Job Description

Manager, Ambulatory Pharmacy
 
JOB SUMMARY

The Manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services is responsible for the oversight and day-to-day management of various service lines within the ambulatory pharmacy, including, but not limited to, operations, home delivery, discharge, and specialty services. This role reports directly to the Ambulatory Pharmacy Director and plays a crucial part in ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients. The Manager will be responsible for identifying opportunities for service improvement and implementing initiatives to enhance patient satisfaction and optimize pharmacy services.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations:

• Accountable to oversee multiple service areas ambulatory pharmacy, including operations, home delivery, discharge, and specialty services.
• Identifies opportunities for service improvement, develops and implements strategies to enhance the overall patient experience and streamlines pharmacy operations.
• Under the general direction of the Ambulatory Pharmacy Director, and in close collaboration with other stakeholders, develops and implements policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to each service line.
• Monitors service line performance and key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing data and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Optimizes the operational workflow of each service line, ensuring timely and accurate processing, preparation, and dispensing of medication orders.
• Collaborates with relevant departments, such as supply chain, inventory management, to optimize inventory levels and ensure efficient medication distribution.
• Develops and put into action plans to capture all of the distributed revenue and stop financial loss.
• Develops and implemenst strategies to enhance the efficiency of home delivery and discharge processes, ensuring seamless transitions and timely medication delivery to patients.

Patient Experience and Satisfaction:

• Continuously assesses patient satisfaction related to ambulatory pharmacy services and implement initiatives to improve patient experience and meet or exceed patient expectations.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers and interdisciplinary teams to identify and address medication-related issues, ensuring patient safety and positive outcomes.
• Develops and implements strategies to enhance medication counseling and education for patients, promoting medication adherence and proper medication use.

Medication Safety, Quality, Regulatory Compliance, and Process Improvement:

• Develops and implement a quality assurance program specific to each service line, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
• Monitors compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, making necessary adjustments to pharmacy practices to maintain compliance.
• Implements and monitors systems to enhance medication safety, including error reporting, adverse drug event monitoring, and implementation of medication safety initiatives within each service line.

Caregiver Support and Development:

• Leads and supervises a team of caregivers involved in various service lines, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Fosters a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, open communication, and a commitment to excellence.
• Provides training and support to caregivers, ensuring their competency in delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care within their respective service lines.
• Precepts and develops students, interns, residents, and other trainees.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborates with stakeholders, including healthcare providers, nursing staff, and other relevant departments, to enhance interdisciplinary communication and coordination of care.
• Establishes effective communication channels to ensure a smooth flow of information between pharmacy services and other departments.
• Participates in interdisciplinary meetings and initiatives to improve patient care and enhance service delivery.
• Remains updated on industry trends, best practices, and advancements in ambulatory pharmacy services.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and innovation within each service line, implementing and evaluating new initiatives.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of evidence-based practices and participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Financial Stewardship:

• Responsible for the month to month financial reports required for compliance to budget and productivity goals
• Assists Director of Pharmacy in developing and implementing strategies to reduce expense and increase revenue.
• Assists Formulary and Therapeutics in identifying efficacious, safe and cost-effective pharmaceutical options for patient care
• Leads the development of service area related monthly financial reports for senior leadership.
• Assists Director of Pharmacy and Executive Director in development of the capital and operating budgets.
• Manages the invoice process between pharmacy and accounts payable to assure bills are accurate and paid.
• Maintains all finance related policies and procedures for the department.

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education

• PharmD or Bachelors of Pharmacy degree from an accredited College of Pharmacy is required
• Current National Pharmacy license is required
• Board certification (e.g., ACCP) is preferred
• A post graduate qualification in Pharmacy (preferably a master’s degree) is preferred

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years experience in a lead role; leading teams and overseeing day-to-day operations of pharmacy
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience as a pharmacist post Doctor of Pharmacy, OR minimum of eight (8) years experience as a pharmacist post Master of Pharmacy, OR ten (10) years experience as a pharmacist post Bachelor of Pharmacy degree is required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to speak and write in English is required

• Experience in overseeing multiple pharmacy service lines such as operation, home delivery, discharge, and specialty services, is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and driving operational efficiency within a pharmacy setting.
• Familiarity with patient satisfaction measurement and improvement strategies.
• Strong understanding of pharmacy regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Experience in managing and developing a team of pharmacy professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers, interdisciplinary teams, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of medication safety practices, quality assurance, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in implementing and managing electronic health record systems and other pharmacy-related software applications.
• Inpatient operational and clinical experience
• Completion of ASHP accredited pharmacy management residency or 3 years of North American pharmacy management experience

Job Specific Skills and Abilities

• Ability to accurately interpret physician orders
• Proficient in use of electronic health record
• Ability to accurately interpret physician orders
• Proficient in use of electronic health record
• Lead one or more Process Improvement project(s) successfully
• Proficient in the use of PCs, spreadsheets and other software applications
• Basic Life Support Certification
• Proficient in supervising and training residents, students, and trainee in sterile compouding preparatinons.
• Familiar with insurance and DOH rules