Computer & Informatics Support Pharmacist

At UM Capital Region Health. Located in Largo in the heart of Prince George’s County, our new state-of-the-art regional medical center (UM Capital Region Medical Center) will provide improved access to primary and ambulatory care services, and serve as a tertiary care center for critically ill patients. In addition, our new space will allow us to expand our offerings as a community partner to help improve the health status of Prince George’s County residents.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the leadership of UM Capital Region Health Department of Pharmacy and in collaboration with the Epic Willow Pharmacist and the Pharmacy Staff, the Computer Support Pharmacist is responsible for developing and overseeing technologically-based systems in the department including the development, coordination and deployment of medication use policy activities related to the CPOE system within UMMC. This position requires strong analytical skills in gathering information from users, defining work problems and designing a system of procedures to resolve problems. Responsible for monitoring the continuing relevance, appropriateness and effectiveness of all active clinical decision support tools, rules and alerts, and when found lacking to coordinate required modifications.
This position understands changing scientific and biomedical evidence, a dynamic medication distribution system, engaging various technology and human resources to maximize safety and efficiency of the system.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of an incumbent.  It is not an exhaustive comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent.  An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons hired into this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
•    CPOE participation, coordination, testing, implementation and maintenance.
•    Assures systems are developed and implemented to build and maintain an accurate drug product database.
•    Participates and coordinates CPOE process as it relates to order maintenance, rules, alerts and decision support programming (dosing, renal calculations, weight-based ordering, etc.) and other clinical system enhancements.
•    Monitors use of specific CPOE applications and system functions that impact the organization’s medication use processes and ensures that existing systems are processing effectively and accurately according to project objectives.
•    Participates in the identification and resolution of system (application) problems and procedures, suggesting solutions to identified problems. Activities include: investigation of system issues and concerns from staff; discrimination between user error/education and/or system problem; reporting system problems; communication and follow up with applicable vendor that will result in programming fix; testing of resulting program fix; and verification of proper system functionality post-fix.
•    Working with Pharmacy Leaders to provide pertinent communication to medical, pharmacy, nursing and IT staff with regard to the implementation of new items and/or modifications to existing CPOE clinical decision support tools.
•    In collaboration with the Director and the Pharmacy Data Analyst, reports monitoring activities associated with clinical decision support tools to appropriate departmental dashboards/quality improvement committee in support of The Joint Commission accreditation requirements.
•    Coordinates staff training on the use of the CPOE and CPOE-based clinical decision support tools (including training aimed at pharmacists, nurses and IT personnel) and other automation that exist within the department
•    Serves as a primary point of contact for CPOE users for assistance with the use of CPOE-based decision support tools within the department.
•    Attends departmental meetings and offers suggestions on possible solutions to Pharmacy and IT departmental issues.
•    Contributes to departmental education by providing timely information on the computerized and automated pharmacy and CPOE system operations, enhancements and new developments.
Develops and oversees other non-CPMOE technology-based systems and processes in the department.
•    Serves as the liaison to Pharmacy and the primary point of communication and coordination of effort.
•    Is administratively responsible for all automation and provides oversight for the activities of the Pharmacy IT Technician Specialist(s).
•    Provides input to leadership for planning or responding to system level automation downtimes
Customer Service:  
1.    Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.
2.    Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as “How may I be of help to you?”  Using the customer’s name as soon as it is learned.
3.    Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.
4.    Keeps customer’s information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.
5.    Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself.  Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.
6.    Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer’s expectations have not been met. 
Commitment to Co-Workers:
1.    Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.
2.    Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.
3.    Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved.  Refrains from criticism in public.
4.    Mindful and respectful of others’ time and schedules.  Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.  
5.    Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department.
6.    
Communication Etiquette:  
1.    Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility’s service communication protocol in all interactions.
2.    Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.
3.    Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).
4.    Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).
5.    Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate).  Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone.  If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to.  Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.
6.    Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.
7.    Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).
8.    Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:
1.    Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital’s dress code.  Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.
2.    Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.  
3.    Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.  
4.    Follows UM Capital’s safety, infection control and employee health standards. 
5.    Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.
6.    Adhere to all UM Capital System and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards.  Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences.  Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines.  Respects length of time for lunch and break times. 
7.    Reviews, signs, and adheres to UM Capital and/or departmental confidentiality statement.
 

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Required:  
•    Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy is required. 
•    Licensure by the Maryland State Board of Pharmacy is required.

Preferred:   
•    Completion of Specialty Residency, Masters in Health Informatics or two years Clinical Specialist experience in an integrated health care system is preferred. 
•    4-5 years of hospital IT experience, preferred 5+ years, 2-3 years of drug use data mining, analysis, trending and reporting, drug policy, and drug formulary management.
Experience (years):    Required:  4-5 years    

•    Knowledge of health care management, administrative and operational principles and practices, including TJC regulations, MD DHMH Pharmacy laws pertaining to use of CPOE, automated medication dispensing machines and related devices.
•    Knowledge of personal computer operation and applications, such as spreadsheet software, desktop publishing and word processing.
•    Skilled in prioritization, problem solving, organization, decision-making, time management, planning and execution of assigned projects and deliverables.
•    Ability to work both independently and in a complex team environment; collaborate with external and internal professionals and other customers.
•    Demonstrated effectiveness in ability to oversee and monitor daily work activities, evaluate, train and motivate the performance of assigned staff.
•    Demonstrated ability to effect cost-effective decision-making.
•    Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, complete and evaluate assignments and projects of their own and others where delegation is required.
•    Highly effective written and verbal communication skills are necessary to work with IT, Pharmacy, clinical, upper management, administrative and other personnel as internal and external customers/stakeholders of this position.
 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.