JOB TITLE: PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTANT, DOH

JOB CODE: 32600

DEFINITION: This is professional, consultative pharmaceutical work in the Department of Health (DOH).

The employee in this job administers the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Act and the Wholesale Prescription Drug Distributors License Act for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and provides pharmaceutical expertise to the agency. Work involves directing the regulatory program for drug, device, and cosmetic manufacturing and wholesaling; developing standards and interpreting federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures; providing technical assistance to manufacturers and wholesalers in the interpretation and application of federal and state laws and procedures to aid with compliance; and assisting field inspectors in difficult and critical investigations. Work includes providing pharmaceutical expertise and guidance to the agency on legislation, policies, and procedures that impact DOH programs involving pharmaceuticals or having a pharmaceutical component; ensuring proposed pharmaceutical program changes adhere to existing state and federal regulations; and communicating with outside agencies to ensure understanding of the impacts of pharmaceutical program changes. Work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor for overall effectiveness and achievement of goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Consults on pharmaceutical issues and operations such as dispensing of controlled substances, state and federal pharmaceutical regulations, record-keeping, drug disposal procedures, development of drug formularies, prescription labeling, and other pharmaceutical processes to ensure state and federal regulatory compliance.

• Analyzes proposed legislation to evaluate the programmatic costs and service delivery impacts to clients served by various DOH programs that administer and monitor pharmaceutical drugs as part of their health services.

• Consults with state and federal agencies to ensure consistency in administration and regulation of pharmaceuticals, avoidance of duplicative services, and more efficient and effective service to individuals.

• Coordinates with the department’s press office and other state and federal agencies to communicate and publicize changes in pharmaceutical processes that may affect agency programs and clients served.

• Coordinates with leadership to ensure that training is provided to staff on changes to the administration and monitoring of drugs used in DOH programs.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs other related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacy and pharmacology.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws regulating the practice of pharmacy.

• Knowledge of Pharmacoeconomics.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These are not used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Knowledge of DOH programs with pharmaceutical components and the issues affecting those programs.

• Ability to evaluate and provide technical assistance on pharmaceutical issues.

• Ability to coordinate among various governmental entities to ensure regulatory compliance and avoidance of duplicative services.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Two years of experience as a licensed pharmacist dispensing medication and counseling patients on prescription and over the counter medications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: This position requires, at time of hire, possession of a valid license to practice pharmacy as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy.