CLASS CONCEPT/FUNCTION

This is the highest level class in the Pharmacy Supervisory series. Positions in this class are responsible for directing a comprehensive statewide pharmacy program. Duties include the responsibility for policy development, quality assurance, supervision of professional and administrative staff, and for the procurement, storage, preparation and distribution of prescriptions and pharmaceutical supplies to community services boards or local health departments. Positions also may be responsible for providing direct pharmacy services to a major mental health or mental retardation facility in addition to directing the statewide program. The Pharmacy Manager is distinguished from the Pharmacy Supervisor class by its responsibility for a statewide pharmacy program.

Complexity of the Work: Positions in this class perform work of unusual difficulty planning, organizing and directing the administrative, clinical, and operational aspects of a statewide pharmacy program. Positions develop, interpret, implement and monitor operating policies and insures compliance with all mandated federal, state, and local government regulations. Ensures compliance with accrediting agencies, the Board of Pharmacy, and Medicaid/Medicare regarding general operating procedures and the procurement, security, storage, and shipping of drugs. Positions routinely visit localities to evaluate drug storage and dispensing procedures. Positions develop and manage operating budgets, develop and negotiate pharmaceutical contracts, conduct statewide training and quality assurance reviews. Duties may include the provision of direct pharmacy services to a major residential facility subject to diverse accreditation standards.

Supervision Given: Provides technical and administrative supervision to Pharmacists, Pharmacy Assistants A and B, and other pharmacy support staff.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from an MH/MR Facility Director or other agency executive administrator.

Scope: Work affects the physical well being of all clients served statewide and the accreditation of local programs or residential facilities.

Impact of Actions: Performs work which has a profound impact on the continued accreditation, licensing and delivery of services and the health and well-being of clients served statewide. Inadequate service delivery will result in patients receiving the wrong medications, which could lead to injury by adverse reactions, or could result in major losses in funding, accreditation, time and goodwill for the Agency.

Personal Contacts: Extensive internal and external contact with local health agencies, professionals, vendors, community service board staff, drug manufacturing representatives, licensing boards, local, state, and federal agencies and agency administrators and clinicians.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacy services and pharmaceutics; of management; and of drug therapy relative to physical and mental health intervention.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to organize and direct the activities of a complex pharmacy operation; to plan and integrate activities of several functions; to develop policies and procedures; to interpret departmental, agency, and regulatory guidelines; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; and to direct the work of professional and technical support staff.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certifications: Possession of a registered pharmacist’s license issued by the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited School of

Pharmacy with a degree in pharmacy.

Level and Type of Training: Extensive supervisory or management experience in the delivery of pharmaceutical services which included complex program development, implementation and evaluation.

This class was developed by the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Personnel and Training, effective June 1991.