JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT: Pharmacy
JOB TITLE: Pharmacist II
PAY GRADE: MED07 FLSA: Exempt
SHIFT: Assigned and varies based on pharmaceutical needs for the Hospital.
REPORT TO: Pharmacy Supervisor
POSITION SUMMARY: The Pharmacist II is a second-level professional pharmacist responsible for providing pharmaceutical services in support of patient care and safe medication use at East Mississippi State Hospital. This position advises physicians and other health practitioners on medication selection, dosages, interactions, side effects, and appropriate therapeutic use, while also monitoring the health and progress of patients as it relates to drug therapy. The Pharmacist II reviews physician orders for accuracy and appropriateness, oversees medication dispensing processes, interprets pharmacy-related rules and standards, participates in pharmaceutical policy and quality initiatives, and may direct the work of Pharmacy Technicians. Reporting to the Pharmacy Supervisor, this position helps ensure pharmacy services are delivered accurately, safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable organizational, state, federal, and professional requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Reviews medication orders for clinical appropriateness and accuracy by evaluating physician orders to ensure the medication, dosage, and route of administration are appropriate based on the patients age, weight, renal function, allergies, and other clinical considerations.
- Advises physicians and other health practitioners on medication therapy by providing consultation on medication selection, dosages, interactions, side effects, therapeutic duplications, and other pharmaceutical considerations affecting patient care.
- Dispenses medications and supports compliance with pharmacy standards by filling medication orders and maintaining adherence to organizational policies, pharmacy practice standards, State Board of Pharmacy requirements, DEA requirements, and other applicable regulations.
- Monitors patient response to medication therapy by tracking drug therapy outcomes, reviewing lab values such as kidney function or therapeutic drug levels, and intervening when medication is causing side effects, is no longer necessary, or otherwise requires adjustment.
- Interprets pharmacy-related rules, regulations, and service standards by applying pharmaceutical laws, procedures, and standards to support proper dispensing practices and safe medication management within the facility.
- Oversees pharmacy support functions and controlled medication inventory by directing the work of Pharmacy Technicians as assigned and helping establish, manage, and maintain strict control of inventories of manufactured or purchased medications, particularly narcotics and other addictive drugs.
- Supports reporting, policy development, and quality improvement activities by producing departmental statistics such as drug utilization reports, notifying appropriate personnel as needed, participating in the formulation of pharmaceutical policies and procedures, and contributing to quality initiatives, cost-benefit analysis, clinical interpretation, and prior authorization development and implementation.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS/POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Typically requires state licensure as a Pharmacist and 1-2 years of experience as a Pharmacist. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in hospital pharmacy, psychiatric pharmacy, medication therapy monitoring, controlled substance accountability, pharmacy policy development, or healthcare quality improvement is preferred. Experience supervising or directing Pharmacy Technicians and working within a highly regulated healthcare environment is also preferred.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Clinical Pharmacy Knowledge and Medication Management Ability to evaluate medication therapy, identify potential issues, and support safe, effective pharmaceutical care.
- Pharmaceutical Consultation and Communication Ability to advise physicians and other practitioners on medication-related decisions and communicate clearly regarding drug therapy concerns.
- Regulatory Compliance and Dispensing Standards Ability to apply pharmacy laws, rules, regulations, and professional standards to ensure compliant medication dispensing and control.
- Inventory Control and Operational Oversight Ability to monitor medication inventories, maintain accountability for controlled substances, and oversee pharmacy support processes effectively.
- Quality Improvement and Analytical Support Ability to interpret data, support reporting and utilization review, and contribute to policy, process, and performance improvement efforts.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed in a pharmacy and healthcare environment and involves regular interaction with physicians, nurses, Pharmacy Technicians, and other healthcare staff.
- Duties require frequent use of pharmacy systems, medication dispensing equipment, computers, and other standard pharmacy and office tools.
- Position involves detailed review of medication orders, clinical data, lab values, and pharmaceutical records requiring accuracy, concentration, and sound clinical judgment.
- Work may involve handling controlled substances, maintaining medication security, responding to medication-related questions, and managing multiple pharmacy priorities in a regulated environment.
- Must maintain compliance with pharmacy licensure requirements, controlled substance regulations, organizational procedures, and other applicable professional and regulatory standards.
Whats Needed to Be Successful:
To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate strong clinical pharmacy knowledge, sound judgment, and a consistent commitment to safe and effective medication management. The employee should be able to review and interpret medication orders accurately, communicate effectively with physicians and healthcare staff, monitor patient response to therapy, and maintain compliance with all pharmacy standards and regulatory requirements. Success in this role also requires attention to detail, accountability, dependability, and the ability to balance clinical consultation, dispensing accuracy, inventory control, and quality improvement responsibilities in a healthcare setting.
About East Mississippi State Hospital:
East Mississippi State Hospital is a state-operated healthcare facility under the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, providing comprehensive inpatient psychiatric, residential, substance use disorder, and long-term care services to individuals across the region. Through a multidisciplinary approach, EMSH serves a diverse population with an emphasis on safety, quality care, recovery-focused treatment, and person-centered support. In addition to its psychiatric services, EMSH operates specialized programs and nursing home services across multiple campuses, including Meridian, Newton, and Kemper, to meet a broad range of clinical and operational needs. EMSH is committed to delivering high-quality care while maintaining compliance with applicable state, federal, and accreditation standards
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