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Functional Title: Clinical Pharmacist -State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)
Job Title: Pharmacist II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Pharmacy
Posting Number: 19626
Closing Date: 11/04/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $14,356.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Rio Grande State Center
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 230X,43PX,67E,SEI12
Brief Job Description:
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.
The Pharmacist II (Clinical Pharmacist) performs advanced (senior-level) pharmaceutical work under the Director of Pharmacy. Work involves planning and coordinating clinical pharmaceutical programs, activities, and operations. Coordinates all aspects of clinical pharmaceutical care, including drug use evaluations and formal and informal consultation services. Provides consultative services to medical and other clinical staff. Provides pharmacy staffing services as needed and as directed by the Director of Pharmacy. Provides after-hours coverage for pharmacy services on a rotating schedule. Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal relationships. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Provides consultative services relating to pharmacy and medication use. Prepares formal written and informal psychopharmacology consults which may include patient interview and chart review. Patient interviews include data collection for medication histories, assessment of current symptoms, use of psychiatric/cognitive/behavioral rating scales, and limited physical/neurological assessment and rating scales for adverse effects of medications. This information, in addition to data obtained from the patient record, is used in planning, and recommending a course of pharmacotherapeutic treatment. Participates on multi-disciplinary treatment teams.
Participates in pharmaceutical care activities by monitoring patients’ drug therapy for therapeutic response, contraindications, interactions (drug-drug, drug-food, lab-drug, drug-disease state), allergies, adverse reactions, and appropriateness through the following: medication order review, drug profile review, and communication with physicians and nursing staff.
Plans and delivers educational activities for staff and for patients. This may include continuing education events, informal educational talks, educational emails and newsletters, and medication education groups.
Provides pharmaceutical information to patients and staff. Researches and responds to drug information requests from staff and patients. Provides accurate information in a timely manner in a format appropriate to the question and to the requestor. Prepares and conducts medication education classes for patients.
Participates in the pharmacy dispensing process. Reviews and interprets medication orders for appropriateness, product availability, cost effectiveness and compliance with local policy, formulary and with applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system. Monitors drug distribution to ensure correct medications are dispensed. Verifies the work of Pharmacy Technicians.
Participates in pharmacy performance improvement activities. Plans, coordinates, and executes pharmaceutical programs and activities to improve clinical pharmacy services. Plans, develops, monitors, and implements policies and procedures relating to clinical pharmacy services in response to hospital needs, inspection and audit results, and changes in pharmacy regulations.
Provides pharmacy staffing services as needed and as directed by the Director of Pharmacy. Participates in an after-hours on-call schedule.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of principles and techniques used in pharmacy.
Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy
Knowledge of psychiatric pharmacotherapy
Skills in the operation of applicable pharmacy computer software
Skills in reviewing and interpreting laboratory reports
Skills in written and oral communication
Skills in using a personal computer, email, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and office equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records, files, and reports.
Ability to type accurately based on work requirements.
Ability to review medication orders for safety and accuracy.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must be registered as a Pharmacist with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
Board certification or board eligibility in psychiatric pharmacy preferred.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Two years of experience in pharmaceutical work required.
Graduation from an accredited college or university as a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D).
Must have an unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in Texas.
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
