General Summary

Under general supervision maintains proper levels of pharmaceutical supplies, instruments and equipment in all pharmacy satellites. Under limited supervision, supports purchase projects and cost savings initiatives for drugs, pharmaceuticals, and medical and non-medical supplies. These functions entail both the physical handling of the items and the utilization of automated services employed for the maintenance of corporate assets. Responsible for maintaining all order sheets and par levels for satellite pharmacies and locations assigned. Works with multi-disciplinary teams as the inventory leader, and a team participant under complex circumstances. Performs various related pharmacy quality management activities such as drug expiration checking, drug product recalls, product reassignment in response to shortages and pharmacy area inspections.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.Maintains appropriate inventory levels of medications and pharmaceutical supplies in the department and in the inpatient care areas. Tracks and maintains stock levels of pharmaceutical supplies to ensure availability in accordance to established par levels.

• Under limited supervision, places and delivers/stocks medications for all pharmacy satellites from the Central Storeroom.
• Assists in verification of accuracy of supplies received by comparing packing order to original purchase order request. Stores incoming merchandise in proper locations as instructed. Informs the supervisor/pharmacist of stock needs and stock shortages. When given direction will contact vendors to resolve discrepancies, incorrect orders or forwards them to purchasing personnel to resolve.
• Returns all expired or damaged controlled substances to the CS Vault according to procedure
• Completes assigned scheduled pharmacy inventory for medications, solutions and supplies.
• Checks and replenishes floor stock and related medications to pharmacy and assigned areas.
• Processes medication recalls when required in accordance with departmental policy and procedure. Documents removal of all recalled medications. Coordinates the return of all recalled medications to the purchasing manager in conjunction with the Pharmacy Managers.
• Ensures the cost-effective and timely delivery of products and services; contacts pharmacy managers or pharmacy personnel to follow-up and assure that actions are completed as previously agreed upon.
• Routinely reviews on-hand balances to adjust par levels or reorder quantities based on utilization data. Based on dispensing data and usage recommends changes in par, deletions and additions to existing pharmacy satellite inventory as appropriate.

Participates actively in the cleanliness, organization and appearance of the department.

• Ensures that each drug product stocked has a shelf space or bin, that the space or bin is properly identified and placed properly according to generic name. Ensures that only one product occupies each space or bin.
• Displays constant vigilance in ensuring cleanliness of shelves, bins, counters and cabinets.
• Displays constant vigilance in ensuring compliance with USP 797/ USP 800 and cleanliness of all compounding areas while performing inventory functions.
• Removes stock from cardboard as soon as possible and places stock in designated bins or shelf locations. Eliminates presence of cardboard containers in compounding areas.
• Assists in ensuring the neat appearance of all pharmacies

Demonstrates effective communication

• Responds promptly to verbal and written requests and provides excellent customer assistance to user departments. Communicates problems to the supervisor or pharmacist for resolution, as necessary.
• Actively participates in pharmacy meetings and interdisciplinary meetings as assigned by supervisor.
• Demonstrates effectively oral and written communication and reports quality assurance compliance and resolution of sensitive matters.
• Consults with Pharmacy Purchasing Manager and other pertinent parties of significant activities, needs and problems (i.e. drug recalls, shortages, products allocated by manufacturers). such as, price lists,
• Assists with organizing of purchasing-related files, records and reports.
• Communicates with staff the quality, effectiveness and durability of purchased products.

Observes established departmental policies, procedures, behavioral and attitudinal norms, and quality assurance programs, safety, security, environmental and infection control standards.

• Performs requested inspections of pharmacy areas and nursing units.
• Properly handles hazardous substances by observing and demonstrating proper safety procedures and/or "Universal Precautions," as appropriate.

Assists in the care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies, such as, laminar flow hoods, biological safety cabinets, computers and printers, packaging and manufacturing equipment as they pertain to inventory activities.

• Performs routine checks of refrigerators, freezers, hood and other equipment. Contacts Facilities Maintenance or Biomedical Engineering to perform complex maintenance duties.
• Ensures proper functioning of pharmacy refrigerators and freezers and reports variances. Checks for adequate temperature levels for drug storage.
  • Participates in the interview process and training of new employees.
  • Attends and participates in in-service training and various educational programs to enhance professional growth and development.
  • Performs related duties as required.