SYSTEM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY, QUALITY ASSURANCE/MEDICATION ASSISTANCE/COMPLIANCE

The System Assistant Director of Pharmacy oversees the Cook County Health (CCH) Pharmacy quality improvement program, regulatory compliance, and staff development, under director of the Senior Director of Pharmacy. This position also serves as the Medication Safety Office for the System Pharmacies and as such is responsible for coordination the adverse drug reaction reporting program and assuming a leadership role in the medication error reporting program. This position requires collaboration with health care providers with medication\-related responsibilities at each of the System facilities, in order to measure and improve the safety of the System's medication systems.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

*Collective Bargaining*

• Review applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consult with Labor Relations to generate management proposals.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions and working meetings.

*Discipline*

• Document, recommend and effectuate discipline at all levels.
• Work closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Initiate, authorize and complete disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures and provision of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

*Supervision*

• Direct and effectuate CCH management policies and practices.
• Access and proficiently navigate CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

*Management*

• Contribute to the management of CCH staff and CCH’ systemic development and success.
• Discuss and develop CCH system policy and procedure.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES \- CONTINUED

• Consistently use independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs and perform the following functions as necessary; hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, direct or discipline employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Work with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary.

TYPICAL DUTIES

*Management*

• Oversees the development/assessment of a pharmacy quality program that monitors and ensures the integrity and safety of the services provided by CCH pharmacies.
• Assimilates the mission statement, goals and objectives of CCH into the departmental quality program.
• Assesses departmental compliance with quality indicators through review of audits performed on these indicators.
• Alerts pharmacy management to significant problems identified during audits.
• Recommends improvement strategies to pharmacy management regarding issues identified in audits and provides assistance for action plan implementation.
• Reviews, revises, adds, and deletes audits or indicators as needed.
• Provides direction for the safety of CCH's medication systems.
• Coordinates a medication system monitoring program for the ordering, distribution, administration, and monitoring of medication used. This monitoring system to include indicator development auditing evaluation and feedback process improvement recommendations and staff education initiatives.
• Directs involvement in ensuring the ongoing safety of the computerized provider order entry system for electronic ordering of patient medications.
• Reviews medication error/adverse drug event literature, including the Institute of Safe Medication Practice's Medication Safety Alerts, to proactively address potential issues in the medical center.
• Reviews Medication Occurrence reports and Adverse Drug Reaction Reports to identify potential system improvements and educational needs.

o Identifies potential issues that may warrant root cause analysis (RCA) or failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and bring to the attention of the Drug and Formulary Committee (D\&F) for authorization.

o Performs a Root Cause analysis at the direction of the D\&F Committee or a FMEA as recommended.

• Oversees the development of new or revision of existing medication \- related policy and procedures.

o Provides medication safety information for inclusion in newsletters and other educational efforts for staff education.

o Evaluates and procure commercially available medication and patient safety related educational materials including video and audio tapes, computer\-assisted instructional programs, printed materials, etc.

• Provides medication safety in\-services.

o Develops a structured approach for the post graduate on\-the\-job training of pharmacist practitioners, pharmacotherapists, pharmacy residents, technicians and managers related to medication safety, incorporating the mission statement, goals, and objectives of the department where appropriate.

*Personnel*

• Oversees training programs for new pharmacotherapists, pharmacists and technicians.

• Ensures maintenance of training files for all employees, documenting participation and adherence to Illinois laws, accreditation, organizations, i.e., The Joint Commission, and departmental policy.

• Tracks license and certification compliance for employees, pharmacies, and special programs.

• Works with patients and pharmacy staff in a routine clinic setting to monitor staff develops needs and current medication safety practices and processes.

*Committees*

• Participates in CCH committees as assigned.

*Quality Management*

• Serves as the content expert for JCAHO medication management standards.

• Provides staff relevant education on the medication management standards.

• Reports deficiencies in compliance to System Director of Pharmacy.

• Recommends improvements to achieve compliance.

• Ensures compliance with all JCAHO and CMS requirements.

• Ensures compliance with all JCAHO Medication Management standards.

*Inventory Control Services*

• Assists in formulary evaluation/revision.

• Attends Health System Pharmacy \& Therapeutic Committee Drug and Formulary meetings.

*Drug Distribution Services*

• Ensures drug distribution from pharmacy storerooms to hospital drug storage areas, ambulatory clinics, and public health are within regulatory requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Registered as a Licensed Pharmacist, in good standing, by the State of Illinois, Department of Professional Regulation,
is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview).
• Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from an accredited college of pharmacy accredited by the ACPE,
is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview).
• At least two (2\) years of full\-time work experience as a pharmacist within a hospital or retail pharmacy environment
is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with pharmacy quality assurance, pharmacy audits, JCAHO and regulatory surveys.
• Experience with 340B regulations.
• Past experience in dealing with labor unions as a staff pharmacist or supervisor is desirable.
• Past experience with developing new programs and staff training is also desirable.
• Membership and participation in local, state, and national pharmacy associations is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARCTERISTICS

• Thorough knowledge of health system and pharmacy policies, procedures, and techniques, federal and State laws and regulations relating to relevant pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical entities and their generic and scientific names, clinical pharmacy applications, research techniques, teaching programs, drug information programs, inventory control, purchasing, and manufacturer standards.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products, relevant pharmacy automation, and data processing software/hardware is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of groups and individuals, organize the workflow to achieve maximum efficiency, deal with pharmaceutical companies and their representatives, plan and implement policies and procedures, prepare and present teaching, training and research programs, interpret and prepare statistical reports, and supervise a large professional and supportive staff.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged walking/standing.
• Must be able to work closely with others.
• Must be able to supervise others.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be able to tolerate protracted or irregular hours.
• Must be able to work under high tension and pressure.
• Must be able to travel between CCH facilities.
• All employees are responsible for protecting all patient health information (oral or recorded in any form) that is obtained, handled, learned, heard, or viewed in the course of work or association with Cook County Health and Hospitals System.
• All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital

and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures:

complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with

department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by

hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people

assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all

responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health \& Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably

discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous

service.

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military veteran?”
• Attach a copy of their
DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the department of Transportation (Before 9/11\) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11\). Discharge papers must list an Honorable discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

• A copy of a
valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION

• Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.
• Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional \& employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre\-employment drug screen.
• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.