Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

The Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist is responsible for coordinating workflow and services related to pharmaceutical inventory and supplies. Ensuring inventory management through perpetual inventory software while working closely with the Pharmacy Directory to address medication procurement and product changes in the electronic medical record. Will also collaborate with outpatient infusion services to manage the procurement and delivery of medication for patients.

High school diploma or equivalent (GED or pharmacy technician training program) is required.  Graduate of pharmacy technician program is preferred.

Associate’s in business, IT or related field is preferred.

4 years pharmacy experience or 4 years of combined pharmacy and purchasing experience with at least 2 years of pharmacy experience is required.

3 years’ experience in purchasing, ordering supplies or inventory is preferred.

Experience with pharmacy inventory software and inventory analytics is preferred.

Understanding of Group Purchasing Organization contract compliance is preferred.

Experience with Epic Willow Inpatient is preferred.Experience with automated dispensing cabinets is preferred.

Pharmacy Technician license in Illinois is required within 60 days from hire date.

Pharmacy Technician registration in Wisconsin is required.

Pharmacy Technician Certification is required.

Ability to self-manage workflow.

Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills.

Motivation for self-learning.

Adaptability in a constant and quickly changing healthcare environment.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

Highly thorough and dependable.

Performs work independently with minimal supervision.

Coordinates procurement, storage, and monitoring of pharmaceutical-related inventory, including the creation of medication orders and purchase orders Monitors open orders to verify product is delivered as communicated from vendor.  Works with outpatient infusion areas to assure that prior authorization has been completed prior to ordering the medications.

Maintains records and files pertinent to purchasing, purchase orders, controlled substances and invoices and complies with internal accounting practices, regulatory and 340B (if applicable) requirements.

Unpack and organize the inventory for ease of use and processing.  Works to resolve receiving discrepancies.

Knowledgeable of group purchasing contract portfolio, system contracts and individual affiliate contracts.  Recommends purchases based on contract pricing and knowledge of vendors while complying with budget limitations.

Maintains inventory to appropriate levels and addresses drug shortages including communicating to managers or end users any delayed shipments or backorder notifications.

Assists with pharmaceutical-related recalls and maintain paperwork.

Maintain medication identifiers and formulary in the electronic medical record, automated dispensing system and 340B split billing software (if applicable).

Coordinate with physicians / nursing services to obtain medications from drug programs and pharmaceutical companies.

Maintains relationships and contact with pharmaceutical companies and other hospital departments to meet patient needs.

Practices as a pharmacy technician when needed.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Patient Care Support

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs.

Carrying

X

50 lbs.

Pushing

X

50 lbs.

Pulling

X

50 lbs.

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a

temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other