Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist

Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist

Summary of Essential Functions

• Responsible for all purchasing, supply, inventory, distribution and related transactions with vendors and related parties for all United Regional owned entities. 

• Responsible for compliance with and maintenance of organizational policies, procedures, processes, and protocols related to medication purchasing, supply, inventory, storage, distribution, and related activities. Must also be familiar with and comply with all applicable requirements from federal and state agencies such as CMS, TJC, FDA, DEA, USP, HRSA, and the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

• Maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies, procedures, and protocols.

• Assists Pharmacy Finance Manager and Director with oversight of 340B-related activities, ensuring that the 340B pharmacy program is continuously compliant with 340B federal regulations.

• Assists in the procurement, enrollment, scheduling, and other related activities for United Regional medication assistance programs and charitable care programs according to established policies, procedures, and protocols.  Must also record, calculate, and report program savings and patient enrollment numbers quarterly or as requested by the Director of Pharmacy.

Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 

• College degree or previous course work is desirable but not required. 

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. 

Licensure and Certifications  

• Current registration with the TX State Board of Pharmacy as certified pharmacy technician (CPhT).

• Texas driver’s license. 

• Must complete 340B University within the first 6 months of hire and every 2 years or acquire and maintain 340B ACE. 

• Other registration/licensing as required. 

   

   

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• A minimum of three years hospital pharmacy experience or equivalent is required.  At least 5 years is preferred.  Additional experience with retail/outpatient pharmacy is also preferred.

• Must be proficient with computer systems, Epic, Omnicell, purchasing software such as McKesson Connect, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

• Ability to work independently and with others with minimal direct supervision.

• Strong problem solving, time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.   

• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule.  Sets priorities, make critical decisions, and respond quickly to emergency requests. 

• Fosters a team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members. 

• Must be able to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, psychiatric, oncology, obstetric, chemically dependent, rehabilitation and skilled-nursing patients.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily works the day shift hours during weekdays but additional hours may be required, including weekends.

• May be expected to lift over twenty-five (25) pounds.

• Ability to distinguish between numbers and symbols.

• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity with substantial movement of wrist and/or fingers.

• Walking and climbing to accomplish tasks.

• Corrected vision and hearing to normal or near normal range.

• Extended periods of sitting and/or walking depending on specific duties.

• Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and load and unload medications/supplies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitates purchasing and related transactions with vendors and related parties. Assists in determining inventory management parameters necessary to meet patient needs.

• Builds and maintains relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers and other vendor representatives and support staff.

• Assists in optimizing purchases consistent with group purchasing organization and medication manufacturer/wholesaler contracts to maximize compliance and minimize overall medication and related supply costs. Assists in selecting secondary medication and supply wholesalers and manufacturers consistent with maintaining maximal compliance with group purchasing organization and manufacturer/wholesaler and other vendor contracts.

• Assists Pharmacy Finance Manager and Director with oversight of 340B-related activities, ensuring that the 340B pharmacy program is continuously compliant with 340B federal regulations.

• Assists in the procurement, enrollment, scheduling, and other related activities for United Regional medication assistance programs and charitable care programs according to established policies, procedures, and protocols.  Must also record, calculate, and report program savings and patient enrollment numbers quarterly or as requested by the Director of Pharmacy.

• Assists in identifying and implementing cost containment policies and procedures related to inventory management, purchasing and related functions. Maintains the borrow/loan processes.

• Monitors and notifies the Director of Pharmacy and pharmacy management team on all manufacturer and supply shortages and problems in obtaining medications, chemicals, and biologicals.

• Works with external patient care departments (ambulatory care, dialysis, OR, cardiac catheterization lab, radiology, URPG, etc.) to coordinate stock levels, computer coding and related matters.

• Maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies, procedures, and protocols. Coordinates the ordering, receiving, unpacking, and storing of pharmaceuticals and supplies in appropriate locations and under proper storage conditions. Assists in setting inventory par levels necessary to meet patient needs.

• Processes and arranges for final disposition of unusable medication and supply inventory from outdates, recalls, discontinuations through manufacturers, wholesalers, and related parties.

• Maintains appropriate information sources for pharmaceuticals and related supplies to facilitate appropriate inventory management through print, electronic and other media.

• Prepares and maintains inventory records as required by policies and procedures and consistent with state, federal and local laws, and regulations.

• Prepares purchasing, return and related inventory management reports and data accurately and on a timely basis.

• Coordinates and facilitates special purchase requests (e.g. non-formulary medications, office supplies, etc.) and assists pharmacy staff in compliance with non-formulary medication policies and procedures.

• Arranges for after-hours or off-site delivery of critically required medications and supplies in coordination with the Director of Pharmacy and pharmacy staff.

• Assists pharmacy staff in the inventory management process through education, training, and support.

• Provides pharmacy staff with appropriate data and reports as directed by the Director of Pharmacy.

• Assists pharmacy staff in determining the availability of specialized pharmaceuticals and related supplies.

• Answers the telephone identifying self and department.  Directs calls to appropriate staff. Answers the door and assists pharmacy staff in delivery of STAT medication orders as necessary.

• Organizes and prioritizes work assignments.

• Maintains logs, records, and other required documentation accurately and on a timely basis. Files in appropriate locations.

• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as assigned by the pharmacy management team as necessary.

• Assists organizational leadership to develop a regular compliance audit program.
• Conducts monthly audits of all 340B eligible locations to verify adherence with the 340B program guidelines and policies.
• Ensures appropriate documentation and audit trail across areas of responsibility.
• Maintains split-billing software integrity and reviews applicable reports to identify areas for improvement.

• Performs all other tasks and duties as necessary.