Lead Pharmacist

The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ERO under the supervision of the DHS. The Lead Pharmacist adheres to policies and procedures as stated in the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) Pharmaceutical Services and Medication Management Directive and Guide. This is a non-supervisory position.

This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversees and manages the pharmacy services at the assigned facility and provides pharmacy administrative managerial direction for all pharmacy service within the assigned facility.
2. Sets the goals, objectives and direction for the pharmacy program at the assigned facility.
3. Monitors all aspects of the pharmacy program to assure goals and objectives are being met.
4. Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed.
5. Adjusts prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic.
6. Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription.
7. Types accurate and concise labels that precisely convey provider's instructions to the patients.
8. Fills prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, placing the medication in smaller containers, and affixing the prescription label and all appropriate auxiliary labels.
9. Counsels patients on the appropriate use of medication(s), utilizing the patient's native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient's native language if available.
10. Based on the substantive knowledge and familiarity with a wide range of a articles stocked in the pharmacy, screens all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug & dosage prescribed.
11. If drug requested is not on formulary, discusses therapeutic options with the provider, suggesting drugs listed in the program formulary where possible.
12. If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non- formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary.
13. Answers routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, & other staff on the availability of specific items, e.g., drugs in stock, new drugs on order, & dosage forms available in the pharmacy.
14. Answers questions concerning drug reactions, drug interactions, new drugs, etc.
15. Dispenses "over the counter" drugs, as specified in pharmacy formulary without countersignature of physician.
16. Optional: may practice as a clinical pharmacist if a collaborative practice agreement is approved.
17. Packages bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments & creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers.
18. Operates tablet and capsule counting machines and labeling machines for the purpose of repackaging drugs.
19. Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials.
20. Fills all requisitioned items from other areas of the clinic. If the medication is not available in the requested quantity, makes necessary computations to provide the order in a different unit of measure.
21. Prepares bulk compounds and packages a variety of simple solutions & products, most of which are for external application, such as mouthwashes & disinfecting agents, etc.
22. Places orders for supplies from appropriate sources and tracks supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories.
23. Receives pharmaceutical supplies & checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortage, breakage, deterioration & expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the supplier.
24. Inspects stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing & proper stock rotation. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition & prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action.
25. Is responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness & maintenance of pharmacy equipment. Participates in monthly & annual inventory of pharmacy service as required.
26. Types narrative & tabular material such as correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, forms & labels.
27. Types from clean copy, rough draft or handwritten notes without errors or corrections when required, & in accordance with the established format.
28. On a daily basis checks the medicine cabinet & all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is available.
29. Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night.
30. Inspects & logs the temperature of all clinic areas where any types of pharmaceuticals are stored.
31. On a monthly basis, gathers all pharmacy statistical information required to produce a complete monthly report and routes that report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist.
32. On a quarterly basis, submits a Quarterly Narrative Report of Activities for the previous quarter to report to the local H.S.A, the respective Regional Pharmacy Consultant, and the IHSC Chief Pharmacist. This report includes accomplishments, problems and measures taken for resolution, meetings attended, and facilities visited.
33. Also, on a monthly basis, inventories all controlled substances and inspects all clinic areas where pharmaceuticals are stored.
34. Performs other duties as assigned.