graduate level education (in excess of the first two years or 36 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: Work is mostly sedentary; however, some walking and stair climbing, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting of moderately heavy items such as computers, chairs, multiple folders, books, and binders are required.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER