Drug Information Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The mission of Correctional Managed Care is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).

JOB SUMMARY:

The Drug Information Pharmacy Clinical Practice Specialist (PCPS) will work with providers, nurses, and pharmacy staff to provide appropriate recommendations regarding treatment alternatives or additional interventions that maximize patient outcomes taking into consideration choice of therapy, safety, efficacy, formulary status, and pharmaco-economics. 

The Drug Information PCPS will serve as a resource for advanced drug information support and expertise.  The Drug Information PCPS will collaborate with other clinical specialists on pharmacy training to promote learning and performance of pharmacists, technicians, residents, and students.   The Drug Information PCPS will serve as a clinical instructor and preceptor for pharmacy students and residents.

The Drug Information PCPS will maintain effective interdepartmental relationships by committee membership, problem resolution, and close cooperation with other departments to accomplish the organization's mission and goals. The goal is to foster a patient-focused, team-based multidisciplinary model of care that promotes rationale drug prescribing and monitoring to ensure positive outcomes are achieved with medication use.

The Drug Information PCPS will also provide drug therapy management through the establishment of a pharmacist-operated patient care telehealth clinic, or medication reconciliation chart review service one day per week.

Eligible employees may participate in a hybrid work arrangement, with approximately 50% of work performed remotely. Hybrid work arrangements are subject to departmental needs.

Problem solving, written communication, team building, and administrative skills are essential.  This position requires a high degree of visibility and interaction with medical leadership. 

Major Duties:

Patient-Focused Activities:

• Answer drug information questions related to the care of patients or drug therapy
• Answer non-formulary consultations
• Participate in medication reconciliation chart reviews or direct-patient care clinic 1 day per week

 Population-Focused Activities:

• Provide timely, evidence-based drug information to promote the safe and rational use of medications
• Prepare materials for Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
• Develop and maintain drug use policies
• Participate in formulary management including formulary design, category reviews, and medication use evaluations
• Participate in development and maintenance of clinical practice guidelines
• Monitor use of high-cost medications

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and maintains a clinical practice with a patient care service, cooperating with medical and nursing personnel to optimize the pharmacotherapeutic aspects of patient care.
• Provides optimal selection of pharmacologic agents and design of a regimen to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize toxicity; ensures therapy is appropriate for patient's diagnosis, weight, and age.
• Provides daily follow-up on the clinical effects of the regimen with adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Provides other health professionals with drug and clinical information in response to specific questions or relating to new, evolving issues related to the care of patients.
• Provides other health professionals with professional education regarding new drugs or technologies for specialized drug delivery.
• Provides education and counseling about the drug therapy provided to patients.
• Participates in clinical guideline development, critical pathways, disease management, and drug use programs.
• Provides clinical education and training to students, satellite pharmacists, residents, and fellows in the Department of Pharmacy.
• Participates in quality assurance programs in the Department of Pharmacy.
• Supports and performs operational components in the pharmacy.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure established for department.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team.
• Takes ownership in solving problems effectively and efficiently and participates in resolution in a proactive and positive manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates through verbal and non-verbal communications openness to change or new ideas.
• Willingly learns and adapts to changes in work environment and new work methods as introduced.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time, demonstrates flexibility to fluctuating workload, and effectively prioritizes assignments.
• Actively enhances personal growth and development by participating in educational programs and professional organizations and meetings.

EQUIPMENT:

Standard pharmaceutical equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Standard pharmacy environment.
• May work weekends and shift rotations based on location.
• May be required to work overtime and extended shifts during emergencies.
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.

Security clearance is required; pre-employment drug testing is also required.