The Lead Clinical Pharmacist (LCP) is responsible for ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures. The role includes managing and overseeing local pharmacy operations while providing direct patient care services to ICE detainees. This non-supervisory position reports directly to the site-specific Clinical Director. This position is only open to current USPHS officers. USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.
COMPETENCIES: Superior oral/written communication skills. Analytical skills and ability to navigate complex system. Strong interpersonal and active listening skills. Flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements. Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills. Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrates strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills. Integrity and honesty. Cultural competency. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling. Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than oneself). Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary. Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing. Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds. Must be able to perform the position duties in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Lead /Clinical pharmacist's duties are divided into primary and secondary; the lead pharmacist role is considered primary and clinical augmentation duties are secondary. Clinical duties are expected to comprise =16 hours per week when the pharmacy is fully staffed. As Lead Pharmacist: Oversees and manages the pharmacy services at the assigned facility and provides pharmacy administrative managerial direction for all pharmacy service within the assigned facility. Provides monitoring, training and competency testing of the local pharmacy staff. Sets the goals, objectives and direction for the pharmacy program at the assigned facility. Monitors all aspects of the pharmacy program to assure goals and objectives are being met. Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed. Adjusts prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic. Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription. Fills 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. Counsels patients on the appropriate use of medication(s), utilizing the patient's native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient's native language if available. Based on the substantive knowledge and familiarity with a wide range of articles stocked in the pharmacy, screens all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug & dosage prescribed. If drug requested is not on formulary, discusses therapeutic options with the provider, suggesting drugs listed in the program formularywhere possible. If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non- formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary. Answers routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, & other staff on the availability of specific items, e.g., drugs in stock, new drugs on order, & dosage forms available in the pharmacy. Dispenses "over the counter" drugs, as specified in IHSC formulary without countersignature of physician. Packages bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments & creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers. Operates tablet and capsule counting machines and labeling machines for the purpose of repackaging drugs. Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials. Places orders for supplies from appropriate sources and tracks supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories. Receives pharmaceutical supplies & checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortage, breakage, deterioration & expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the supplier. Inspects stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing &proper stock rotation. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) &prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action. Is responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness &maintenance of pharmacy equipment. Participates in monthly& annual inventory of pharmacy service as required. On a daily basis, checks the medicine cabinet & all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is available. Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night. Inspects & logs the temperature of all clinic areas where any type of pharmaceutical is stored. Types narrative & tabular material such as correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, forms & labels. Types from clean copy, rough draft or handwritten notes without errors or corrections when required, & in accordance with the established format. On a monthly basis, inventories all controlled substances and inspects all clinic areas where pharmaceuticals are stored. On a monthly basis, gathers all pharmacy statistical information required to produce a complete monthly report and routes that report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist. On a quarterly basis, submits a Quarterly Narrative Report of Activities for the previous quarter to report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist. This report includes accomplishments, problems and measures taken for resolution, meetings attended, and facilities visited. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. "See additional duties in the Additional Information box below"