Pharm Tech Qual & Comp Special

Reporting to the Pharmacy Operations Manager under the director of the Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer and Chief Pharmacy Officer the Quality and Compliance Specialist is responsible for auditing medication storage sites in accordance with established NWH policies and procedures as well as assisting in plans of correction in the Acute Care and Ambulatory Care settings. He/she will inspect all assigned medication storage areas, perform risk assessments of medication-related matters, and provide pharmacy-related knowledge and support to clinicians and appropriate hospital staff. The Quality and Compliance Specialist, as needed, will provide target-focused education in performance and process improvement to the responsible parties. The role will encompass the auditing of medication storage areas utilizing data collection tools, participation on inter-disciplinary tracers and surveillance rounds, as well as briefing area leadership with opportunities for improvement in accordance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards and state and federal regulations The individual must display leadership skills by demonstrating accountability, initiative, and responsibility as it relates to the care areas and the clinical and operational staff served.

* Performs medication management audits for all automated and non-automated medication storage locations to ensure compliance with hospital and regulatory established policies and procedures and reports findings

* Conduct audits for hospital and maintains the collection data base producing KPI dashboards for Pharmacy and Hospital Leadership, on routine basis

* Participates in the Quality Oversite Program for Sterile Compounding and Controlled Substance Practices under the direction of the Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer and Pharmacy Operations Manager

* Monitors the overall performance to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational policies, practices and approved pharmaceutical processes.

* Assists the Associate CPO and Manager in maintaining and executing all established procedures concerning quality improvement, quality assurance, security of controlled substances, and recordkeeping.

* Makes recommendations to the managers regarding any changes to improve operating procedures, or to improve and facilitate safe medication practices.

* Represents the Pharmacy on Hospital-wide Interdisciplinary Tracer Team rounds, completing risk assessments and executing plans of correction working in conjunction with external disciplines with in conjunction with the Chief Pharmacy Officer and Associate Chief Officer

* Performs gap analysis as needed to ensure pharmacy operations, workflow and systems adhere to regulatory requirements will ensuring quality programs are in place

* Addresses audit findings with Pharmacy and Hospital leadership and presents to the appropriate forums as called upon, in addition represents pharmacy at both hospital and system level committees as assigned

* Assists in maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, and records consistent with regulations and standards governing the practice of pharmacy

* Develops and performs specialized audits to quantify and correct identified vulnerabilities.

* Participates in medication management process improvement initiatives, working collaboratively with targeted pharmacy and hospital areas as needed

* Trains clinicians on matters of medication management, including storage, handling, and administration with

regard to established hospital and regulatory agency requirements.

* Assists the Pharmacy Leadership educating Pharmacy staff in quality assurance techniques, medication compliance standards and Quality Assurance Process Improvement (QAPI) activities.

* Participate during staff meetings /forums by providing presentation, and supplying guidance documents and/or other materials for educational purposes

* Bachelor of Science Degree strongly preferred; alternatively Associates Degree with a minimum 2 years CPhT experience in an acute care setting, or High School Diploma with a minimum 3 years CPhT experience in an acute care setting.

* Familiarity with medical/drug terminology and abbreviations.

* Demonstrated ability to walk and stand 70% of the time and to lift up to 35 pounds

* Must possess valid national certification as a pharmacy technician

* Must be registered with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician

* Excellent communication and computer skills

* Proficient with standard PC software; Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint required, Access and Visio preferred.

* Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills

* Performs professionally and courteously, and maintains excellent working relationships with all personnel

* Numeracy: must be comfortable aggregating and reporting numbers, data, and analytics.

* Problem-solving: must be capable of drawing conclusions and formulating actionable plans based upon a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data.

* Interpersonal skills: must communicate effectively with Pharmacy, Nursing and Provider leadership.

* Independent decision-making: must be self-supervised and motivated.

* Job knowledge: must have a comprehensive understanding of TJC, state and federal regulations

* Organizes and maintains efficient work areas and services

* Flexibility: must be capable of managing several priorities and deadlines simultaneously